A Magical Connecticut Wildlife Park Full Of Exotic Animals And Hands-On Encounters
If you didn’t know a place like this existed in the state, you’re not alone and honestly that makes discovering it even better.
This isn’t your typical zoo situation where you’re staring at animals from behind a barrier feeling a little underwhelmed. This is something else entirely.
We’re talking exotic animals you never expected to see up close, and encounters so hands-on that you’ll be talking about them for weeks after. Kids go absolutely wild for it, but let’s be honest, adults are just as amazed once they get there.
This Connecticut wildlife park full of exotic animals and hands-on encounters is truly something special. It’s the sort of place that genuinely surprises you and reminds you that incredible experiences don’t always require a plane ticket.
Clear your afternoon, bring your curiosity and get ready to be completely blown away by what’s waiting for you here.
1. Meet Animals From Around The World
A zebra in rural Connecticut sounds like the start of a joke, but at Action Wildlife Foundation, that is exactly the kind of surprise waiting around the property.
This wide-open wildlife park gives families a chance to see animals from different parts of the world, including zebras, camels, bison, emus, elk, yaks, and capybaras, all without leaving Goshen.
The animal variety is what makes the visit so fun. Highland cows graze near safari-style enclosures, dromedaries move around with plenty of curiosity, and the zonkey usually gets plenty of double takes from visitors who have never seen one before.
It is the kind of place where each turn brings another animal to point out, laugh about, or stop and watch for a while.
The experience feels easygoing and hands-on without feeling overly staged. Many of the animals seem comfortable around people, and buying a bucket of feed can turn the visit into a much more memorable adventure as curious animals come closer.
Action Wildlife Foundation is at 435 Torrington Road, Goshen, CT 06756. For families who love wildlife but do not want to plan a major trip, this park offers a surprisingly global animal experience.
2. Why Kids Love This Place
The combination of drive-through excitement, walking paths, and hands-on feeding opportunities keeps kids engaged from start to finish without a single dull moment in between. Baby kangaroos, friendly goats, and curious emus all have a way of creating instant connections with younger visitors.
Beyond the animals themselves, the park also features a playground with separate sections for children under five and those between five and twelve years old. A large sandbox gives younger kids a place to dig and play while adults take a breather.
The hayride offers a fun and relaxed way to see more of the property without wearing little legs out.
Kids who tend to lose interest quickly at traditional zoos often find this format far more engaging because there is always something new around the next bend.
Feeding animals directly from a container, watching a camel stretch its long neck toward a car window, or spotting baby animals in a barn all create vivid memories that stick with children long after the drive home.
3. Hands-On Moments To Remember
A camel leaning in for a snack from your feed bucket is the kind of moment that turns this park into a real story for the ride home.
The animal encounters are one of the biggest reasons people talk about Action Wildlife Foundation, especially because visitors can get unusually close to so many different species.
Camels, goats, zebras, emus, and sheep are among the animals most likely to come over eagerly when feed is offered.
Anyone who wants a deeper experience can book the park’s Wild Warm Up Experience in advance. This guided encounter lasts about an hour and gives participants a closer look at the animals with help from a knowledgeable guide who explains more about each species along the way.
Visitors often describe it as the kind of experience that feels over far too quickly because there is so much to see, learn, and enjoy.
Calf cuddles are also available by appointment, giving animal lovers a quieter way to spend time with young cattle in a calm, supervised setting. Holding a bucket of feed and letting the animals come closer at their own pace makes the interaction feel more natural and memorable.
Those hands-on moments are often the ones families keep talking about long after the day at the park is over.
4. What Makes It Feel Magical
This park captures that feeling repeatedly throughout a single visit, layering one unexpected encounter after another in a way that builds genuine excitement.
The mix of safari-style driving, barn exploration, and open-air enclosures creates a format that feels spontaneous even when the route is well established.
Part of what gives the place its charm is its unpretentious atmosphere, which feels more like a working wildlife sanctuary than a polished tourist attraction. The animals appear well cared for and given ample room to move, which adds a sense of authenticity that visitors tend to appreciate.
Staff members are noted for being knowledgeable and approachable, often answering questions with genuine enthusiasm rather than scripted responses.
Small details throughout the property contribute to the overall warmth of the experience, from painted rocks along the trail to the laid-back pacing that never feels rushed.
Spotting a baby animal, watching a camel lean curiously toward a car window, or seeing elk move across a hillside are the kinds of quiet magical moments that make this park genuinely memorable for all ages.
5. A Wild Day Out In Goshen
Spending a full day at this park feels less like a scheduled attraction and more like an open-ended adventure with no rush and no rigid itinerary. Visitors can choose to drive the property loop, walk the trail, or mix both depending on energy levels and group preferences.
The path covers roughly three miles in total, so comfortable closed-toe shoes are a smart choice for anyone planning to explore on foot.
Multiple stopping points along the route allow families to park, step out, and spend as much time as they want near each enclosure. There is no pressure to keep moving, which gives the whole outing a relaxed and unhurried pace that feels rare at popular attractions.
Most visitors report spending between two and three hours on the property, though it is easy to linger longer.
The park is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM, so arriving earlier in the day tends to allow more time to explore without feeling rushed near closing.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate with a credit card, though buying online in advance is also an option that may save time on busier weekends.
6. The Best Time To Visit
Arriving early on a weekend morning, shortly after the 10 AM opening, tends to mean fewer crowds and cooler temperatures that keep both visitors and animals more active and visible. On particularly hot days, some animals seek shade, which can make them harder to spot from the path or vehicle.
Weekday visits are not currently possible since the park operates only on Saturdays and Sundays. Choosing a day with clear skies and mild temperatures genuinely enhances the experience since nearly all of the property is outdoors.
Fall visits offer beautiful scenery across the surrounding Connecticut hills, while spring and early summer bring younger animals that add extra charm to the park.
Checking the weather forecast before heading out is always a practical step since rain can affect both animal visibility and overall comfort during the walk. Purchasing tickets online ahead of time helps avoid any delays at the entrance, especially on busy holiday weekends.
Going mid-morning rather than right at opening or near closing tends to offer a comfortable balance between crowd size and available time to explore.
7. Tips For An Easy Visit
A little preparation goes a long way toward making the most of a day at this park. Wearing closed-toe shoes that can handle dirt and light mud is one of the most practical pieces of advice for anyone planning to walk any portion of the trail.
Comfortable clothing suited to the weather and a hat for sunny days also help keep the experience pleasant from start to finish.
Bringing extra feed is something many visitors wish they had done, since a single bucket can go quickly with so many eager animals along the route. Purchasing feed at the gate is straightforward, and having more on hand means more interaction opportunities throughout the visit.
Letting animals eat directly from the container rather than tossing food into enclosures tends to produce the most rewarding and safe feeding moments.
Arriving with a fully charged phone or camera ensures that memorable moments can be captured without scrambling for battery. Booking special experiences like the Wild Warm Up in advance is strongly recommended since time slots fill up, especially on weekends.
Checking the official website before visiting helps confirm current hours, pricing, and any seasonal updates that could affect planning.
8. A Sweet Family Adventure
A day out gets a lot easier when everyone in the group finds their own reason to enjoy it, and this park comes remarkably close to making that happen.
Toddlers light up at the petting zoo, older kids turn animal feeding into a friendly little competition, and adults may be surprised by how peaceful it feels to watch elk grazing across a wide-open field.
The whole place has a slower, calmer rhythm that makes it easy for families to relax instead of rushing from one thing to the next.
The gift shop adds another fun stop before or after the animal encounters, with reasonably priced souvenirs, stuffed animals, and wildlife-themed items that feel like easy keepsakes from the day.
A small museum with taxidermy displays brings in an educational side for visitors who want to learn a little more about the animals represented throughout the property.
Near the exit, the playground gives kids one last chance to burn off energy before everyone heads back to the car.
For families looking for a day trip that feels affordable, memorable, and genuinely worthwhile, this park offers a different kind of experience than a typical zoo or amusement center. The open space, animal variety, hands-on feeding, and unhurried pace all work together in a way that feels refreshing.
It is the kind of place where kids leave with favorite animals, adults leave feeling glad they made the trip, and everyone starts talking about coming back before the day is even over.
