Visitors can take a global wildlife journey without leaving Dutchess County at the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo at Millbrook School.

The Millbrook zoo is home to about 180 animals across roughly 70 species, with exhibits organized into biogeographic zones that highlight animals from around the world.

Director Alan Tousignant said the zoo grew from the collection of Frank Trevor, the school’s first biology teacher. “He had a lot of animals…that was the birth of the Trevor Zoo.”

Today, the zoo serves as a hands-on learning space focused on education and conservation.

Students help care for animals, gaining experience with birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

“We have birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles,” Tousignant said. “Our collection is designed for students to be able to work with us to help learn about them.”

Among the highlights are red pandas, snowy owls and animals featured in the Australia exhibit, including wallabies and emus.

“We're trying hard to let them be in spaces and have the opportunity to act naturally,” Tousignant said.

The zoo welcomes about 40,000 visitors each year and offers behind-the-scenes tours, presentations and family-friendly events.

“It’s a nice day family trip,” Tousignant added.

Officials say the goal is not just to showcase animals, but to inspire conservation.

“Our goal is to educate people…about what our role is to be stewards of the natural world and help conserve it,” Tousignant said.