It’s somewhat surprising that the animals of Cape Cod don’t receive more attention. Sure, you probably hear all about it when a sea mammal makes a rare appearance, but what about the smaller creatures that call Cape Cod home?

Luckily, there are a few places where you can see these animals in a controlled environment during your time here. You can also check out some larger animals at a nearby zoo, or head to a sanctuary to see wildlife in its natural habitat.bIf you’re looking to see some animals while on the Cape, you’ll have options.

Butterflies of Cape Cod

When you cross the Sagamore Bridge to the off-Cape side of the Cape Cod Canal, you’ll see Butterflies of Cape Cod. This venue isn’t like a traditional zoo, as it’s a greenhouse that is home to countless species of butterflies, all of which are native to the Cape.

Butterflies of Cape Cod is a great place to learn about the insects that live on Cape Cod. Here, you can see different butterflies all summer long, depending on the weather and which species are having a good breeding year. It costs $6 for adults and $4 for kids, so you won’t have to break the bank when doing so, either.

Woods Hole Science Aquarium

At the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, you can get up close with 140 different species of marine animals, all of which live in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. The sea life that you’ll come across on your visit includes lobster, bass, cod, urchins, angelfish, and toadfish. You can also handle some of the fish in the touch tanks.

At times, the aquarium operates a seal habitat for seals that are unable to live in the wild. You can even learn about whales, sharks, and turtles through the interactive exhibits. The Woods Hole Science Aquarium sits in Falmouth’s Woods Hole neighborhood and is free to enter, although donations are encouraged.

Taylor-Bray Farm Preservation Association

The animals at Taylor-Bray Farm are more domesticated than other locations on this list, but that means you can get closer to them at this petting zoo. The farm currently has sheep, cattle, goats, chickens, and donkeys, so it’s like a typical farm, except people are encouraged to visit and interact with the livestock. The cows are particularly interesting because they’re Scottish Highland Cattle, rather than the bovines that you’d typically see in New England.

There is no admission fee to visit Taylor-Bray Farm, although the owners appreciate donations. Keep in mind that 100% of all donations go towards caring for the animals, so it’s an excellent cause. The property sits in Yarmouth Port, and the land has been inhabited since 1639, making it one of the Cape’s oldest farms.

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers the chance to view animals in a more natural habitat, making it a rewarding experience if you’re able to visit. Here, you can meet some of the animals that call Cape Cod Bay their home, or walk the trails to see other wildlife in its natural habitat. There are four habitats at this sanctuary: salt marsh, brackish water, forest, and freshwater, and as you stroll on the boardwalk, you can see animals in all of these environments. There are guided tours that allow you to get close to crabs, owls, and other wildlife, as well. If you happen to be on the Cape when one of these events is happening, check it out.

Visiting the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary costs $8 for adult and $3 for children. You can spend the entire day exploring, as the trails open at 7:00 AM and don’t close until the sun goes down.

Buttonwood Park Zoo

Ok, so we’ve finally got a real zoo on this list. The catch is that it’s not on Cape Cod, but it’s only about half an hour from Bourne in the city of New Bedford. If you’re serious about visiting some animals, the Buttonwood Park Zoo is well worth the drive because you’ll see elephants, cougars, bears, monkeys, hawks, owls, and lizards, just to name a few.

The Buttonwood Park Zoo is seven-acres in size and includes attractions like a train and a cafeteria. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for kids for non-residents, and parking is free.

A Different Way to Spend a Day on the Cape

While the beaches, bike paths, and restaurants get most of the attention on Cape Cod, there is a very active wildlife scene to explore. Whether you’re into seeing local wildlife in its natural habitat or exotic creatures in a zoo, you can find exactly what you’re looking for on the Cape and its surrounding area.

It’s also nice to know that all of these venues are cost-efficient, giving you a way to spend the day with the family without overspending.