What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 4pm Sunday 9am - 4pm

Buttonwood Park Zoo

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New Bedford, MA
Buttonwood Park Zoo

Buttonwood Park Zoo is your nature connection! Come visit one of the finest small zoos in the USA

Buttonwood Park Zoo's page is created and maintained by the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society.

03/07/2025

Weekend forecast: 100% chance of snuggles.

Hutch and Sylvie got some quiet time this week while the kittens were off playing on their own. Parents, can you relate?

📸: Keeper Kate

03/05/2025

Healthy feet, happy elephant!

This week, Emily, our Asian elephant, received her feet examinations. Our BPZOO veterinarian and care team performed radiographs of her feet to monitor Emily’s foot health.

Other than age-related changes, Emily is in great health, and enjoyed the snacks and attention while allowing our team to get some great images of her feet.

03/04/2025

Gum time!

Our bearded emperor tamarins enjoy foraging for gum daily. Similar to tree sap, gum is an essential component of their diet.

In the rainforests of South America, bearded emperor tamarins use the tree holes made by other tamarin species to gather the gum, talk about smart gathering!

📸: Keeper Amanda

03/03/2025

So. Much. Fun!

Yesterday’s Fishbowl fundraiser was absolutely amazing, thanks to YOU! Because of your generosity and support, we raised over $22,000 for wildlife conservation and education!

We’re beyond grateful for everyone who participated, donated, and made the event such a success. Your support makes a real difference, and we can’t thank you enough!

03/02/2025

Mark your calendars, our Bunny Brunches returns in April!

Join us at BPZOO’s Bunny Brunch during three timed slots on April 12th, 13th, and 19th for a fun-filled morning featuring:

A delicious brunch spread
Photos with the Easter Bunny
Facepainting and animal encounters

Reserve your tickets: https://www.bpzoo.org/whats-new/bunny-brunch/

03/01/2025

The Golden-headed Lion Tamarin calls Brazil home, but with only 2-5% of its original habitat left, this species is in serious danger.

With fewer than 60 in human care across just 20 AZA-accredited zoos, including BPZOO, these tiny primates could disappear in our lifetime. Conservation efforts matter now more than ever!

Be sure to stop by and say hello to Golden-headed lion tamarins in the Rainforests, Rivers, and Reefs building the next time you visit!

02/28/2025

Fist Bumps & Friendly Faces Wanted! 🦭👊

If you love people (and maybe the occasional seal), we’ve got a spot for you! Our Guest Services team is hiring for café, gift store, rides, and front desk employees.

Reach out to [email protected] for more information on these positions.

02/27/2025

Signs of Spring!

Moose and Oona are shaking off their winter slumber!

While they don’t fully hibernate, they spend the colder months in a state of torpor, lowering their activity and conserving energy. With yesterday's warmer weather, they were out and about, enjoying the fresh air!

After a quiet few months, it was wonderful to see them exploring their yard again.

02/26/2025

That little howl 🥰

While Coyotes are not endangered, Molly's story has a special place at BPZOO. Molly came to us in 2015 after her mother was unfortunately hit by a car in Texas. A wildlife rehabilitator performed an emergency Cesarean on the side of the road after realizing the female was pregnant, and BPZOO rescued and rehabilitated Molly from a perilous situation.

9 years later, Molly has been thriving at BPZOO and is an incredible ambassador of her species. Learn more about Molly and coyotes, and create a coyote-inspired work of art his weekend during our Creature Creations on Saturday, March 1 at 12:30pm.

Get tickets: https://www.bpzoo.org/whats-new/creature-creations/

02/25/2025

This week, the zoo might look different as we take Avian Flu precautions for our animals.

Our birds and waterfowl are mostly relocated for safety, including our Argentine Ruddy Ducks, which are now located in the Rainforest, Rivers & Reefs. You can now see them diving as they explore their temporary new home.

We appreciate your patience during this time!

02/24/2025

44° in February hits differently in New England.

This Wednesday, we're preparing for the warmest temperatures this year. As the temperature breaks 50° we're opening the carousel on Wednesday from 11-2pm.

Hope to see you there!

02/23/2025

That basking glow.

This week, we might see the return of 50 degrees! Who else is ready for this week's warmer weather? 🙋‍♀️

02/22/2025

Hello... is it you, the Weekend?

The weekend is here, the sun is shining, and we're open from 9-4:00pm. Come by and say hello!

02/21/2025

Current mood: 😳

We just registered our final team for next week's Fishbowl Fundraiser and are now at capacity!

We are so thankful to the 40 registered teams to help us continue our wildlife conservation and education mission. You are all the best!

Start practicing, stretch out those muscles, and get your team costumes together. We can't wait to see you on Sunday, March 2nd, at Wonderbowl!

02/20/2025

When there's a popcorn-themed enrichment, you just need to dig in!

Marie and Jacob, our Red Pandas, got some fun popcorn themed enrichment this week.

📸: Keeper Amanda

02/19/2025

We want to thank the entire BPZOO community for their kind words and support following the sudden passing last week of Blue, our beloved 21-year-old harbor seal.

We have received the results of Blue’s diagnostic testing. Blue succumbed to complications from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as “avian flu.” Blue likely contracted the virus through contact with an infected wild bird.

Avian flu continues to affect a range of wild and domesticated animal populations, including residents at zoos across the country, so the recent event at BPZOO is, regrettably, far from unique.

Rest assured that there is no risk to BPZOO visitors, and Blue’s habitat-mates, Conway and Luna, remain in good health. They were separated from Blue as soon as symptoms appeared, and BPZOO had already taken proactive steps to reduce the risk of HPAI, including removing public duck feeders and relocating vulnerable species in areas behind the scenes.

Our veterinary and animal care teams continue to monitor all BPZOO residents closely, and our team is following strict protective protocols to prevent cross-contamination between species. Thank you all for your patience, well wishes, and understanding.

02/18/2025

Oh, Molly 🥰

Mark your calendar for March's Creature Creations on Saturday, March 1 at 12:30-1:30pm. Come learn about coyotes, meet Molly, and create a wildlife-inspired painting!

Learn more:https://www.bpzoo.org/whats-new/creature-creations/

02/16/2025

Make BPZOO Part of Your February Vacation Fun!

Kick off the week with the Toe Jam Puppet Band! On Monday (Presidents’ Day), catch two lively performances at 10AM & 11:30 AM.

Plus enjoy
Daily Keeper chats, meet the animals & learn from our expert staff!
The Bear’s Den Café is open from 11 AM - 3 PM for snacks & lunch.
Carousel rides (weather permitting) for extra fun!

Bonus: Our newly renovated restrooms are officially open!

Come explore and learn about conservation and wildlife at BPZOO this February vacation!

Address

425 Hawthorn Street
New Bedford, MA
02740

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm
Sunday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

+15089914556

Website

http://www.bpzoo.org/

Alerts

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Videos

Oh deer😍 Not impressed with snowmen, but thrilled the sun now sets past 5:00pm! Who else is excited to see longer days?! 📸Keeper Steph, Keeper Angela . #whitetaildeer #deer #winter #zoo #newbedford

Name a better duo 🦭 Keeper Amanda and BPZOO keepers train our Atlantic harbor seals three times a day, including a recent session reinforcing maintenance behaviors and retrieval behaviors! If you time your visit right you might be able to see these training sessions. Look for them in the morning, afternoon, and right before close. . #zoo #newbedford #seal #atlanticharborseal #zookeeper #animal #marinemammal

Gotta catch ‘em all! ❄️ Dunkin tries to catch every snowflake during a light flurry on December. Here’s hoping we get some more snow this winter! . #riverotter #otter #zoo #newbedford #massachusetts

Enrichment boxes hit the spot for Hutch, our male Canada lynx! . 📷 Keeper Angela . #canadalynx #enrichment #zoo #newbedford #sputhcoast #animal

We could watch these Canada lynx kittens play all day. 😍. 📸: Keeper Angela . #zoo #canadalynx #newbedford #kittens

BPZOO staff is incredibly touched by the outpouring of sympathy and support since the passing of Ruth. One question keeps emerging- how is Emily? . #elephant #asianelephant #zoo #newbedford

Rest in peace, Ruthie ❤️

Santa’s coming early 🎅 This weekend, Pictures with Santa at BPZOO! Saturday and Sundays Dec 7, 8, 14, 15 from 10-1:45pm. Reserve your time slot, bring your own device, and capture a photo with Santa. Visit:https://www.bpzoo.org/whats-new/pictures-with-santa/ . #santa #zoo #newbedford #southcoast #thingstodowithkids

Being a BPZOO member is “otter” this world! Save 25% off BPZOO memberships this Black Friday! Shop in person or use the code FRIYAY25 when shopping online. As a BPZOO member, enjoy: · Discounts in the North Woods Gift Store · Discounts on ride tickets · Discounts at the Bear’s Den Café. · Member-only pricing on special events and programs · Free or discounted admission to more than 100 zoos and aquariums nationwide! Get your memberships today: https://bpzoo.ticketapp.org/portal/pages/new_bedford_resident_memberships . #blackfriday #newbedford #zoo #membership #southcoast #otters #otter

This Thanksgiving, Mealworm stuffing, anyone? #thanksgiving #zoo #newbedford

Beaver Moon tonight! 🌕 Starting at 4:29 PM, catch the last supermoon of the year as the moon briefly appears larger and brighter, nearing the closest point of its elliptical orbit. Why is it called the Beaver Moon? This nickname, rooted in Native American and European traditions, marks the November month when beavers work tirelessly to fortify their dams for winter. This might explain why our little beaver kits were working so hard this week move wood around their habitat! (A little secret: That wood, could be yours during our upcoming ArtGonewild Auction!) . #beavermoon #beaver #northamerican #newbedford #southcoast #animal #moon #supermoon

Shortcuts

Our Story

As the 12th oldest Zoo in the country, the Buttonwood Park Zoo has delighted and enlightened millions of visitors over its more than a century existence. We are dedicated to preserving the future of wildlife by creating engaging and educational experiences that connect the community to the natural world.

The Buttonwood Park Zoo has proudly been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2003. We are one of only 236 accredited zoos and aquariums across the United States. In order to be accredited, the Zoo undergoes a rigorous inspection by a team of zoological professionals. During this inspection, which occurs every five years, a detailed assessment and review of all aspects of the institutions’ operations occurs in the following categories: animal collection, animal welfare, animal management, veterinary care, governing authority, staff, support organization, finances, physical facilities, safety and security, guest services and our involvement in education, conservation and research. Our accreditation is your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.

The Buttonwood Park Zoo is a local treasure in the community that not only serves to create long-lasting memories, but has become a conservation-based center focused on preserving important species and the habitats they call home. We are open year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Stop in for a visit and see why we are the most visited attraction in the SouthCoast.