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
Open for Self-guided tours 6 days a week Monday-Friday, and Sundays 10am-4pm
(Please note we sometimes close early depending on animal care needs)
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, but sometimes will need longer.
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
Tours are by appointment only and are available 7 days a week starting at 10 AM and the last tours run at 3PM. 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.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Birthday Parties run all year long! Please contact Jack Banagis, STEM director, at jack.banagis@newildlife.org to discuss dates, times and any questions you may have.
BIRTHDAY PACKAGES
Want to have a Birthday Party at a wildlife hospital? Join us for a wild day of fun, as your birthday includes a guided tour and a space for you to have cake and festivities. New England Wildlife Center offers a casual and interactive chance for party-goers to experience nature close to home, up close and personal.
PARTY ANIMAL PACKAGE:
Cost $250 minimum cost. Covers up to 20 children. Additional children $15/each
Time: 2 hours
Package includes…
- Guided Interactive Tour (Hosted)
Meet a variety of educational animals who live at the New England Wildlife Center, including birds of prey, and reptiles of all kinds. Take a peek into our wildlife wards, explore our turtle garden, and ask as many questions as you like to our wildlife experts. This is an hour-long walk through our three story hospital. Ending in our Weezie nature center on our third floor.
- Dedicated Party Space (Unhosted)
Enjoy a reserved party space at New England Wildlife Center! We set-up tables in our Weezie nature center, and the celebration is do-it-yourself. You will have access to a kitchen and refrigerator to keep beverages and food cold/organized. Enjoy your party space for an hour following the tour.
READY TO PARTY?
To schedule a birthday party, please send the following information to Jack at Jack.banagis@newildlife.org
- What dates are you looking to book a party?
- What is the name and age of the birthday person?
- Are there any special requests?
- How many people do you expect will attend?
FAQs
Do you require a deposit to save our date?
No, we do not require a deposit.
How do I pay?
You pay at the end of your party. You can pay using cash, credit/debit card, or checks made out to “New England Wildlife Centers”.
How many children may I bring to the party?
You can bring up to 20 children for $250, additional children are $15/per.
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, and are first come first serve. 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 tablecloth, how big are the tables?
Our tables are 8 feet long.They are a bit non-traditional but a disposable party tablecloth should fit.
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.