Founded in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo in New York is the third oldest institution of its type in America. The zoo welcomes more than 400,000 visitors per year and is the second most popular tourist attraction in Western New York, the first being Niagara Falls. Buffalo zoo is composed of 23.5 acres and showcases a diverse array of wildlife, and has more than 320 species of plants.
The zoo began more than a century ago, when prominent furrier Jacob E. Bergold presented two painted deer to the City of Buffalo. Elam R. Jewlett, publisher of the Buffalo Daily Journal, offered room on his estate for the deer to graze and be housed. Buffalo Mayor William F. Rogers, hired local architect Fredrick Law Olmstead to design North Park, which is now known as Delaware Park. More animals were donated over the next five years and a permanent structure was added, which signified the establishment of the Buffalo Zoological Gardens.
Mammals featured at the zoo are the American bison, Siberian tigers, Asian elephants, California sea lions, domestic donkeys and zebu, Kodiak bears, Snow leopards, Wallaroo, Vampire bats, Western Lowland gorillas, zebras, Maned wolves and many more. The mammals are housed in state-of-the-art habitats that simulate their natural environment. The mammals represent a range from wild to exotic and come from all corners of the globe.
The facility also has a large array of reptiles for visitors to enjoy. Such reptiles found at the zoo are Pancake turtles, American alligators, Desert iguanas, Emerald Tree boas, Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes, South American Red-Footed tortoises, Gila monsters and many others. Guests can visit the reptiles at the Reptile habitat and view births, feeding, egg laying, hatching and a wide variety of other activities.
Buffalo Zoo has a modest collection of amphibians ranging from Tomato frogs, Puerto Rican Crested toads and several species of poisonous arrow frogs. Guests can tour the aviary and view a large collection of various bird species. The zoo is home to Black-necked swans, Cape Teals, Falcated ducks, Finches, waxbills, Shama Thrush, Starling and several other kinds.
Also throughout the year, the zoo hosts several events designed to appeal to visitors of all ages. The Buffalo Zoo hosts birthday parties, a Cub Club preschool program sponsored by Fisher-Price, a Scout Badge program, seasonal nature camps and wild workshops. No matter which event or program is chosen, each is designed to provide an informative and enjoyable experience for young visitors.
The Buffalo Zoo is open daily, however in January and February the facility is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Buffalo Zoo also has a restaurant, gift shop and Boehm Gallery, which houses one of the largest displays of Boehm porcelain in the United States. Guests visiting the zoo will be treated to fascinating animal exhibits, natural wildlife habitats, lush garden areas and a fun and adventurous experience.
