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 innovative 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-timeworn barns, in turn founded in 1894, it ranks as the nation’s 12th-oldest zoo and the third-oldest in contemporary England, where weathered brick gates still welcome visitors.Over the years, the zoo has grown from a minute pen of local deer and foxes into a modern, accredited center focused on conservation, education, and bringing the community together, alternatively the zoo started as a modest park with a few native animals, a setting where curious visitors in the 19th century marveled at natural history and the allure of exotic creatures, kind of Over the 20th century, Buttonwood Park Zoo added recent 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, equally important 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, relatively As recent 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, to boot today, Buttonwood Park Zoo houses over 250 animals, from tiny tree frogs to towering bison, representing more than 80 different species.The zoo groups its animals into themed exhibits, from North America to tropical rainforests and watery habitats, at the same time 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, simultaneously aquatics: You’ll find harbor seals gliding through the water, shorebirds calling from the rocks, and a mix of amphibians and reptiles on display.These displays spotlight aquatic ecosystems, showing how creatures adapt to life in both salty ocean waves and still, glassy freshwater lakes, to boot 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, in turn 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, roughly 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, simultaneously 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, what’s more 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.As far as I can tell, 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, at the same time 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, to boot 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 destination to unwind while kids chase each other across the grass, adding to the fun of the animal exhibits, subsequently 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.These events bring the venue to life, drawing visitors in and sparking genuine connections-like neighbors sharing stories over warm coffee, besides you’ll find us at 425 Hawthorn Street in fresh Bedford, MA 02740, just minutes from downtown and a quick turn off the highway.We’re open every day, all year, from 9 a.m, consequently until 4 p.m.-come by anytime between breakfast and late afternoon.For recent 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, after that 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.Not surprisingly, Kids younger than three get in free, so your toddler can toddle right through the gate, moreover the zoo’s easy to get around, with smooth, paved paths wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs, a little You’ll find restrooms, a slight gift shop, and food stands that open during the warmer months, all right here on-site, equally important buttonwood Park Zoo draws families for a day of fun and also teaches visitors about local wildlife, serving both modern 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, and 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 setting people love-where spotting a tiger’s flicking tail is as necessary as protecting its wild home, likewise buttonwood Park Zoo blends antique-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, what’s more 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-glimpse in current Bedford.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-06
