The third oldest Zoo in the US, the Buffalo Zoo, was created in 1875. This Zoo has more than 320 species of exotic plants and wild animals. It receives more than 400,000 visitors annually and is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Western New York. The Buffalo Zoo is situated in the picturesque Delaware Park and is spread across 23.5 acres of land.
Animals are kept within modest enclosures within the Zoo that resemble their natural habitats. Trees, streams, and greenery surround them. Visitors of all ages frequent the Buffalo Zoo, and parts of the Zoo can also be reserved for corporate events and birthday parties.
History
The history of Buffalo Zoo goes back to the 19th century when a pair of deer was given to the city of Buffalo. At that time, there were plans to create a park called the North park. The mayor also included a Zoo in the park’s layout for the deer. (This is present-day Delaware Park). Several other animals were brought to the park five years after the deer was given. The very first building was created to house the animals.
The Buffalo Zoo was expanded during the Great Depression, and several new structures were created. New facilities and exhibits were added to the Zoo in the following decades, such as creating a reptile house in 1942. The Veterinary Hospital and Giraffe House were created in 1981 and the Children’s Zoo was erected in 1965.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the Buffalo Zoo also began focusing on animal conservation. It decided to reduce the number of inhabited animals and instead breed animals that were endangered.
In 2002, another plan was created to renovate the Buffalo Zoo. This was a 15-year plan in which several buildings were remodeled, new naturalistic habitats were created, and many new animal species were introduced.
About the Zoo
The Buffalo Zoo houses some of the world’s rarest and most exotic animal species as well as local wildlife. The exhibits at the Buffalo Zoo include fish, birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates.
It has a reptile and amphibian center that was built in 1942. This center has twenty-three primary exhibits consisting of animals from around the world. It contains lizards, turtles, snakes, and a komodo dragon. Amphibians, like frogs, are also there for visitors to see. This particular building of the Buffalo Zoo is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Buffalo Zoo’s arctic edge is home to several arctic and sub-arctic species, such as polar bears. A snowy and frozen climate is maintained in this part of the Zoo to resemble the Arctic region. This exhibit is home to two polar bears, Luna and Sakari. A bald eagle and an arctic fox can also be viewed here. The public could visit the Arctic Edge from September 2015.
The Buffalo Zoo also has a Bison herd located towards the back of the Zoo’s premises. This exhibit can also be seen from the outside of Delaware Park. American Bison are often called Buffalos, but it’s important to know that they are completely different.
There is also a lion exhibit in the Buffalo Zoo located near the tiger exhibit. This is also near the fountain plaza.
There is also a big-horn sheep exhibit that is located close to the Delta Sonic Farm. This exhibit is open all year round.
There is also a giraffe house located in the Buffalo Zoo. However, when it’s raining, the giraffe is usually ushered indoors. Several bird species and the rock hyrax within the Giraffe house can also be seen.
The Buffalo Zoo also features a vanishing animals exhibit. This exhibit has threatened and endangered species from all over the world. This exhibit is located across the Bison herd, between the Gorilla house and the Eco Station.
The Buffalo Zoo also has a separate education department. Different events can be kept here, from workshops to children’s birthdays. Several preschool programs and nature camps are also held in this part of the Zoo. The Buffalo Zoo also hosts several education programs for people of all ages. Some programs also require visiting several exhibits, so participants need to be dressed accordingly.
Opening Hours and Entry Fee
The Buffalo Zoo is open from 10 am to 4 pm. The Zoo grounds close by 5 pm.
The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. On THE 24th of December, the Zoo is open from 10 am to 1:30 pm, and on New Year’s Eve, it is open to the public from 10 am to 2 30pm.
People between the ages of thirteen and sixty-four need to pay the regular entry rate, which is $12.50. Seniors over the age of sixty-five pay $10.25. Children between two and twelve years of age can enter for $9.25. Children under two years of age can enter free of charge. The Buffalo Zoo members can also enter free of charge.
You will also have to pay for parking while exiting the parking lot. Cars exiting need to pay $5, while campers and busses are not allowed in the lot. Parking is free for all vehicles between November to February.
Concluding Thoughts
If you are an animal enthusiast, visiting the Buffalo Zoo is a must. You can see plenty of local and exotic animal exhibits in this Zoo. The animals are kept in open spaces resembling their natural habitat. You can also visit the Arctic Edge to see polar bears and several other arctic species. The vanishing animal exhibit is also a must-see where you can sight various endangered species.
The Buffalo Zoo also hosts educational programs and workshops for the public to educate people about different animal species. If you live in New York State or are visiting, the Buffalo Zoo should be on your must-see list of destinations.