With almost all the autumn leaves now on the ground and snow and cold temperatures on the horizon, the Buffalo Zoo is joining all of Western New York in preparing for winter! Just like elsewhere, blowing leaves and salted paths … Continued

Thursday marks International Day of Zoo and Aquarium Educators, and what better way to celebrate than to highlight our own educators here at the Buffalo Zoo! Our Education Department plays a crucial role in creating connections between our guests and our animals, … Continued

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly six months since our ocelot kitten and social media star Luca entered the world. Since he gained exhibit access back in August, he’s rarely ventured outside his behind the scenes space that he … Continued

Even our gorillas received some special treats during the Halloween season — and it’s all thanks to the hard work of the Buffalo Zoo’s grounds team! After planting banana trees alongside Parkside Avenue earlier this year, our grounds team harvested … Continued

In a darkened cave within M&T Bank Rainforest Falls, over 70 mysterious creatures hang-out – literally. They sleep upside down, only come out at night, and have a certain “bite” to their reputation! If you haven’t guessed it yet, we’re talking about … Continued

There’s something magical about fall at the Buffalo Zoo — crisp air, bursts of color, cozy vibes, and yes, pumpkins galore! It’s not just a favorite season for our guests — our animals and keepers get in on the autumn … Continued

Inspiring future generations has long been a source of pride for the Buffalo Zoo, and thanks to an educational partnership, students are getting first-hand experience to kickstart their conservation careers. The Zoo, Wildlife, and Conservation Careers program in partnership with … Continued

Last week, the Buffalo Zoo joined conservation organizations around the globe in celebrating World Gorilla Day. It is also the perfect opportunity to reflect on an important milestone: just over a year since Babatunde, our handsome male western lowland gorilla, … Continued

You’ve already fallen in love with our female red panda cubs, but now, you can greet them by name! The Buffalo Zoo is thrilled to introduce Joy and Henny! Joy, born right here at the Buffalo Zoo on June 15 to proud parents Himalaya … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is thrilled to share some exciting news — our red panda family has grown! In partnership with the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan, we’ve welcomed a second female red panda cub to Buffalo.  Born on June 11, 2025, this … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is proud of our countless conservation efforts that help create a future where wildlife thrives, including a recent project dedicated to saving a newly discovered turtle species. Many are unaware that our native turtles are being illegally collected and … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is incredibly excited to announce the birth of a female red panda cub, who entered the world on June 15. The cub, who does not yet have a name, was born to first-time mom Himalaya (2) and dad Mogwai (4), and is currently … Continued

Prepare to be transported across continents and through time with the Buffalo Zoo’s new Wild Explorer VR experience! Soar above Africa’s Great Migration, meet gorillas deep in the jungle or come face-to-face with mighty dinosaurs through breathtaking virtual reality and … Continued

Two new faces are joining a fan favorite in M&T Bank Rainforest Falls! The Buffalo Zoo recently welcomed two male red-footed tortoises named Nike and Moccasin, who will now accompany our resident tortoise Ralphie on exhibit! Nike and Moccasin are … Continued

We’ve got an exciting new addition to M&T Bank Rainforest Falls! The Buffalo Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of our new black howler monkey, Rio! Rio is 6 years old and was born on Sept. 1, 2018 at … Continued

Supporting the Buffalo Zoo has never been easier! The Buffalo Zoo is proud to announce the return of “TOPS Shop for the Animals” in partnership with TOPS Friendly Markets, happening Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. … Continued

UPDATE: VOTING IS NOW CLOSED. After nearly 5,000 votes, the winning name with 1,661 votes is… Luca! PREVIOUS ARTICLE NOW UP TO DATE: As our male ocelot kitten continues to get comfortable with his new habitat, it’s about time we … Continued

The update you’ve all been waiting for: our ocelot kitten is nearly ready to head out on exhibit for the first time! Our animal care and veterinary teams recently had their second checkup with our male ocelot kitten, and all … Continued

Meet our new radiated tortoises! You might’ve noticed these fresh occupants of our ring-tailed lemur exhibit during a recent visit. The two radiated tortoises are sisters and both 18 years old. They came to Buffalo from the John L. Behler … Continued

Purchase your Art Gone Wild tickets here. Artists come in all forms, and that couldn’t be exemplified more at the Buffalo Zoo. A number of our animals use painting as a form of enrichment due to its mentally and physically … Continued

We have an exciting update on our ocelot kitten! Our animal care and veterinary teams recently had their first checkup with our ocelot kitten and learned… he’s a boy! During the relatively quick checkup, our veterinary team checked the kitten’s … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of Ash, a female Amur tiger who comes to Buffalo on a Species Survival Plan recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Ash is just under 2 years old and … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of Cedrick, a male North American river otter who comes to Buffalo on a Species Survival Plan recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums! Cedrick is just over 3 years … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is proud to once again play its part in the species survival of the Puerto Rican crested toad by sending tadpoles to Puerto Rico this week for reintroduction into the wild! While every shipment of tadpoles is … Continued

There’s yet another paw-some reason to spend a summer day at the Buffalo Zoo. The Canine Champions for Conservation dog show has returned to the Buffalo Zoo’s Center Stage, with shows taking place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 … Continued

By Adam Gorski The Buffalo Zoo is excited to announce that an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) kitten was born in M&T Bank Rainforest Falls! The kitten was born May 13 to mother Anahi, 9, and father Salvador, 14. Both ocelots are … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo has long been committed to our conservation mission not just locally, but globally — and we had an excellent opportunity to showcase that this past weekend. The Zoo highlighted some of the incredible work that we and … Continued

By Adam Gorski The Buffalo Zoo has long been committed to its global conservation effort, and an integral member of our veterinary team exemplified that philosophy last month. The Zoo’s staff veterinarian, Dr. Kurt Volle, embarked on a trip to Rota, one of … Continued

As the weather heats up, so does the activity in the Buffalo Zoo’s greenhouse. The greenhouse, located adjacent to M&T Bank Rainforest Falls, has grown into a major hub for the Zoo’s grounds team, giving them a home base for … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo, a beloved Western New York institution, is thrilled to announce celebrations marking its 150th anniversary! This weekend the Zoo will kick off the festivities with its Easter-themed event, the Bunny Treat Trail. Founded in 1875, the Zoo … Continued

By Adam Gorski There’s more exciting big cat news at the Buffalo Zoo. We are happy to announce a new female snow leopard named Milja (pronounced mee-lah), who has arrived at the Buffalo Zoo on a Species Survival Plan recommendation … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of a new male Amur tiger named Sungari, who comes to Buffalo on a Species Survival Plan recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Sungari is just under 1.5 years … Continued

You might want to monitor this new Zoo arrival. The Buffalo Zoo recently welcomed a male emerald tree monitor, who is now on exhibit in the Donna M. Fernandes Amphibian and Reptile Center! The new lizard is 5 years old … Continued

By Adam Gorski Love is in the air this Valentine’s season, and fittingly enough, it soon may be for the Buffalo Zoo’s polar bears as well. With polar bear mating season right around the corner in early spring, Luna and … Continued

By Adam Gorski After a long, strenuous process, the Buffalo Zoo’s grounds team has reached a notable milestone on its work inside M&T Bank Rainforest Falls. After three years of foliage and branch removal up in the exhibit’s canopy, the … Continued

By Adam Gorski Buffalo’s first Black architect played an integral role in building the Buffalo Zoo perimeter into what it is today, and a mural dedicated to his legacy reminds us of the contributions he made both to the Zoo … Continued

By Adam Gorski Even polar bears at the Buffalo Zoo need a yearly checkup. Luna, the Buffalo Zoo’s 12-year-old female polar bear, had her physical exam last week, giving the Zoo’s veterinary team the chance to get an up close … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is excited to announce several major additions to our animal family this fall, highlighting the Zoo’s commitment to conservation and species preservation. Among the new arrivals is an impressive silverback gorilla, a new troop of four patas … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of a new female red panda! This 11-month-old, named Himalaya, has officially settled into her new home at the Zoo’s red panda habitat. She comes to Buffalo from the Greenville Zoo … Continued

Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will entertain, educate, and inspire! The Buffalo Zoo is thrilled to announce the debut of its all-new show, Canine Champions for Conservation performed by Stunt Dog Productions. Running now through Labor Day, this … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is proudly announcing its new Zoo for All program, a bold initiative offering significantly reduced admission rates for low-income families and individuals, effective April 15, 2024. The Zoo for All initiative is designed to ensure everyone has … Continued

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our male silverback western lowland gorilla, Koga, who died yesterday morning from a cardiac event. “We are all devastated by the loss of Koga,” said Lisa Smith, President … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo are pleased to announce the successful transfer of two rhinos between the two institutions. On October 3rd, Romeo, a four-year-old male Eastern black rhinoceros, left Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago IL, and moved … Continued

It’s finally time to give names to our new lion cubs. Earlier this month, during our annual gala, two generous donors stepped forward to name one of our female cubs and one of our male cubs. Now, we need the … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is thrilled to announce that the four lion cubs born June 2nd and 3rd are ready to make their public debut. These additions highlight our commitment to education, conservation, and the awe-inspiring world of wildlife. Since their birth, … Continued

The Board of Directors of the Zoological Society of Buffalo Inc. today announced the appointment of interim CEO Lisa Smith as the Buffalo Zoo’s new President/CEO. Smith was chief zoological officer when she was named the Zoo’s interim President/CEO in … Continued

Buffalo, N.Y. – Say hello to Buffalo Zoo’s new FAB FOUR! On June 2nd and 3rd, the Buffalo Zoo’s African Lion Pride grew when they welcomed the birth of four active lion cubs. All cubs were born to their mother … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is proud to announce that Interim President and CEO/Chief Zoological officer, Lisa Smith, has been selected for the prestigious The Association of Zoos and Aquariums‘ (AZA) Executive Leadership Development Program (EDLP). The EDLP focuses on development of … Continued

On your next visit to the Buffalo Zoo, say hello to our three new female American Plains bison. Arriving earlier this week, the new ladies hail from The Wilds, a zoological safari park outside of Columbus, Ohio. Born a little … Continued

All of us at the Buffalo Zoo continue to grieve alongside the families, friends, and loved ones affected by the horrific, racially motivated shooting in our community. We stand resolved to do all we can to root out racism and … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is implementing temporary proactive measures to protect avian species at the Zoo from highly pathogenic avian influenza. On your next visit to the Zoo, you’ll notice that many of our birds have been moved inside and that … Continued

Part of $200 million total commitment to arts & culture economic drivers in Southeast Michigan and WNY BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced today a $100 million commitment to transform the financial strength and long-term viability … Continued

We are deeply saddened to announce our 19-year-old African lion, Shona, was recently humanely euthanized due to deteriorating conditions from changes to her kidneys and liver that could no longer be treated medically.  Shona was born at the Como Park … Continued

On Saturday morning, at 3:29 a.m., our greater one-horned rhino Tashi gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! This is Tashi’s fifth calf but the first with our previous male George, who formerly lived here at the Zoo and now … Continued

Born to mother Lusaka and father Tiberius on March 7, 2021, the two African lion cubs finally have names. Members of the Buffalo Zoo community have selected Khari for the boy and Zahra for the girl as the names via an online … Continued

Born to mother Lusaka and father Tiberius on March 7, 2021, the two African lion cubs have been growing quickly the past two months and now it’s time to give them names. After revealing their genders to be a boy … Continued

Buffalo, N.Y. — The Buffalo Zoo is happy to announce the birth of two healthy lion cubs! Both cubs were born to mother Lusaka on March 7, 2021. The cub’s arrival day is extra special as they were born on … Continued

Buffalo, N.Y. – As the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs gear up to play in the AFC Championship game this Sunday, the Buffalo Zoo has teamed up with the Kansas City Zoo for a friendly wager to help … Continued

Buffalo N.Y. –  The Buffalo Zoo has teamed up with Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta, Ga.) and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Columbus, Ohio), to form a new gorilla troop located at Zoo Atlanta. Amari, the 10-year Western lowland gorilla, born at … Continued

Buffalo, N.Y. – Starting Monday, November 16, 2020, the Buffalo Zoo will be closed to the public every Monday through Thursday and open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The new operating hours are … Continued

We are heartbroken to share that Dallas, the California sea lion, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday night. Our veterinary and animal care teams had been closely monitoring and treating Dallas for a respiratory issue, and he seemed to be improving. … Continued

Unfortunately, in a year that has already been so very difficult and taken so much, we have some more sad news to share. Sampson, the giraffe, died yesterday due to complications following a medical procedure. Recently, Sampson had developed a … Continued

The Albright-Knox’s Public Art Initiative recently announced a new mural by Buffalo-based artist James Cooper III, depicting John E. Brent, Buffalo’s first African American architect, will be installed at the Buffalo Zoo. Cooper produces colorful and evocative abstract works for … Continued

This past week, 4-year-old African lion, Roary, made his way to his new home at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio.  At the Columbus Zoo, Roary will join a female lion named Kazi and have the opportunity to … Continued

After closing in March due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the Buffalo Zoo will re-open on Thursday, July 2, 2020, with enhanced health and safety measures in place to protect guests, team members, and animals alike. The Buffalo Zoo Safe … Continued

As an AZA-accredited organization, we collaborate with other zoos and aquariums to share information and incorporate best practices into our important work at the Buffalo Zoo. We also follow the guidance of several federal, state and local government agencies and … Continued

Dear Friends of the Buffalo Zoo, I hope this message finds you safe and healthy. I’m writing to share that despite these uncertain times good things are happening in our Buffalo Zoo Community. We continue to stay resilient and relish … Continued

Dear Friends of the Buffalo Zoo, So many of us are grappling with sudden changes to our everyday lives. All of us here at the Zoo hope you are staying safe, staying healthy and staying positive. Your Buffalo Zoo is … Continued

Dear Buffalo Zoo Community: Because nothing is more important than the health and safety of our guests, team members, and animals, the Buffalo Zoo is temporarily closed beginning Saturday, March 14 through Saturday, March 28, 2020. We believe this is … Continued

Dear Buffalo Zoo Community: Like you, all of us at the Buffalo Zoo is monitoring the rapidly evolving situation surrounding COVID-19, commonly known as novel coronavirus 2019. The safety of the beloved animals in our care and you, our valued … Continued

Though many of the fires have subsided, the widespread damage from the massive bushfires in Australia remains. Experts say over one billion animals, some who are only found in Australia, have died in the blazes. As recovery efforts continue, the … Continued

Buffalo, N.Y. – On Friday, December 13, 2019, Zhanna the Amur tiger will make her public debut at the Buffalo Zoo. Zhanna is 11 years old and came to the Buffalo Zoo from the Bronx Zoo in Bronx, New York. … Continued

Through community fundraising events throughout 2019, the Buffalo Zoo has raised $13,500 to support the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) expansion of the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in Indonesia. In Indonesia, fewer than 80 Sumatran rhinos remain. The species is likely now … Continued

On Friday, May 24, 2019, the Buffalo Zoo will open to the public the newly renovated Donna M. Fernandes Amphibian and Reptile Center. The exhibit will feature over 40 amphibians and reptiles, including the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard … Continued

During “APE-RIL” the Buffalo Zoo along with six community partners have joined more than 25 zoos and aquariums across the nation to collect and recycle unused cell phones, small electronic devices, and battery chargers. The Buffalo Zoo is a proud … Continued

Update 3/21/19: The Buffalo Zoo said farewell to Agnes on Thursday, March 21, 2019.  Her quality of life was in steep decline and it was determined by an expert team that euthanasia was the best course of action. It is … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo will be closed tomorrow, Sunday, January 20, 2019 as we recover from the winter storm and power outage. Please know our backup power systems are running and teams are onsite. None of this would be possible without … Continued

Two-year-old African lion, Tobias has been relocated to the Denver Zoo, where he will join three female lions. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Buffalo Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) … Continued

Norah Fletchall, Buffalo Zoo President and CEO, has been appointed to serve on the Accreditation Commission for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). As a voting Commissioner of the Accreditation Commission, Fletchall, along with 11 other leaders in the … Continued

Our top priority is to consistently give our animals the best possible care. Your support allows us to provide exceptional veterinary care to 1,000+ residents in all stages of life. On this Giving Tuesday, I’d like to tell you about … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo has accomplished another successful artificial insemination (AI) of its greater one-horned rhinoceros, Tashi who is expected to give birth in Summer 2019. In 2014, the Buffalo Zoo made history as the first organization to use artificial insemination … Continued

What elephants reside at the Audubon Zoo? Jothi (age 36) and Surapa (age 35) will join Jean (age 45) and Panya (age 54). What are the key features of the elephant exhibit at the Audubon Zoo? Watch a video here: … Continued

Our two Asian elephants Jothi (age 36) and Surapa (age 35) will be moving to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, La this Fall. The Buffalo Zoo made the decision because we have a responsibility to make sure all of … Continued

Buffalo, New York — Because the current and future welfare of the animals is the Zoo’s top priority, the Buffalo Zoo announced today that its two Asian elephants Jothi (age 36) and Surapa (age 35) will be moving to the … Continued

By Christian Dobosiewicz, Communications Manager Have you ever been in an argument with your parents or siblings? It might be difficult at times but hopefully, apologies are made, and you can forgive each other. Just like humans, our animals have … Continued

By Mindy Ussrey, Elephant Manager Well, actually, every season is spa season inside the elephant barn. Taking care of the elephants’ feet is a year-round task for the keepers. Elephants spend 90% of their day on their feet (they do … Continued

Preschool Graduation, Buffalo Zoo By Anna Ileto, Early Childhood Program Specialist On June 7th and 8th, 2018, our preschoolers proudly marched to Pomp and Circumstance at the Sunken Garden to receive their certificate of completion. The garden was beautifully decorated … Continued

With this weekend’s expected heat wave the Buffalo Zoo would like to invite guests to beat the heat and visit the Zoo with discounted admission. This weekend’s admission prices are as follows: Adult Admission: $9.00 Senior Admission: $7.00 Child Admission: … Continued

Last week the Buffalo Zoo said goodbye to Delilah the four-year-old giant anteater and later this week Nico the Zoos’ one-year-old ocelot will depart as well. Delilah, who came to Buffalo in 2015 from the Palm Beach Zoo in West … Continued

Construction is underway and this Memorial Day Weekend the Buffalo Zoo will open its newest exhibit, Boomerang Island. This temporary interactive exhibit is only here for the summer and will feature more than 300 birds native to the Australian Outback. … Continued

By Melissa King The Buffalo Zoo is home to a breeding pair of cinereous (or Eurasian black) vultures.  The male is named Vladimir and the female Czari.  They are both twenty-eight years old and have been at the zoo since … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo, joined by Senator Chris Jacobs, is proud to announce the beginning of construction on the Donna M. Fernandes Amphibian and Reptile Center (A.R.C.). This 3.7-million-dollar project, which started in 2015, is now ready to break ground and … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is excited to announce the introduction this weekend and through winter break of two female Canada lynx to the Garman Family Arctic Edge presented by TOPS Friendly Markets.    The sisters, named Rosie and Hazel, come to the … Continued

After spending some time apart, the Buffalo Zoo has reunited polar bears, Luna and Sakari, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Luna and Sakari were separated in mid-October as the denning season started.  Although it was not expected that Luna … Continued

The Buffalo Zoo is excited to announce the addition of a new male snow leopard. With the new year off to a fast and cold start, what better time to announce the arrival of an animal that is right at … Continued

By Dr. Kurt Volle What do ants, birds, jackfruit, leaf-nosed bats, guapote fish and triatomine bugs have in common?  They are all things that are encountered during the two weeks students spend in the biologically diverse country of Costa Rica … Continued

In the spirit of friendly competition and to celebrate the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars NFL playoff berths for the first time in many years, the Buffalo Zoo has teamed up with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for a friendly … Continued

By Megan Monaco The Arctic fox is one of the most adorable animals that live in one of the harshest climates in the world, the Arctic tundra.  Here at the Buffalo Zoo, we have four male arctic foxes. The three … Continued