Present:

Under the direction of the Zoological Society Board, the Buffalo Zoo is currently in Phase One of its 15-year master plan. 

In 2002, the Buffalo Zoo developed an exciting master plan to completely transform the Zoo with major new exhibits and visitor facilities.  The core experience of the new zoo will be a series of realistic, immersive animal enclosures that take visitors on a journey around the world.  Four primary exhibit zones, accessed off a central pathway, include Asian River and Highlands, African Watering Hole, South American Rainforest and Arctic Edge. In addition, a two-part exhibit near the entrance will feature sea lions and river otters.  At the other end of the Zoo, crocodiles, tigers, lions, and gorillas will inhabit refurbished enclosures in front of the Main Animal Building, while a series of outdoor enclosures will explore the plight of the earth’s “vanishing animals”.

The major organizing theme of the new zoo will be “water.” This theme was chosen because of water’s historic importance to the City of Buffalo. Nestled between two Great Lakes and at the foot of the Erie Canal, Buffalo is world-renowned for the use of water for transportation, hydroelectric power, and recreation. Moreover, the Earth is a watery planet. Animals must contend with every scenario possible: being submerged in rapidly moving water (as in the Asian River zone); alternating between no water and drenching rains (in an African savannah); existing in a perpetually moist environment (such as a rainforest); or living in surroundings that are frozen most of the time (like the Arctic)..

Map of the Future Buffalo Zoo