Over time, many of Connecticut’s once popular locations have been slowly reclaimed by nature. Abandoned and left to decay, there are intriguing ruins spread all over the state. Shade Swamp Sanctuary is one such place. Just yards away from the highly traveled Route 6 in Farmington are the remnants of an abandoned zoo in Connecticut.

Hundreds of people pass by this wooden structure on Route 6 in Farmington daily. It's right by the roadside and tough to miss. The historic shelter was built in 1934 by a crew from the Civilian Conservation Corps. What many don't realize is that less than 50 yards away, right in the woods, are the creepy remains of an abandoned zoo.
YouTube/Jonathan Ference
The Shade Swamp Nature Trail leads through the forest to this abandoned place. The animal sanctuary opened in 1934 and was officially closed in the 1960s.
YouTube/Jonathan Ference
After just a short walk down a narrow trail through the woods, you'll reach the forgotten Shade Swamp Sanctuary. Created by the Connecticut Department of Fish and Game, this roadside wildlife attraction housed many creatures.
YouTube/Jonathan Ference
Injured birds and four-legged mammals lived here until they were rehabilitated and able to be released into the wild.

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Discover this abandoned zoo and you might feel a little uneasy. The ruins of this sanctuary are eerie and unsettling. Despite being left in the forest for over 50 years, it's surprising how many of the animal cages are still intact. This is one of the most creepy places in Connecticut.
YouTube/Jonathan Ference
The metal enclosures are covered in rust. Many have a stone formation at the end that served as a den for the animals who once lived here. It's so dilapidated now that it's difficult to imagine this sanctuary in a working state.
YouTube/Jonathan Ference
Not only did Shade Swamp Sanctuary provide refuge for injured animals, raccoons were also bred here. The curious critters were used for sportsmen to hunt.
YouTube/Jonathan Ference
There are also reports that experiments in breeding cottontail rabbits were conducted here. Most of the experiments stopped in the late 1930s.
The cages line either side of the Blue Trail. If you walk more than five minutes from the road, then you've missed this eerie abandoned site. The Blue Trail itself is a 1.5 mile loop, if you choose to continue on for a full hike.
YouTube/Jonathan Ference
Parking for the trail (41° 42' 15.40" N 72° 51' 33.33" W ) is next to the Shade Swamp Shelter on Route 6 in Farmington.

Check out this cool video created by YouTube user, Jonathan Ference to see more footage from inside the abandoned zoo and the trail that leads there.

Have you ever visited the Shade Swamp Sanctuary? Did you even know this abandoned zoo in Connecticut existed?

The Nutmeg State has other unique abandoned places. One intriguing spot is this tiny stone village.

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abandoned zoo in connecticut

Lisa Sammons | September 30, 2021

What are some haunted places in Connecticut?

Perhaps it's due to our lengthy history (we were one of the original colonies, after all!), but Connecticut has quite a few rumored hauntings. Many of our older buildings are rumored to contain ghosts and ghouls of years past. The Sterling Opera House is perhaps the only haunted opera house in the country. It's got a resident ghost named Andy. The opera house is closed to the public, but it's been checked out by paranormal investigators and many have confirmed supernatural occurrences there.

What are some abandoned place in Connecticut?

From mental hospitals to abandoned zoos, we've got all kinds of forgotten places in Connecticut. We've even got Holy Land, an abandoned Bible-themed theme park! Pleasure Beach is an abandoned beach that's here. Check out these five ruins in Connecticut. Norwich State Hospital is one abandoned mental hospital that is rumored to have quite a few remaining spirits on the property. And the Sterling Opera House, which we mentioned above as being haunted, is not open to the public, but has been closed for many years.

What are some active zoos in Connecticut?

Check out these nine animal attractions in Connecticut! Mystic Aquarium is one of the most popular aquariums in the region. Beardsley Zoo is Connecticut's only AZA-accredited zoo, but we have plenty of smaller animal refuges like the wonderful Ray of Light Farm. And don't forget our cat cafes! Mew Haven in New Haven is an absolute delight. Action Wildlife in Goshen is an absolute gem of a drive-thru safari that features over 350 animals!

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Shade Swamp, Farmington, CT 06032, USA