6 Unforgettable New England Animal Encounters

We could all use few more creature comforts in life, right? At these animal-centric destinations around New England, you can get an unforgettable up-close experience with wildlife (and tamer critters, too).

Mystic Aquarium | Mystic, CT

The 3½-hour “Trainer for a Day” program introduces you to Mystic Aquarium’s famous residents—from beluga whales to California sea lions—as you work side-by-side with the pros and learn what it takes to care for these special creatures.

Maine Wildlife Park | Gray, ME

More than 30 species of injured or orphaned wildlife that can’t be returned to their natural habitat make their home at this unique park. Which means you’re almost certain to get a rare close-up look at animals such as moose, red-tailed hawks, and black bears.

Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm | Fayston, VT

Easy to ride, the Icelandic horse is a breed known for its good nature and small stature. It was bred to carry riders over challenging terrain, and at this farm and inn, horse lovers can choose from rides of varying lengths, from hourlong jaunts to multiday excursions, that take them into the heart of the Mad River Valley.

Audubon Puffin Tours | New Harbor and Boothbay Harbor, ME

Get a new appreciation for Audubon’s success in rebuilding the puffin colony on Maine’s Eastern Egg Rock. Audubon naturalists provide narration on tours by two local operators, Hardy Boat Cruises and Cap’n Fish’s Cruises, that highlight the history of these adorable creatures and the work that it took to bring them back from near extinction. In addition to viewing the puffin colony,  you’ll take in other notable sights from the water, including lighthouses, seabirds, and possibly even a whale.

Wolf Hollow | Ipswich, MA

This unique sanctuary provides an intimate look at its resident gray wolves and how they interact with one another. Shutterbugs should take advantage of Wolf Hollow’s special “photographer’s session,” which lets you go between the two fences that separate the pack from the public in order to get that unobstructed, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife photo.

Monadnock Falconry | Temple, NH

Opened in 2022 by two master falconers, Martin Connolly and Henry Walters, this facility in New Hampshire’s beautiful Monadnock Region offers informative “hawk walks” as well as more in-depth falconry classes — all of which give you the chance to experience the thrill of having a magnificent bird of prey come to your gloved hand.

Ian Aldrich

Ian Aldrich is the Senior Features Editor at Yankee magazine, where he has worked for more for nearly two decades. As the magazine’s staff feature writer, he writes stories that delve deep into issues facing communities throughout New England. In 2019 he received gold in the reporting category at the annual City-Regional Magazine conference for his story on New England’s opioid crisis. Ian’s work has been recognized by both the Best American Sports and Best American Travel Writing anthologies. He lives with his family in Dublin, New Hampshire.

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