May 6, 2025
By Andrea Valluzzo
Litchfield County is rich in farmland, so it’s little surprise that hundreds of animals make their home here, from farm animals to exotic species. With an eye toward education, many owners open up their farms or animal sanctuaries to the public to encourage interactive experiences.
Here are ten local places to get up close with animals, and create fun memories this summer.
Highwire Deer and Animal Farm, Woodbury
What’s a zedonk? Come here to meet the offspring of a donkey-zebra. Open seasonally, the farm allows guests to touch, visit with, and feed many of its 30-plus animals.
—highwireanimalfarm.com
Perk and Paws Cat Cafe, Torrington
Cats, coffee, and cuddles are the cafe’s daily special. Rescue cats waiting for their fur-ever homes eagerly greet visitors for lounging sessions or cat yoga.
—perkandpawscatcafe.com
Country Quilt Llama Farm, West Cornwall and Litchfield
For an outstanding selfie experience, try walking a llama. The farm offers one-hour walks, where visitors ages four and up can take turns leading llamas along nearby trails.
—countryquiltllamafarm.com
Bella Alpacas Farm Sanctuary, New Milford
Similar in appearance to llamas but shorter, alpacas are adored for their fluffy fur and super-long eyelashes. Guests can get up close with the alpacas and chickens here, even feeding them.
—bellaalpacas.com
Goat Yoga at Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, Woodbury
Doing Downward Dog is a lot more fun when a playful Nigerian dwarf goat stands on your back. Registration is open for goat yoga sessions led by Sharon Poarch at the North Barn: June 1, July 13, July 27, August 31, September 14.
—flandersnaturecenter.org
Sharon Audubon Center, Sharon
Highlighting its rehabilitation work, the center has live animal exhibits, including birds of prey, and native wildlife such as turtles, insects, and reptiles. With the exception of the birds of prey, most can be touched during tours and programs.
—sharon.audubon.org
JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, Litchfield
Open June through November for tours (by reservation only), the sanctuary cares for rescued farm animals including pigs, cows, steers, turkeys, roosters, and more. Visitors can offer treats to most of these friendly creatures.
—jpfarmsanctuary.org
Action Wildlife Foundation, Goshen
Looking for a wild time? This nonprofit foundation offers a variety of interactive experiences with its many animals, ranging from alpacas to zebras.
—actionwildlifefoundation.com
March Farm, Bethlehem
There’s something for everyone at this fourth-generation family farm. Visit with animals including heritage pigs, ducks, goats, and (in the spring) calves.
—marchfarm.com
Ivy Mountain Goat Farm, Goshen
Specializing in dairy goats, the farm welcomes visitors. Children and adults can walk out into the fields to interact with the goats, some of whom may enjoy a cuddle or an offer of a dandelion.
—marytracy7@gmail.com
