LUDLOW, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Friday marks opening day for a local favorite that has been a staple for families here in western Mass. For three decades. The Lupa Zoo is officially kicked off its 2026 season, and this year is extra special as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Here at opening day at the Lupa Zoo, I may be outside of the primate exhibit, but I promise you, the employees here do not monkey around. As Lupa is now celebrating 30 years here in the town of Ludlow, making this a community institution where people of all ages and backgrounds can come here and have a great time.

“I’m looking forward this season to see children and the families to come and learn about the wildlife, appreciate animals, and just having great time,” that’s the sentiment shared by Lupa Zoo President Joan Lupa and families across the region alike who have watched this 14-acre park grow from a small family dream into a local treasure.

“This year is 30 years when we are open, because we started in 1996. We just started as a small farm with miniatures, and it was so popular that people and the families and the children was coming that my late husband says, ‘well, maybe we can start a small zoo.’ It was a hassle to get all the licensing, but we got it, and the rest is the history,” Lupa said.

Since 1996, Lupa Zoo has continued to be a safe place for everyone in the community to visit and work with, we’re working a lot with children of special needs, coming with the Crossroads program. And that’s what people appreciate, because it’s a safe place. People come, they’re not only learning about the animals, but they also have fun.”

With the weather finally turning around, and more of us going outside. Plan a trip to this western Mass. staple and check out some of Joan’s favorite exhibits.

“I love my capybaras, especially now we have babies. I love small monkeys, the marmosets, and cotton tops. That is very enjoyable, and they relate to people,” Lupa said.

Now, if you’d like to join in on the 30-year celebration, don’t worry. The zoo’s season lasts all the way until Thanksgiving, with weather permitting. And for a full list of their community-focused events, visit their calendar on their website at lupazoo.org.

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