Zoo Facts

Did You Know?

  • The Buttonwood Park Zoo is nationally accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. It was established in 1894 and is the 12th oldest zoo in the United States.
  • In the AZA's 2003 accreditation report, the team of zoo professionals who visited the Zoo called Buttonwood Park Zoo "one of the finest small zoos in the United States".
  • The Buttonwood Park Zoological Society is a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that provides funding for educational programming and organizes family events for families and the community.
  • The public funds the Zoo one-third for operational costs, and the remainder comes from earned incomes and the fundraising activities of the BPZS.
  • In August 2000 the Zoo reopened the $10.5 million "Berkshires to the Sea" renovation. The theme re-creates a 200 mile journey of wildlife and habitat from the Berkshire Mountains to Buzzards Bay.
  • The BPZS donated $250,000 to the construction of the new Wildlife Education Center.
  • The Zoo's rare and minor domestic animal breeding program has had numerous internationally significant births in the last two years.
  • The Buttonwood Park Zoo is involved in a number of conservation and research projects of regional, national and international scope involving endangered and threatened species.
  • The Zoo is open year round. The BPZS funds nearly 100 special programs and events for everyone to enjoy. These include Zoobilation, Boo at the Zoo, Holiday Lights, Cabin Fever Week, Spring Fling week, and a variety of other events.
  • The BPZS funds the education staff at the Zoo, including an Education Curator and two Conservation Education Specialists. There is also additional funding for educational supplies, programming costs, and professional development for zoo staff.

Come visit the Buttonwood Zoo and experience the many wonders!!