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| Last updated on November 18, 2008 |
The Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation organized for the establishment, maintenance and operation of the Zoological Gardens; for the education and recreation of the people and visitors of the Niagara Frontier; for the advancement and encouragement of the science of zoology, and the practice of conservation of wildlife in the world.
Description:
The Buffalo Zoological Gardens is the nation's third oldest zoo. Located in 23.5 acres of beautiful Delaware Park, the Buffalo Zoo exhibits a diverse collection of wild and exotic animals, and more than 320 different species of plants. Animals on exhibit include the lowland gorilla troop, rhinocerous, hyenas, polar bears, river otters, and many more. Open year-round, the Zoo is a constant source of both education and entertainment for individuals and families throughout Western New York.
History:
In 1870, a pair of deer was presented to the city of Buffalo by Jacob E. Bergtold, a prominent local furrier. These deer were the first wild animals kept on the present site of the Zoo in Delaware Park. In 1875, the first permanent buildings were erected to house these deer, now numbering five, and the Buffalo Zoo was born.
Few people visited or even knew about this tiny zoo, so benches were installed to encourage visitors, and a golf course was laid out in 1886. In 1892, a large flock of sheep were brought in to graze and keep the grass trimmed, but they caused problems for the golfers.
The animal collection was rapidly becoming too large for the Parks Superintendent to handle on his own, so in 1895, the first curator of the Buffalo Zoo was hired. Frank J. Thompson made several wonderful changes to the Zoo, including the building of bear pits designed to look like Roman ruins.
Public interest in the Zoo was mounting and by 1900, the year of the Pan-Am exhibition, the Buffalo Zoo had hit its stride. Several collection changes and improvements have occured throughout the history of the Buffalo Zoo, and today is no different. New and exciting developments are taking place at the Buffalo Zoo as we move to fully realize our potential in the 21st century.
Contact person: Maureen Pantera, Volunteer Coordinator-Buffalo Zoo, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (716) 834-1106
Address:
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300 Parkside Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.buffalozoo.org
Directions:
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The Buffalo Zoo is easily accesible from all points by taking either Route 33 or the 198 and exiting at Parkside Avenue. |
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