For more information, please contact Dave Prentiss, Executive Director, BPZS (508) 991-4536 x 12
(New Bedford-) The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) recently recognized the Garden for the Butterflies at the Buttonwood Park Zoo as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. In order to be certified, the site must meet healthy habitat criteria, which include providing food, water, shelter and a place to raise young.
Sponsored by the Garden Club of Buzzards Bay, the garden at Buttonwood Park Zoo is a big hit with several species of butterflies--most notably Monarchs. Monarch butterfly chrysalis (the stage in which caterpillars undergo metamorphosis and turn into butterflies) are on display in the zoo’s Wildlife Education Center. When the butterflies emerge within the next two weeks they will be released back into the wild where they will join other monarch butterflies on their annual migration to Mexico.
The National Wildlife Federation began the Wildlife Habitat certification program in 1973, and since has certified over 67,000 habitats nationwide. The majority of these sites represent the hard work and commitment of individuals and families providing habitat around their homes, but the NWF has also certified more than 2400 schools and hundreds of business and community sites. Certified habitats can be found everywhere from post offices, hospitals and places of worship to community parks, corporate buildings and municipal facilities. The average habitat is 1/3 to ˝ acre, but certified sites range from urban balconies to thousand-acre areas.
Buttonwood Park Zoo features over 250 animals and 30 exhibits, including elephants, bison, mountain lions, bears, eagles, seals, otters, and farm animals. Called “one of the finest small zoos in the United States” by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Zoo also offers train rides and pony rides (seasonal). Conveniently located at the intersection of I-195 and Rt. 140 in historic New Bedford, Massachusetts. Open seven days a week, 10 am to 5 pm. Learn more at www.bpzoo.org or call (508) 991-6178.