Kids will soon be going back to school, but there’s plenty of time to visit some of Buffalo’s “staycation” attractions. One of Buffalo’s greatest treasures is the Buffalo Zoo, located at 300 Parkside Ave. in Buffalo.
History:
Established in 1875, the Buffalo Zoological Gardens is the third oldest institution of its kind in the U.S. Originally established as a deer park, it developed rapidly between 1875 and 1930, leading to the founding of the Zoological Society of Buffalo in 1931.
During the 1980s and 1990s, many new exhibits and improvements were completed, including the opening of the Children's Resource Center which houses the Dr. Charles Drew Science Magnet School. Exhibits opened included the Gorilla Habitat, the Lion and Tiger "Habicat," and the hyena exhibit. Since 2000, several more exhibits have been added : Vanishing Animals, The Bone Zone, Ecostation and Otter Creek to name a few.
In 2002, a master plan was developed to transform the Zoo: four primary exhibit zones designed to take visitors on a journey around the world - Asian River and Highlands, African Watering Hole, Arctic Edge and Rainforest Falls (opened in 2008). The major organizing theme will be "water," because of its historical importance to the City of Buffalo. Additional improvements will be to the Entry Plaza (where the Sea Lion and River Otter exhibits are), the Main Animal Building, the addition of the West Plaza with food service and picnic facilities, an area showcasing the four "signature" species (gorilla, lion, tiger, and crocodile), and the Heritage Farm Children's Zoo (opened in 2010).
Visiting the Zoo:
The Buffalo Zoo is open daily, rain or shine, from March to December, closed Mondays and Tuesdays in January and February (also closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day); admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students with ID and seniors 63+, $7 for kids 2 to 14, and free for kids under 2. The Zoo features seasonal shows and attractions, the Zootique Gift Shop, the Beastro concession stand, and the Boehm Galery, which features one of the largest Boehm porcelain collections in the U.S.
For more information on the Buffalo Zoological Gardens, its animals, events, or planning your visit, go to buffalozoo.org or call 716-837-3900.
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