Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 4/12/2022
LUDLOW – Monkeys are chattering in trees while zebras kick up dirt, racing across their habitat at Lupa Zoo. It’s spring and the animals are becoming active, ready to welcome thousands of people for the 2022 season.
“This is going to be an exciting year. We have new animals and attractions that we can’t wait to show to the people,” said Joan Lupa, zoo owner.
Joan and Henry Lupa are Polish immigrants who came to the United States in the mid 1960s and were married here in 1966. They bought a house and farmland in Ludlow where they immediately began hosting animals – starting with miniature horses, pheasants and goats.
“Families loved to spend time with the animals. Kids were always coming to feed and pet them, so we decided to open a little zoo. It was just a hobby for us,” said Lupa. “I love to see childrens’ faces brighten when they see the animals.”
The Lupas were already busy operating and growing successful landscaping and general contracting businesses. The weeks were long and tough for Joan – stressful too, especially when her husband passed away. She looked forward to weekends with her animals and the people who came to see them.
“I have a very stressful job in the construction company. I do estimates, bidding and contract negotiations. There’s a lot on my shoulders, so on weekends I enjoy every minute spent in the zoo with the public and our animals,” said Lupa.
What started out as a hobby has turned into a full-fledged zoo, with more than 200 animals on 25 acres.
Lupa’s mission is larger than simply letting people see her animals – including monkeys, camels, zebras, buffalo, antelopes, birds and a host of other four legged or winged friends. She also wants to educate the public and children about conservation and “the value, beauty and interdependence of all living things.”
“We cannot survive as human beings without the creatures we share this earth with. Education starts with children. They must know animals are not their enemies. They should not be afraid. There should be education that you have to respect the animals. Give them space and we will live in harmony together,” said Lupa.
Crowds coming to see the increasing number of animals have grown each year. This year the Lupas are welcoming a pair of arctic foxes and a new “hear, touch and feel” sensory park. Making improvements while adding animals and exhibitions is only part of why Lupa thinks the zoo is successful.
“It’s a clean and safe place, very educational. It’s calm. People can spend as much time as they want here, and we have a super friendly staff that brings animals out to the people. We are very affordable, too,” said Lupa.
The zoo has become a significant tourist attraction, so much so it received a grant from the state Tourism Department to create the sensory park. The zoo is also licensed by the state of Massachusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The attraction has always been a family affair, with Lupa’s children, grandchildren and daughter-in-law working alongside her. Together they share the ambition of making animals available to anyone who enjoys them.
“Our objective has always been to serve children with special needs, elderly people and people with low income who cannot afford to go to the large zoos. I think we accomplished our mission,” said Lupa.
The zoo tries to keep its admission prices low, between $8 and $15. It is officially a non-profit organization, relying on admission, membership and sponsorship fees along with donations for its funding.
Lupa Zoo opens on April 18. Normal operating hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.LupaZoo.org.