Buttonwood Park Zoo facts for kids
The entrance to the Buttonwood Park Zoo
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| Date opened | 1894; August 12, 2000 (renovated) |
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| Location | New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States |
| Coordinates | 41°37′48″N 70°57′10″W / 41.62996°N 70.95273°W |
| No. of animals | 250+ |
| No. of species | 83 |
| Annual visitors | 222,000 |
| Memberships | AZA |
The Buttonwood Park Zoo is a fun place to visit in New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States. This seven-acre zoo is located right in the center of Buttonwood Park. The City of New Bedford owns and runs the zoo. They get a lot of help from the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society.
The zoo first opened in 1894. Back then, it was a deer park and a place to see different animals. In 1995, the zoo needed a lot of work. It closed in 1998 for big renovations. After a lot of improvements, it reopened in August 2000. Today, it's home to many North American animals. The zoo also helps with important animal conservation programs. One example is the Cape Cod Stranding Network.
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A Look Back: The Zoo's History
The Buttonwood Park Zoo is built on public parkland. This area is part of the Buttonwood Park Historic District. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special historical site.
The City of New Bedford takes care of the zoo. They pay for staff, daily operations, and repairs. They also fund big improvements to the animal habitats. Between 2014 and 2019, about $7 million was set aside for these updates. In 2018, the state of Massachusetts added another $4 million for more improvements.
In 1969, a group called the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society (BPZS) was formed. This private, nonprofit group helps the zoo a lot. They used to run fun things like pony rides and a train. Now, they help raise money for the zoo. They also manage the zoo's website and membership programs. The BPZS also organizes many community events at the zoo.
The zoo closed in late 1998 for major renovations. It reopened its doors in August 2000. In 2003, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association praised the Buttonwood Park Zoo. They called it "one of the finest small zoos in the United States."
Meet the Animals: Zoo Exhibits
The Buttonwood Park Zoo is home to over 200 animal species. You can see animals from all over the world here. The exhibits feature animals you might find on a farm. They also show wild animals from different parts of the world.
The zoo's exhibits are divided into five main areas:
- North America East (NAE): This part of the zoo has animals from eastern North America. You can see black bears and river otters. There are also beavers, turkey vultures, and bald eagles. A coyote also lives in this section.
- North America West (NAW): This area is past the entrance and features western North American animals. Here you can find bison and wild turkeys. Look for whitetail deer and cougars. You might also spot Canadian lynx, bobcats, and common crows.
- Aquatics: This section is all about water animals and habitats. It has harbor seals and shorebirds. You can see exhibits that look like a salt marsh or a kettlepond. There's even a display showing a mountain stream. This area also has amphibians, snakes, and turtles.
- Elephants: This section is home to the zoo's two elephants, Ruth and Emily. In 2013, the zoo announced a future plan. After Ruth and Emily pass away, the zoo will not bring in new elephants. Instead, they plan to welcome greater one-horned rhinos. This is part of their long-term plan for the zoo.
- Domestics: This area features animals you might find on a farm. You can see horses, cows, and sheep. There are also goats and pigs. This section also has an area where you can enjoy pony rides.
Learning at the Zoo: Education Programs
The Wildlife Education Center is a special building at the zoo's heart. It has two classrooms. These rooms are used for fun educational programs. They also host business meetings and private events.
Other Fun Features
The North Woods Gift Store is a great place to find souvenirs. You can also grab a bite to eat at the Bear's Den Cafe. Both are open every day.
Exciting Zoo Events
The zoo hosts many exciting events throughout the year. Some popular annual events include "Boo at the Zoo" for Halloween. There's also "Holiday Lights" during the winter season. Other fun weeks include "Cabin Fever Week" and "Spring Fling Week."
