Looking back on 2025 at the Buffalo Zoo

By Adam Gorski

We were proud to celebrate the 150th year of the Buffalo Zoo throughout 2025 with all the people who help make the Zoo the center for wildlife and conservation it is.

As look back on the year that was, we want to highlight some of the memories, achievements and more that stand out most!

Whether it was new arrivals big and small, integral conservation work or entertaining events for everyone, here’s a look back at some of the highlights from our 150th year in 2025.

January

• Celebrated western lowland gorilla Babatunde’s 19th birthday and first in Buffalo on Jan. 11

February

• Celebrated our annual Polar Bear Days with discounted admission and plenty of fun activities during President’s Day week
• Announced the arrival of a new emerald tree monitor in Amphibian & Reptile Center, the first to ever reside at the Buffalo Zoo

March

• The arrival of male Amur tiger Sungari was announced on March 7. He is the first male tiger to reside at the Buffalo Zoo since 2011.
• Announced the arrival of female snow leopard Milja on March 19, who came on a recommendation to breed with our male snow leopard, Altai.

April

• Celebrated Easter with our Bunny Treat Tail on April 12 & 13.
• Hosted our first Third Thursday free day thanks to our friends at M&T Bank on April 17.

May

• Welcomed male ocelot kitten Luca into the world on May 13 and he was announced just over a week later. It marked another success for our Rainforest team in conservation and breeding the species.
• Celebrated our 150th Birthday Bash pres. by Wegmans on May 31, highlighted by a massive cake, activities, keeper talks and more!

June

• Welcomed back dog trainers Brandon and Samantha for the Canine Champions for Conservation Dog Show.
• Sent over 1,500 tadpoles to Puerto Rico as part of our ongoing conservation effort to help save the Puerto Rican crested toad.
• Wines in the Wild returned to the Buffalo Zoo in sold out fashion on June 18.
• The arrival of male North American river otter Cedrick was announced on June 25. He came on a Species Survival Plan recommendation to breed with our female otters, Mindy and Poppy.

July

• More Amur tiger news was revealed on July 2, as we announced that female Ash had arrived in Buffalo on a Species Survival Plan recommendation to breed with Sungari.
• Ocelot kitten Luca had his first checkup early in July and soon thereafter became a social media star, with photos and videos from the routine exam garnering over 10 million views across all platforms.
• The return of Art Gone Wild featured a night full of creativity and animal art across our campus on July 26.
• Summer nights full of dazzling lights kicked off on July 30 with the first date of our Zoomagination Lantern Festival.

August

• M&T Bank Rainforest Falls added a new resident with the announcement of female howler monkey Rio on Aug. 13.
• A fun new attraction for all ages was opened on Aug. 28 in our Wild Explorer VR Experience in M&T Bank Rainforest Falls.

September

• Announced the birth of our female red panda cub, Joy, on Sept. 3. She was born on June 15 to mom Himalaya and dad Mogwai.
• Celebrated in style and supported conservation at our annual Rendezvous in the Zoo “RITZ” Gala pres. by the Yurtchuk Foundation on Sept. 6.
• Detailed the incredible work the Zoo is doing to save the critically endangered cora mud turtle through an insurance colony on our grounds and research conducted by our expert team.
• We had another adorable arrival to announce on Sept. 12 in the form of our second female red panda cub, Henny. She arrived through a partnership with Binder Park Zoo to grow up alongside Joy.

October

• Donned our favorite cowboy hats and boots when we hosted our first ever Brew at the Zoo: Country Night pres. by USI Insurance on Oct. 17.
• Celebrated spooky season right with our Boo at the Zoo trick-or-treat events on Oct. 18 and 25.

November

• The Zoo transformed into a winter wonderland on Nov. 10 when the first snow of the season covered our grounds.
• Our red panda cubs Henny and Joy moved outside in mid-November, and were soon exploring and climbing all around their outdoor habitat.

December

• Santa Claus himself came to the Zoo for a few mornings of holiday fun at our annual Breakfast with Santa event.
• M&T Bank Rainforest Falls got another new face with the announcement of a new male giant anteater named Tupi on Dec. 17.

Thank you for all of your support in 2025, and we can’t wait for all the excitement that 2026 will bring!