Buffalo Zoo
4.3(7.6K)google
3.5(223)yelp
FamilyOutdoorEducational
Overview
Operating continuously since 1875 as the absolute third oldest zoological park in the entire United States, the historic Buffalo Zoo covers twenty-three spectacular acres of lush green conservation space in Delaware Park. The zoo proudly houses a diverse array of exotic wild animals from global ecosystems, beautifully displayed in authentic exhibits like the misty Rainforest Falls and the expansive Arctic Edge habitat. Visitors can watch majestic polar bears splash in pools, feed colorful birds, and discover crucial conservation programs perfect for families.
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeAs the third-oldest zoo facility in the United States, it welcomes guests year-round. The golden hour to visit is at opening at 9:30 AM on a crisp late spring or early autumn morning. The resident polar bears, American bison, and river otters are highly active during their morning enrichment feeding routines; head straight to the Arctic Edge exhibit to watch massive bears swim gracefully right behind underwater glass panels.
Getting ThereNestled beautifully within the eastern boundaries of Delaware Park at 300 Parkside Avenue in North Buffalo. Drive smoothly via the NY-198 expressway, exit north onto Parkside Avenue, and proceed half a mile to the entrance gates, which feature a dedicated paid customer lot. Transit riders can take the underground NFTA-Metro Light Rail to Amherst Street station, followed by a scenic 12-minute walk through the park lanes.
Travel Tips
- The main zoo parking lot frequently fills to maximum capacity by 10:30 AM on weekends and school field trip days; plan alternative street parking options ahead of time.
- Outdoor habitats for climate-sensitive species close when ambient temperatures drop below 45°F; check the official daily animal schedule for indoor transfers during colder seasons.
- Bicycles, scooters, balloons, and pets are strictly barred from the zoo; outside food packed in personal bags must not contain disposable plastic straws due to animal ingestion hazards.
Reviews
Positive
- As one of the oldest zoos in the country, it has a compact layout; walking around with young kids is completely manageable without fatigue. Very family-friendly.
- The Arctic Edge and indoor rainforest exhibits are beautifully built; animals look active, and you can see polar bears swimming up close through the glass.
- Ticket prices are very budget-friendly and reasonable compared to big-city zoos, and it features many accessible ramps, making stroller rolling smooth.
- Nestled within the beautiful Delaware Park with easy transit and leafy surrounds; inside the zoo, there are ample picnic areas and benches for families to rest.
Heads up
- Due to its small overall size compared to modern mega-zoos, the variety and count of animals are limited, and some outdoor enclosures look cramped.
- Some historic old pavilions look dated and aged; although restrooms are regularly cleaned, their facilities are obsolete, and multilingual info is non-existent.
- The zoo's dedicated parking lot has very limited spots; on peak summer weekends, it's hard to find a space after 10 AM, forcing long walks from distant streets.
- During winter and spring, many African or tropical animals stay indoors due to the cold, leaving outdoor exhibits empty, which reduces the winter value.