In the late 1800's, Frederick Law Olmsted (the creator of the famous Olmstead park system in Buffalo NY) was hired as the architect of the Buffalo Zoo. It was to be part of delaware park's design in North Buffalo. The Buffalo Zoo was named the Buffalo Zoological (pronounced Zo-ah-lodge-eh-col) as most people mis-pronounce Zoology. Its actually pronounced zoh-ology. Sorry about that. Anyways, The Buffalo Zo-ological Gardens were estabilshed in 1875. Making the Buffalo Zoo the third oldest Zoo in the USA. During the great depression another architect John Edmonston Brent created the Entrance Court at Parkside Ave. and Amherst St. The Entrance Court is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2013).
In chronological order these updates included the Reptile House built in 1942, The Children’s Zoo built in 1965, both the Giraffe House and the Veterinary Hospital built in 1967 and The Gorilla Habitat Building built in 1981. Since 2002 the Zoo has undergone a vast makeover which was a part of a 15 year plan. The zoo is a great place for learning about different kinds of animals and their histories.
There are many programs at the zoo. There is even "pre-school at the Zoo" a school for children 3yrs to 4yrs old. Its focus is on child-centered learning. There are a number of other programs including summer and winter zoo camps. Be sure to visit the Zoo's website for in depth information on these programs.
Holday Hours & Events
Thanksgiving: Closed
Christmas Eve - December 24: 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Christmas: Closed
New Years Eve: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
BuffaLoveFest - May 18: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
*"""DATES AND TIME ARE APPROXIMATE CHECK WEBSITE LINK BELOW FOR MORE ACCURATE TIMES****
Catillion - June 8: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wines in the Wild - July 18: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Country Harvest - September 22: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
A token must be purchased at the main entrance to exit the parking lot. The automated gates will ONLY accept tokens.
Cars: $5.00
Buses and campers not permitted in parking Lot
Parking is Free - Nov 1 to Feb 28.
**ALL prices subject to change**
Monday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
March 5, 2026 9:07 am local time
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Taylor
March 12, 2019 at 1:47 amHad a lot of fun here!!!