Buttonwood Park Zoo
Buttonwood Park Zoo things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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JosJos
2950
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LillyLilly
120
Buttonwood Park Zoo June 5, 2022 I visited the zoo with a free Wareham library pass and it was a beautiful sunny day, I couldn't of asked YHWH for more beautiful weather. It was the perfect day for a zoo visit. It wasn't too busy with guests so it wasn't crowded. There was 2 birthday parties going on in the building when I was there, but at different times. I find that to be a wonderful idea for parents, the kids were having a blast at the zoo. I arrived at 10:30am and some of the animals were still resting, sleeping or not yet active for viewing. Around 11:30am-12:00pm the zookeepers were feeding them so I decided to walk around the zoo a couple more times to see if I could see the animals I missed from walking around the first time around. Luckily I got to see them all. I like this zoo because it's small and it's perfect for small children because its not an excessive amount of walking. I do however wish that they had more animals to see. My ultimate favorite is the moon jellyfish located in the tropical building a mask is required to enter. The moon jellyfish are just simply exquisite, unique and amazing. Watching them swim around in a circle together and how they glow and breathe. It's an amazing feeling being able to see underwater life on the surface of the earth. The other amazing under the sea creature was the orange starfish with the purple background it was artistic and beautiful display. That starfish liked to pose for the perfect picture. The seahorses were adorable clinging to plants and hanging out in their tank. I love opossums and I was hoping that he would be on display, but he doesn't have his own habitat he is only visable for shows. Overall I had a wonderful time. I got a cookie ice cream sandwich at the cafe and I stopped by the gift shop on the way out and bought a small opossum and a Buttonwood Park Zoo t-shirt. All the zoo staff is helpful, professional, and friendly. I definitely will visit this quaint adorable zoo again in the future. Highly recommend for ALL ages! Go and have a Zoo-Terrific Time!
Sandy AtkinsonSandy Atkinson
00
If you’re considering supporting this zoo, I urge you to think twice. This facility has a long, documented history of neglect and mistreatment of its animals, with Ruth the elephant being a heartbreaking example. Here’s what your money supports: • Years of Neglect: Ruth endured severe physical and emotional suffering under their care. Veterinary records show she was prescribed off-label medications that harmed her, without proper reevaluation. • Employee Whistleblowing: Even their own employees exposed the mistreatment, risking their jobs to bring the truth to light. • Global Shame: This zoo has been flagged as one of the worst globally for elephant care, consistently failing to meet basic standards for animal welfare. • Profit Over Care: While Ruth and other animals suffered, the focus was on expanding enclosures for exotic animals not native to this area—purely for financial gain and public attraction. This is not just about one elephant; it’s about a pattern of abuse, neglect, and prioritizing profit over the welfare of living, sentient beings. When you visit, your money directly funds a business that puts animals in unsafe, unhealthy, and unnatural conditions. There are better ways to educate children and enjoy wildlife than by supporting a facility that has failed so profoundly to care for its animals. Please consider where your dollars are going and the message you’re sending by giving your support. Ruth deserved so much better. Don’t let more animals suffer the same fate.
Leanne ManningLeanne Manning
00
One of my favorite zoos and parks in New England! A smaller, local zoo with some larger animals like elephants and bison. Perfect for families and couples. The zoo is an excellent way to start the day, followed by a walk around the gorgeous, surrounding park. I happily make the drives for some of their educational and child-friendly events. The zoo was not busy the last time we went on a sunny July weekend. The zoo is fun to walk around. Easy to navigate with only a few one-way trails. Accessible pathways and building entrances. This zoo is AZA-accredited. The keepers are knowledgeable and take care of the animals. The zoo has supported conservation efforts locally as well, including bobcats, cougars, and the recent additions bobcat kittens. They are also making improvements to its education department, which includes a new Animal Ambassador building. I wish there were more plaques or information spots mentioning their conservation efforts, aside from newsletters, so it can highlight the amazing word that they and other accredited facilities do! Bathrooms and the cafe are towards the center of the zoo. Plenty of free parking is available right out front. There is also a small loop for people to be dropped off. Tickets can be purchased online or at the zoo. There are discounts for New Bedford residents, students, and older adults. The zoo is also part of the AZA reciprocity program. Ticket prices range between $0 (for kids under the age of 3) and $10 (for non-resident adults).
Jenny LauJenny Lau
00
Oldie but Goodie!! Old and kinda scary on the outside, but very updated and nice on the inside. A cool variety of animals big and small in species appropriate exhibits, including the indoor rainforest and reefs exhibit, which is awesome! The indoor rainforest and reefs exhibit has 4 rainforest exhibits with mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish, all living together in natural and beautiful floor to ceiling habitats, and on the other side of the room there's 6 tanks with a nice assortment of fish in them and a touch pool. In all this zoo is very nice and I think underrated. Also the 2 Asian Elephants they have are not in a bad place!(as some animal activists have said) They are elderly which makes them look skinny and they could never be taken from their home where they've lived for almost their entire lives. When we were there they got spooked by a truck and their caretakers came running to comfort them and calm them down, it was proof that they need stay there until they pass away. They also have a big area with toys and enrichment if they want it!
KINKOKEEPERKINKOKEEPER
00
Nearby Attractions Of Buttonwood Park Zoo
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Down To Earth Natural Foods
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Nearby Restaurants Of Buttonwood Park Zoo
Celia's Restaurant
Salonika House Of Pizza
Grand Wok Restaurant
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Hazuki Kitchen
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Domino's Pizza
Honey Dew Donuts
Dunkin'
Subway
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Salonika House Of Pizza
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Grand Wok Restaurant
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Wings Over New Bedford
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Map
Phone
(508) 991-4556
Call
Website
bpzoo.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(1.4K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
entertainment
family friendly
Description
The Buttonwood Park Zoo, located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is a zoo located in the center of Buttonwood Park. Opened in 1894, it is the third-oldest zoo in New England and the 12th-oldest zoo in the United States.
attractions: Buttonwood Park, Down To Earth Natural Foods, restaurants: Celia's Restaurant, Salonika House Of Pizza, Grand Wok Restaurant, Wings Over New Bedford, Hazuki Kitchen, China Star, Domino's Pizza, Honey Dew Donuts, Dunkin', Subway
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