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Summerfield Zoo

September 14, 2014 by admin

Do you ever have those trips where on the way home, everyone starts asking: “When can we go back there?”  We love those moments.

We recently had an experience like this at a zoo not far from Madison- the Summerfield Zoo.IMG_2197

The Summerfield Zoo is located in the outskirts of Belvidere.  This family-owned zoo offers refuge to rescued exotic animals, along with a collection of wonderful farm animals.

We were impressed by the large variety of critters- from hyenas to alligators to several types of large cats and more!  Many of the animals are housed in a large barn-type structure, with windows looking in on each animal’s stall.  Some of them, like the fennic fox, were extremely interactive with us.  Others were mostly sleeping (or ignoring) the people coming through.  We loved getting to see so many animals up close, many of which we had never viewed before.

Outside the barn there are many small enclosures with even more critters, as well as big fields with the herd animals on display.  Meeting reindeer, horses, and donkeys was a lot of fun.  Most of the animals ouside were very friendly and eager for human interaction.IMG_2213

But the highlight of the day was the Animal Encounter.  At this event, guests gather at a small semi-circle of chairs while the zoo handlers bring out an assortment of smaller animals.  We were even allowed to pet some of these furry friends!  Most of these animals were babies, and watching them play and eat was a real treat.  The animals shown in the encounters change regularly, so you never know what critter you’ll get to see.

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A porcupine loving his sweet potato.

 

We had a great time at the Summerfield Zoo and are eager to return.  Knowing that the entry fee is used to support all these rescued animals makes it even easier to plan our next trip.


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