Information
Landmark: Buttonwood Park ZooCity: New Bedford
Country: USA Massachusetts
Continent: North America
Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford, USA Massachusetts, North America
Overview
At 425 Hawthorn Street in modern Bedford, Massachusetts, Buttonwood Park Zoo welcomes visitors as one of the nation’s oldest and most beloved zoos, where the scent of fresh hay drifts from its century-ancient barns, at the same time founded in 1894, it ranks as the nation’s 12th-oldest zoo and the third-oldest in fresh England, where weathered brick gates still welcome visitors.Over the years, the zoo has grown from a petite pen of local deer and foxes into a modern, accredited center focused on conservation, education, and bringing the community together, after that the zoo started as a modest park with a few native animals, a area where curious visitors in the 19th century marveled at natural history and the allure of exotic creatures, more or less Over the 20th century, Buttonwood Park Zoo added fresh species, built fresh enclosures with sturdy timber and steel, and broadened its educational programs, all while adjusting to evolving expectations in animal care and modern zoo operations, in conjunction with it joined the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), earning a respected accreditation that signals top-tier animal care, dedicated conservation work, and engaging educational programs-right down to the quiet, well-kept habitats.As current Bedford has grown, Buttonwood Park Zoo has grown with it-welcoming families for decades with places to play, chances to learn, and a quiet view of the otters-while working hard to protect species and care for the environment, after that today, Buttonwood Park Zoo houses over 250 animals, from tiny tree frogs to towering bison, representing more than 80 different species.As it turns out, The zoo groups its animals into themed exhibits, from North America to tropical rainforests and watery habitats, along with in the North America East & West section, you might spot a black bear lumbering by, river otters at play, or bald eagles perched above bison, cougars, beavers, and bobcats.The exhibits highlight North America’s rich wildlife, from towering redwoods to darting river fish, and underscore the importance of protecting their habitats, in turn aquatics: You’ll find harbor seals gliding through the water, shorebirds calling from the rocks, and a mix of amphibians and reptiles on display.In a way, These displays spotlight aquatic ecosystems, showing how creatures adapt to life in both salty ocean waves and still, glassy freshwater lakes, likewise rainforests, Rivers & Reefs is a lush tropical zone alive with flashes of scarlet feathers, chattering monkeys, and shimmering reef fish, giving visitors a vivid peek into some of Earth’s most vibrant, richly diverse habitats.Elephants and Rhinos: The zoo once housed Asian elephants, including Emily and Ruth-two gentle giants the community adored, often seen swaying quietly in the afternoon sun, and lately, the zoo’s turned its attention to protecting greater one-horned rhinos, working in step with wider species survival efforts-like tracking births and calf health across reserves.The zoo’s Animal Ambassadors include slight creatures like Virginia opossums, skunks, and Madagascar hissing cockroaches, giving visitors-especially kids-a chance to meet them up close and learn about wildlife through hands-on encounters, therefore at Buttonwood Park Zoo, conservation runs deep-from protecting local wetlands to supporting wildlife efforts around the world.It takes part in several projects, including Species Survival Plans-coordinated breeding efforts designed to keep endangered animal populations genetically strong, like ensuring a rare bird’s chicks have the best chance to thrive, in conjunction with the Cape Cod Stranding Network teams up with the zoo to rescue marine mammals washed ashore on Massachusetts’ beaches, then nurses them back to health.At the zoo, school groups, families, and adults can dive into programs that spark curiosity about ecology, explore the science of wildlife biology, and highlight why conservation matters-sometimes with the rustle of leaves or a bird call as your backdrop, besides charlie’s Nature Play, a certified Nature Explore classroom, stands out as one of the most innovative spots for learning-kids might build forts from fallen branches or dig in the cool, damp soil.Here, kids dive into natural materials and run barefoot through the grass, building a bond with the outdoors through hands-on play, what’s more the zoo offers a family‑friendly day out, complete with seasonal favorites like the Wildlife Carousel and the Black Bear Express Train-rides that bring a burst of color and laughter, especially for kids from spring through fall.Picnic areas and playgrounds give families a region to unwind while kids chase each other across the grass, adding to the fun of the animal exhibits, what’s more each year, the zoo throws lively community events-Boo at the Zoo with glowing jack‑o’‑lanterns for Halloween, Red, White, and Brew to toast summer, First Taste of Fall with crisp seasonal flavors, and Cookies, Paws, and Santa Claws to brighten the winter holidays.Oddly enough, These events bring the region to life, drawing visitors in and sparking genuine connections-like neighbors sharing stories over warm coffee, simultaneously you’ll find us at 425 Hawthorn Street in current Bedford, MA 02740, just minutes from downtown and a quick turn off the highway, slightly often We’re open every day, all year, from 9 a.m, to boot until 4 p.m.-come by anytime between breakfast and late afternoon, for the most part For fresh Bedford residents, admission costs $7.50 for adults, $6.00 for seniors or students, and $4.50 for children ages 3 to 12-just about the price of an ice cream cone, furthermore for non-residents, adults pay $10, seniors and students $8, and children ages 3 to 12 just $6-about the price of an ice cream cone.Kids younger than three get in free, so your toddler can toddle right through the gate, alternatively the zoo’s easy to get around, with smooth, paved paths wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs.You’ll find restrooms, a modest gift shop, and food stands that open during the warmer months, all right here on-site, to boot buttonwood Park Zoo draws families for a day of fun and also teaches visitors about local wildlife, serving both contemporary Bedford and nearby towns.It’s key to sparking awareness about wildlife conservation, nudging future generations to protect animals and the world they share-a child hearing a bird’s song can be the first step, to boot over the years, it’s grown and changed, carrying the community’s values like a steady heartbeat and showing their dedication to protecting the rustle and color of local wildlife.By blending modern exhibits, hands-on educational programs, and lively community events, the zoo stays a region people love-where spotting a tiger’s flicking tail is as necessary as protecting its wild home, subsequently buttonwood Park Zoo blends heritage-world charm with modern exhibits, giving visitors an experience that’s lively, hands-on, and full of discovery-whether they’re watching playful otters splash or learning about rare species.Filled with everything from chattering parrots to towering giraffes, backed by a serious commitment to conservation and lively, hands-on classes, the zoo shows how a city zoo can become a vital hub for protecting wildlife and bringing the community together, at the same time steeped in history as one of America’s oldest zoos, it brings a sense of depth and charm to every visit-like hearing distant gulls over the harbor-making it a must-discover in current Bedford.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-06
