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Southwick's Zoo is a , privately owned and operated, zoological park located in Mendon, Massachusetts, USA. It was opened in 1963, and remains family-operated to date. ==History== The Southwick homestead (which the zoo now occupies) dates back to 1803 when it was a working dairy farm. In the 1930s, Justin F. Southwick started collecting exotic poultry. His son, Justin A. Southwick, shared his father's love of birds, and became a leading authority on migratory waterfowl. In 1953, he sold the dairy herd to concentrate on birds. In 1956, he placed a donation box at the barn where he kept his birds, which let him purchase more for his collection.〔 The family opened the zoo in 1963. In 1965, they formed two companies: Southwick's Wild Animal Farm Inc. and Southwick's Birds and Animals Inc., with Justin A. Southwick as president of both, his son Dan as vice-president of "Birds and Animals" (which traded, sold, and leased animals), and his son in law Robert Brewer as vice-president of the "Wild Animal Farm". The Brewer family moved away for a while to other opportunities, and Dan Southwick took over the businesses in 1971. With his death in 1977, the zoo suffered for a while until the Brewer family moved back and took over the operations.〔 Many changes have been made to the zoo within the last 15 years including updating many exhibits to larger naturalistic habitats including chimpanzees, lions, tigers, giraffes to bring Southwick's Zoo to a new level of tourist attraction. The zoo currently sits on over 200 acres with over 500 animals and includes the largest zoological experience in New England. In 2008 a Skyfari Skyride was introduced to the facility and is the only triangular chair lift ride in North America. The ride will take visitors on an adventure over a third of the zoo. The Woodland Train ride takes guests through the native wetlands habitat and Elk Forest. In the past few years, new shows have been introduced for family entertainment and education, Bird Talk and Training has been a very popular interactive experience and Earth Educational presentations are always a favorite. The Elkhorn mining company was established in 2012 and features a walk in mine and panning for children and adults. Next to the Elkhorn mine, you will find the Elkhorn Livery Stables and pony rides. The zoo features numerous food venues for all appetites and many retail locations to not only find the essentials but amazing souvenirs and gifts. The Parakeet Aviary is a walk through experience where guests can feed the free flying parakeets. Kiddie rides are always popular at the zoo and the zoo features six mechanical rides for children. One staple at Southwick's Zoo over the last 50 years is the petting zoo where guests can interact with African Pygmy goats and sheep. Giraffe encounters began in 2011 and have been a huge success where guests can get up close and personal with the giraffe population (weekends only). There is a children's playpark provides a break for the adults and children alike. It takes approximately 4 – 5 hours to see in season, minimum. The Zoo currently operates Mid-April through October. The Purple Peacock Gift Shop which can be visited without purchasing admission to the zoo runs mid April - December. In 1986 a male lion escaped from its enclosure and mauled a 69-year-old man. The man suffered minor injuries and the a settlement regarding damages was reached outside of court. Part of the settlement entailed free admission for the man and his family for life. Southwick's Zoo was named as one of the "Ten Worst Zoos For Elephants" by the animal rights organization In Defense of Animals. In 2010 there was an unexplained death of one of their elephants (Dondi) an investigation occurred, the elephant Dondi was found to have tuberculosis, Dondi was still used for rides at the park even though the elephant was ill. This put anyone near the elephant in danger. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Southwick's Zoo」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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