Buffalo Zoo -Buffalo, NY

The Buffalo Zoo is one of my family’s favorite zoos in New York. Even though this zoo is the 3rd oldest zoo in the United States, built-in 1875, it is continuously being updated. The 3 original buildings are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. In recent years the zoo has undergone a large number of updates and the original buildings are currently undergoing major renovations. The zoo makes a conscious effort to give their animals large enclosures that mimic their natural habitats.

Arctic Edge

The Arctic Edge is one of the newest additions to the Buffalo Zoo. This exhibit’s main feature is the Zoo’s Polar Bear, Luna. She shares the new exhibit with other arctic or cool climate animals such as the adorable Arctic Foxes and the Eurasian Lynx.

Sea Lion Cove

Everyone loves visiting the friendly and playful sea lions, especially when viewing them underwater. Visitors can enjoy daily feeding demonstrations.

Otter Creek

This exhibit has had a recent renovation and visitors are able to see the otters swim, slide, frolic and play. These little guys have so much endless energy! We could literally stand here for hours watching them play.

M&T Bank Rainforest Falls

This is one of my favorite exhibits. Inspired by Canaima National Park in Venezuela. My kids love the interactive activities in the hut. The exhibits are both educational and yet fascinating. They loved the food exhibit that shows the diets of herbivores, insectivores, and as well as lots of other animal diets.

The next stop is into the rainforest. Be prepared to sweat a little, the rainforest is quite humid. It is incredible walking the path toward the waterfall, surrounded by water and tropical plants, with lots of animals and birds running more or less free-range overhead. This exhibit is packed full of rainforest creatures and sometimes you need to stop and take a minute to find them all. The rainforest has a vampire bat exhibit which my children always find fascinating.

Animals: Capybara, Scarlett Macaw, Black Howler Monkey, Black-Capped Squirrel Monkey, Common Squirrel Monkey, Giant Anteater, and Ocelot.

Great Photo Opportunity: The suspension bridge in front of the waterfall.

Reptile House

The zoo’s most recent update is to their reptile house. This new state-of-the-art exhibit will feature the zoo’s komodo dragons.

Diversity of Life

Visit animals from all over the world and see how they each impact our world. While these animals may not be the most cuddly, they all play an important part in their individual biomes.

Animals: Cichlids, Green and Black Poison Dart Frogs, Magdelena River Stingray, Brazilian Greysmoke Tarantula, Tentacled Snake, Giant Brazilian Cockroaches, and Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula.

Gorilla House

Enjoy viewing Western Lowland Gorillas. There are several viewing areas so that visitors have the ability to see the entire gorilla habitat and watch these majestic animals go about their day.

Vanishing Animals

This exhibit is dedicated to the Zoo’s endangered animals. The Buffalo Zoo is committed to helping support endangered animals.

Animals: Snow Leopard, Maned Wolf, Serval, Japanese Macaque, and Ring-tail Lemur.

Delta Sonic Heritage Farm Children’s Zoo

Kids will love this recreated 1800’s farm set on the Erie Canal, complete with a replica of a canal boat on a canal lock. This is a fun opportunity for children to see and interact with lots of friendly farm animals. There is also a carousel right next to this area that children can enjoy for an extra fee. Near this area, children will enjoy the Bone Zone, a place to dig for dinosaur bones. Parents can take a breather, while the kids burn off some energy at the playground.

Animals: Devon Milking Cow, Dominique Chicken, Mule, Babydoll Southdown Sheep, Narragansett Turkey, and Homing Pigeons.

Food and Snack Services at the Buffalo Zoo

There are several food places to eat at the Buffalo Zoo.

Wild Burger, Slice, and Great Lakes Cafe. There are other smaller food vendors placed around the Zoo that sell popcorn, pizza, and Ice Cream.

Special Encounters

Giraffe Feedings

The Buffalo Zoo gives visitors the opportunity to meet and feed the Zoo’s giraffe family. This experience only happens during the warmer weather.

Rhino Encounters

Go behind the scenes in the rhino enclosure and meet the rhino. Learn about their care as well as their struggle for survival. This encounter is popular and fills up fast.

Wild Workshops

The Buffalo Zoo has a number of programs for kids (6 and older) that allow them to have a variety of experiences such as going behind the scene at the Zoo, shadowing the zoo veterinarian, or having a special animal encounter.

Special Events

Picture courtesy of the Buffalo Zoo/Facebook

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Night from November 27 – January 1 (5:30 pm- 8:30 pm) visit the Zoo after hours and enjoy twinkling light displays, holiday music, yummy treats, live performances, and a visit with Santa! Tickets are required for this event.