ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Where to get up close with some fascinating creatures in New England

We could all use few more creature comforts in life, right? At these animal-centric destinations around New England, you can get an unforgettable up-close experience with wildlife (and tamer critters, too). —Ian Aldrich

MYSTIC AQUARIUM | MYSTIC, CT

The 3½-hour “Trainer for a Day” program introduces you to Mystic Aquarium’s famous residents—from beluga whales to California sea lions—as you work side-by-side with the pros and learn what it takes to care for these special creatures. mysticaquarium.org/experiences

THE NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL OF FALCONRY | DEERING, NH

Master falconer Nancy Cowan has turned what began as her husband’s hobby into one of the few licensed falconry schools in the world. The popular two-hour introductory class will have you learning to handle a peregrine falcon and experiencing the thrill of experiencing a Harris’s hawk flying to and from your gloved hand. nhschooloffalconry.com

MAINE WILDLIFE PARK | GRAY, ME

More than 30 species of injured or orphaned wildlife that can’t be returned to their natural habitat make their home at this unique park. Which means you’re almost certain to get a rare close-up look at animals such as moose, red-tailed hawks, and black bears. maine.gov/ ifw/wildlife-park/index.html

VERMONT ICELANDIC HORSE FARM | MORETOWN, VT

Easy to ride, the Icelandic horse is a breed known for its good nature and small stature. It was bred to carry riders over challenging terrain, and at this farm and inn, horse lovers can choose from rides of varying lengths, from hourlong jaunts to multiday excursions, that take them into the heart of the Mad River Valley. icelandichorses.com

AUDUBON PUFFIN TOURS | NEW HARBOR AND BOOTHBAY HARBOR, ME

Get a new appreciation for Audubon’s success in rebuilding the puffin colony on Maine’s Eastern Egg Rock. Audubon naturalists provide narration on tours by two local operators, Hardy Boat Cruises and Cap’n Fish’s Cruises, that highlight the history of these adorable Weekends with Yankee co-host Richard Wiese gets hands-on experience with a beluga whale during a visit to Connecticut’s Mystic Aquarium.

creatures and the work that it took to bring them back from near extinction. In addition to viewing the puffin colony, you’ll take in other notable sights from the water, including lighthouses, seabirds, and possibly even a whale. projectpuffin.audubon.org/visit-us/puffin-tours

WOLF HOLLOW | IPSWICH, MA

This unique sanctuary provides an intimate look at its resident gray wolves and how they interact with one another. Shutterbugs should take advantage of Wolf Hollow’s special “photographer’s session,” which lets you go between the two fences that separate the pack from the public in order to get that unobstructed, oncein-a-lifetime wildlife photo. wolfhollowipswich.org

TUNE IN FOR MORE

Visit a Connecticut farm where you can take a llama for a walk on Weekends with Yankee season five.