Betsey Brewer, Southwick’s Zoo
800-258-9182 Ext. 209
Betsey@southwickszoo.com
MENDON, MA - As zookeepers and maintenance crew's work with frenzied passion putting finishing touches on new attractions for a Saturday, April 12 season opening at Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, the Brewer family, who own and operate New England's largest zoo, is busy readying the venue's hundreds of exotic mammals, rare birds, and reptiles for visitors to view. Included with these responsibilities also is preparation for new arrivals which this season feature a pair of loveable Bengal tiger cubs.
Betsey Brewer, recently took delivery of the first of the young felines, a very energetic orange and black striped "Tabby" Bengal tiger cub which met her new caregiver as she peered through the door of a carrier shipping crate.
The youngster's litter mate sister, a rare white tiger cub, still at an Arizona zoo, will rejoin her sibling April 12th on the official opening day at Southwick's. It is planned that while the young felines remain in cub stage, they will be placed in a prominent temporary kraal, holding area, to afford visitors maximum up-close viewing. This, before they approach maturity at which time they will assume residence in the zoo's rather elaborate natural habitat replication for the tigers. In this case at Southwick's these tigers will be offered amenities (the only such digs in New England) which include a fresh water wading pool at the base of a spring-fed towering waterfall, all of which includes an ample clear viewing area for visitors.
The new arrivals are part of a replenishment move brought about by the demise of "Niko", a Tabby, who some eighteen months ago died, and also the more recent passing of "Assam", a large white tiger, each of which lived a normal lifespan for tigers, and succumbing to old age.
Justine Brewer, Southwick's Zoo's President, and daughter of Justin Southwick who in 1963 founded today's sprawling zoo, lamented the loss of both "Niko" and "Assam" but feels certain that the new arrivals will provide continuity to the tiger viewing tradition at the zoo.
Southwick's has prudently provided a full time veterinarian, Peter Brewer, in residence with a fully equipped animal clinic for their charges. Animal residents of the zoo are indeed fortunate to be the recipients of this quality oversight and care, all in a concerted effort to ensure continued good health for the zoo's population.
Also included on the 200 acres of exhibits is EARTH Ltd., an independent nonprofit education arm of the zoo operation. Dedicated to environmental awareness of resources and threatened habitats, this unique venue maintains a program embracing both education and demonstration sessions. At EARTH's Discovery Center demonstrations are offered daily so that visitors might acquire a greater appreciation of the natural beauty of each creature, respect the role that animals play in the world, and instill a desire to learn yet more about them.
Performing animal shows, kiddieland rides, pony, elephant and camel rides, a picnic area, as well as snacking at the Zebra Café and shopping at the Purple Peacock Gift Shop are all part of a full day of family fun at Southwick's Zoo. Kids - Bring your parents! Photo ops abound.
Open daily from 10am to 5pm, including holidays, Southwick's is located in Mendon in South Central Massachusetts, just minutes from Worcester, Providence, or Route 495.
