Buffalo Zoo
Discover diverse wildlife, from polar bears to red pandas, at the historic Buffalo Zoo, America's third-oldest zoo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Buffalo Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse wildlife, from polar bears to red pandas, at the historic Buffalo Zoo, America's third-oldest zoo.
"A nice place to spend a few hours, especially with kids, with a good variety of animals to see."
🎒 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Outside food and drinks are generally allowed, so pack your favorites to save money! :apple:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the entire zoo. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Polar Bears
Arctic Edge
Watch these magnificent creatures swim and play in their cool habitat. A definite crowd-pleaser!
Red Panda Cubs
Red Panda Exhibit
Adorable red panda cubs are a recent highlight, offering a glimpse into conservation efforts.
Zoomagination Lantern Festival
Throughout the Zoo
Experience the zoo transformed by magical lanterns, often with themed displays like dinosaurs.
Greater One-Horned Rhinos
Rhino Exhibit
See these impressive rhinos and learn about conservation efforts for endangered species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Special Events & Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Outside food and drinks are generally allowed, so pack your favorites to save money! :apple:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the entire zoo. :athletic_shoe:
💡 Check Event Schedules
Look out for special events like Zoomagination for a unique nighttime experience. :sparkles:
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the animals and the beautiful lantern displays. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Outside food and drinks are generally allowed, so pack your favorites to save money! :apple:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the entire zoo. :athletic_shoe:
💡 Check Event Schedules
Look out for special events like Zoomagination for a unique nighttime experience. :sparkles:
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the animals and the beautiful lantern displays. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Info
Parking is available, but can fill up quickly during peak times and special events. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Buffalo Zoo to be a pleasant place for a few hours of exploration, especially with children, appreciating the variety of animals and the cleanliness of the grounds. However, some express concerns about animal welfare, particularly regarding the suitability of exhibits for the climate and observed animal behaviors.
"Had a good time at the Buffalo Zoo!
It’s a nice place to spend a few hours, especially with kids. The grounds are clean and well-kept, and there’s a good variety of animals to see.
Some exhibits could use a little updating, but overall it’s a fun and educational experience.
Would definitely visit again!"
Muhammad Λ.
"This zoo may be small in size but it is really nice. They have so many cool animals like Hyenas, Snow Monkeys, Seals, Polar Bears and of course Buffalo, as well as so much more. The Hyena I saw was so cute. Also apparently I went there while they were celebrating their 150th anniversary so there were a bunch of big light up displays and animal figures. I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area. It is a lot of fun."
willku9000
"I have to say my favorite was the polar bear. He was active and so cute ! Very clean zoo. The baby goat are clean. I literally have nothing bad to say about this zoo. It wasn't even crowded. At the time when we visited they has beautiful lantern art up as well which we loved. The giraffe was also a highlight for my kids as well. Mostly learning g some cool fun facts from the staff made it even more cool. Definitely loved how educational and fast given the staff was throughout."
Irina Sumrajit
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Buffalo Zoo is located at 300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214. It's accessible by car, and public transportation options are available. Many visitors find driving to be the most convenient way to reach the zoo.
Yes, the Buffalo Zoo offers parking for visitors. It can get busy, especially during special events like Zoomagination, so arriving early is recommended.
Check with the NFTA (Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority) for current bus routes that service the area around the Buffalo Zoo. Schedules can vary, so it's best to check their website or app for the most up-to-date information.
The zoo is generally accessible, with paved pathways throughout most of the grounds. It's always a good idea to check with the zoo directly for specific accessibility details regarding exhibits and facilities.
Yes, ride-sharing services and taxis can drop off visitors at the main entrance. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or worry about parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, especially for special events like Zoomagination. It's best to check the official Buffalo Zoo website for the most current pricing for general admission and any special exhibits.
Buffalo Zoo hours can change seasonally and for special events. Always check the official Buffalo Zoo website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
For general admission, it's often recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to save time. For popular events like Zoomagination, advance purchase is highly advised as they can sell out.
Yes, the Buffalo Zoo offers various membership options that can provide benefits like free admission for a year and discounts. This can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple times.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages into the Buffalo Zoo. This is a tip frequently shared by visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Buffalo Zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, including polar bears, red pandas, rhinos, lions, seals, and various reptiles and birds. You can see animals like hyenas, snow monkeys, and even buffalo!
Absolutely! The Buffalo Zoo is a fantastic place for kids, with a petting zoo area and engaging exhibits. Many visitors highlight it as a great family-friendly destination. +1
Zoomagination is a popular annual lantern festival held at the Buffalo Zoo, transforming the grounds with illuminated displays, often featuring themes like dinosaurs or underwater worlds. It's a magical nighttime event. 
The zoo occasionally offers keeper talks and educational programs. Check the daily schedule upon arrival or on their website for any scheduled presentations during your visit.
The zoo is medium-sized, so a few hours should be sufficient to see most exhibits. Planning your route or focusing on specific areas of interest can help maximize your time.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Buffalo Zoo has concessions offering snacks, drinks, and some meal options. Some visitors have noted unique items like donut burgers and buffalo chicken pizza.
Yes, bringing your own food and non-alcoholic beverages is a common practice and recommended by visitors to save money and have more choices.
Yes, the area around the Buffalo Zoo has various dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, if you prefer to eat outside the zoo.
During special events like Zoomagination, a beer garden is often available, offering a chance to enjoy a drink while taking in the illuminated displays.
Concessions usually offer typical zoo fare like hot dogs, burgers, fries, popcorn, and ice cream, alongside some unique seasonal specials.
📸 📸 Photography
The polar bear exhibit, red panda enclosures, and the various lantern displays during Zoomagination offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of any signage regarding flash photography, as it can disturb the animals.
Absolutely! The Zoomagination Lantern Festival creates a magical atmosphere perfect for photography, with unique illuminated scenes. +1
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're interested in wildlife photography, a telephoto lens can be helpful for capturing animals from a distance.
While general photography is permitted, professional photography or videography may require special permits. Always check the zoo's policies if you plan on extensive shoots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to pack snacks and drinks, as outside food is generally permitted, which can be a lifesaver with hungry children.
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples & Date Nights
+1 The combination of enchanting lights and a relaxed atmosphere makes for a special experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Zoomagination Lantern Festival
+1 The festival features intricate, glowing lanterns that create a breathtaking spectacle, making it a unique way to experience the zoo. This event is not just about visual appeal; it's an opportunity to see the zoo in a completely different light, quite literally. The lanterns are often accompanied by ambient music and themed decorations, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
While the cost is separate from general admission, many visitors find it well worth the price for the enchanting experience. Pro-tip: Check the Buffalo Zoo's official website for specific dates, themes, and ticket information for Zoomagination, as it typically runs for a limited engagement during the summer or fall months.
Animal Welfare Concerns
These observations highlight a common challenge for zoos: balancing the needs of animals with the expectations of visitors and the realities of climate. While the zoo aims to provide enriching environments, the effectiveness of these environments for specific species, especially in varying weather conditions, can be a point of discussion.
Despite these concerns, many visitors still have positive experiences, praising the zoo's cleanliness, the variety of animals, and the educational aspects.
+2Exploring the Exhibits
The zoo also boasts a vibrant Red Panda exhibit, which has recently welcomed adorable cubs, adding to the charm and conservation focus. +1Beyond these popular attractions, you can encounter a variety of other species. The Rhino exhibit showcases impressive greater-one-horned rhinos, and the zoo participates in conservation efforts for these endangered animals.
+1 Visitors can also see lions, seals, snow monkeys, hyenas, and a wide array of birds and reptiles. The zoo's layout makes it manageable to explore most exhibits within a few hours, making it an ideal destination for a half-day outing. For younger visitors, the petting zoo area offers a hands-on experience with gentle farm animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit