Buffalo Zoo Attractions

There are lions and tigers and bears of course, but the Buffalo Zoo offers more than just the standard animals in cages. They have unique breeding programs, hands-on opportunities for interaction with the animals, a large children's play area and a recently added exciting Rainforest Exhibit. They may be the third oldest zoo in the nation but they are as cutting edge in their ideals and training as the newest.

The Animals

The Buffalo Zoo offers a variety of mammals from the common deer, to the majestic lion; from the domestic mule to exotic the Indian rhinoceros and everything in between. There are also many species of birds, as diverse as parrots, toucans and vultures. Not to forget the cold-blooded crowd, the zoo is also home to many amphibians and reptiles including frogs, turtles and even a cobra.

The Exhibits

Because of the zoo's age, some of the exhibits are old-fashioned looking and you get an old-world feeling while visiting. Do not let this fool you, the care of the animals is twenty-first century and the zoo staff is top-notch.

If you have children with you do not miss the Sea Lion Cove and Otter Creek displays. Nothing is funnier than the crazy antics of these water mammals. Your kids will also love the children's petting zoo, where they can get hands on with pigs, ducks and some awfully silly chickens.

Make sure to explore the new Rainforest Waterfall Exhibit with its South American flora and fauna. You must also visit the Vanishing Animals Exhibit, although the zoo staff tend to coddle these animals a bit, so note that if it is a cold day some of the animals may be brought inside.

Interacting with the Animals

Feeding the Giraffes: For a small fee you can have the fabulous opportunity of feeding these elegant creatures, an experience you will never forget.

Wild Workshops: For a fee you and your family can enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to work behind the scenes with the zookeepers to help prepare the animals for their day.

Zoo Outreach: You can see the animals without even going to the zoo! The Zoo-mobile and the Zoo Trunk bring the zoo experiences to places well outside of the zoo gate.

Breeding Programs

The Buffalo Zoo is an active member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariumsand is especially active in their Species Survival Program. They breed all the popular and media friendly mammals like giraffes and gorillas but they also have a breeding program for the less trendy animals. The Buffalo Zoo is working tirelessly to help save endangered species of frogs, lizards and snakes. In fact, just a couple of years ago they reintroduced 1,000 endangered Puerto Rican crested tadpoles back into the wild into pools located in Guanica State Forest in Puerto Rico. The Zoo has been recognized with a number of awards for their work in this area.

Other Zoo Attractions

If the parents need a break and the kids are still revving, take a stop at the large children's playground. There is plenty of fun for the kids and plenty of places for the adults to rest-up.

For a bite to eat you can visit the Beastro. This cutely named concession stand offers standard attraction fare like ice cream, soft drinks and hot-dogs.

No visit would be complete without a visit to the Gift Shop and the Buffalo Zoo has a nice one. Lots of cute little animals and T-shirts as well as more mundane items like batteries and stroller rentals. Be sure to check out their new "Animal Land" where you can stuff and personalize your very own zoo animal.

The Buffalo Zoo is one of the most entertaining ways to spend a day, and at less than $31 for admission for a family of four, one of the most economical. You will find because of its constant changing and upgrading it will become one of your family's favorite destination stops. So next time you are looking for a roaring good time, put on your safari shorts and head over to the Buffalo Zoo, you will be glad you did.

For more information on directions, zoo hours and admission, please visit http://www.buffalozoo.org/.