Visit the Center
A Truly Unique Way to Experience Nature!
Tours of New England Wildlife Centers are perfect for all ages and interests~
Would you like to learn more about wildlife? Maybe catch a glimpse of a baby bunny getting fed, a hawk having its wing repaired, or a turtle healing from a cracked shell? Here at New England Wildlife Centers it is our mission to care for all 230 species of native and naturalized wild animals found in the state of Massachusetts. Come learn more by taking a tour of the hospital!
Our wildlife veterinarians, veterinary technicians and interns work around the clock to make sure these animals have a support network should they become sick, injured or orphaned due to interactions with humans. We use this care as a platform to teach those interested about this wild world, about some of the most common reasons these animals end up in our care, and how we can best live alongside these interesting animals. We love questions, and hope you feel comfortable asking anything you might be curious about related to the natural world. During the tour the animals you will see include a Red-Tailed Hawk, native and naturalized turtles and tortoises, exotic reptiles, and a barn owl. Wildlife in the hospital changes depending on the season. Our busiest time of year is early Spring.
Hours and Tour Information
AVAILABLE 7 days a week, 10 AM to 2 PM.
NO RSVP necessary, feel free to follow our indoor nature trail, or explore our outdoor spaces as you walk our facility grounds.
Self-guided tours cost $5 for entry.
Guided Tours:
Available 7 days a week from 9 AM to 3 PM. To schedule a tour email jack at jack.banagis@newildlife.org. We ask for up to 3 days in advance to schedule a tour!. Tours take an hour to complete, and will typically take place completely indoors. In the summer we extend the tour to include outdoor caging.
Guided tours cost $10 per person . For girl/boy scout groups we do not charge $10 for chaperones, and you may enter free of charge. We will also apply this rule to other community groups. For larger groups please email jack.banagis@newildlife.org to discuss plans and pricing.
Community Tours – perfect for small groups – run every Thursday at 11:30 AM. RSVP with jack at jack.banagis@newildlife.org
Tours are by appointment only and are available 6 days a week starting at 10 AM and the last tours run at 2 PM. Thank you for your interest in a tour at NEWC!
We frequently need physical items restocked in our hospital, and as such have a running wish list here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2WW4SGSTGNGNG/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex.
If your family loves animals, science, and nature, New England Wildlife Center has a birthday party package for you!
Even better, hosting your party at the Center supports wildlife care and education in our community. So you’re not only in for a wild time at the party, but you’re also helping to preserve and protect wildlife for generations to come.
Party Times
Birthday parties run all year long! Please contact Erica Burrows, education and outreach coordinator, at erica.burrows@newildlife.org to discuss your dates and times.
Birthday Packages
Get ready for a wild time! New England Wildlife Center offers a casual and interactive chance for party-goers to experience nature close to home.
Party Animal Package
$200 total cost
Package Includes…
Guided Interactive Tour (Hosted)
Meet and greet a variety of animals the live at New England Wildlife Center, visit our turtle garden, take a peek into our wildlife hospital wards, and more with your tour guide. Ask questions and learn as much as you can during the 45-60 minute, age-appropriate tour!
Dedicated Party Space (Unhosted)
Enjoy reserved party space at New England Wildlife Center! Set-up and celebration is do-it-yourself, and you will have access to a kitchen and refrigerator to keep beverages and food cold and organized. Enjoy your party space for up to 60 minutes following your tour.
Ready to Party?
To schedule a birthday party or for more information please contact Jack Banagis, STEM education coordinator at jack.banagis@newildlife.org
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many children may I bring to the party?
Parties are limited to 25 children max.
How far in advance should I schedule my birthday party?
Please schedule your party at least one month in advance. Parties are available and scheduled year-round, so the best way to get the date and time you’d like is to schedule as early as possible.
What do I need to bring?
Your reserved party space will have tables and chairs. You will need to bring cake, food, drinks, utensils, and paper products. Please ask any questions about decorations when you call to make a reservation.
I want to bring a table cloth, how big are the tables?
Contact Jack Banagis at jack.banagis@newildlife.org to confirm details about decorations and table sizes.
We look forward to celebrating with you soon!
NATURE TRAILS
The Center has indoor and outdoor nature trails.
The indoor trail, which is also available in Braille, is about the Center, its green facility, and the animals that it cares for.
The outdoor trail, the Andrea McKenna Harris Nature Trail and Wetlands, is 4/10th mile trail that winds through the wetlands and uplands of the Center’s woodland. The trail passes over and around a vernal pond that extends for more than two acres. Hikers can investigate the character of the red maple and tupelo wetland and a black, white, and chestnut oak upland.
Thank you for your interest in a tour at New England Wildlife Center!
Why Do You Charge an Admissions Fee?
We charge a modest admissions fee to help offset the costs of operating NEWC.
NEWC receives no federal or state funding to care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, and relies entirely on the generosity of people like you to provide emergency veterinary care and assistance.