Lindsay Doyle having fun at Southwick’s petting zoo – images by Lindsay Doyle

Southwick’s Zoo will close for the season after October 27th, but that doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop there. While the zoo’s gates may be closed to the public, there are still a variety of ways to get your animal fix this fall.

During the month of November, the Skyfari Sky Ride will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Skyfari takes visitors on a bird’s eye view tour of the park, soaring over the Deer Forest, and the chimpanzee, mandrill, camel, Watusi, cheetah, and the alligator exhibits. This 15-minute round-trip ride is only $5 per person and gives visitors an opportunity to view the zoo from a new perspective.

The Petting Zoo will also remain open during the month of November, and families can visit these furry animals at no charge. The Petting Zoo will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Even though we close for the season at the end of October, our animals are here year-round. Snowy terrain makes it difficult for guests to use the zoo to its full potential, but we still want to give everyone the opportunity to view our animals in the off-season too,” says Justine Brewer, President of Southwick’s Zoo.

And of course, the Purple Peacock gift shop will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until December 24th. This gift shop offers a unique selection of rare, elegant gifts, perfect for holiday shopping! To see all of the upcoming activities at Southwick’s, visit www.southwickszoo.com.