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    The Buffalo Zoo

    3.5 (220 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    The Buffalo Zoo Photos

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    Sea lion
    Donna W.

    Great fall day for a visit to the Zoo the 3rd Thursday is a free day and had many people there without being crowded. We went around noon little chilly but warmed up. Animals were taking naps but the sea lions were swimming around their tank. Got to take a picture with my favorite the polar bear of course he was sleeping! They had some decorations for fall and Halloween they have a booze and country night on Friday and the next 2 Saturday having things planned for kids for Halloween looks like fun. They had a burger place opened my daughter got a cheeseburger with cheese, lettuce,tomato she said it was good I forgot to take a picture but did look good! Nice afternoon at the Zoo!

    An American Bison standing in a pool
    Margery Z.

    The Buffalo Zoo is just a shadow of itself. Today was the last free day to visit. There were lots of families and school groups, but there is a lot of space at the zoo, so it was never crowded at any exhibit we were trying to see. The elephant house is currently empty as it is being retrofitted for the black rhino. The elephants have gone to a sanctuary to spend the rest of their days. The long building that housed reptiles in one section, lions and tigers in another and three gorillas and other primates in another is no longer a continuous "path". One used to be able to start at one end on the long building and walk through to the other end, looking at many different critters. Now sections are closed necessitating going in one building, then out, then in another as though these building are now all separate structures. The mountain goat island has very few goats. The hyena seems to be alone in its enclosure. Ditto for several other species. There are two polar bears, although they were each napping at opposite sides of their enclosure. We never found the lions and tigers. The arrow pointing to the path to see the giraffes was blocked off. There are two American Bald Eagles and two vultures. I saw only geese in the aviary. Most of the birds and animals that were supposed to be in the Rainforest building were not there. No brightly colored birds. It is not inexpensive to go to the Zoo; I wish there were more animals to see.

    Sean G.

    The Buffalo Zoo is great for the family. The cleanliness is descent but I feel it could be a bit better. The animals are great and always doing something different whenever I go. Be sure to visit the Zoo and check out the animals. I personally love the hyenas and the Aardvark. Enjoy your time.

    Brandon G.

    Honestly, it was a good visit for the most part, and we had a great weather day. I love the Zoo-magination lantern festival overlay that is on during the summer. It brings a lot more to do and look at. When it's not up, it sometimes seems very empty and like it's missing something. But I understand it's a park setting with animals on exhibit so that makes sense. Even with it being a smaller zoo, there is still a good amount to look at and do. Most of the exhibits are good and the animals seem to have a good space to move around. There is a fun new dog show happening there which was nice to see. We saw a lot of animals out and that is always a hit with kids especially being able to see all the animals. Luna the polar bear was the most social animal and my son really loved seeing her out at the big glass wall. So much so, we even got him a stuffed polar bear at the gift shop. Food was good and came out hot and fresh. They do a great job having a nice menu here with something for everyone. The gift shop was very nice and air conditioned which felt great on a hot day. Overall, it was a great day at the zoo. Can't wait to see what new things they bring in next.

    Susan S.

    We took the grandchildren to the Buffalo zoo over the weekend, and they enjoyed the experience. The zoo has found an innovative way to fill the vacant animal exhibits with exotic silk fabric sculptures which are illuminated at night. The status of the Buffalo zoo has fallen off sharply in the last few years as the major large animal exhibits have been removed from the zoo. Be sure to bring snacks and beverages with you when you visit, otherwise you may need to take out a mortgage to buy a 6 ounce solo cup full of pretzels for eight dollars

    The tiger laying outside one of the windows
    Norah L.

    This has been my favorite part of buffalo for my whole life. When I was younger they had a program called cub club that was an amazing opportunity for kinds to learn about animals and make friends. I have also experienced a school field trip there in the past when the staff was so kind and accommodating to all of the kinds running around. When I was younger I spent summers going to there camp that was so informational and gave me so much information about zoos and caring for animals. This zoo takes so much time to make shire there animals are well cared for and have the best life they could ever want. Their breeding program is so amazing also they have tried so hard to bread polar bears and red pandas. The food is pretty decent. The prices are a little high but the food is good. A lot of summers they have a lights show which is very pretty but just note that if you go to there night lights show the animals are not out and if you come early there is no animals to see. There is also a lot of people on weekends for that so I would suggest going on a week day. The zoo is such a good place to bring kids and to learn I would highly recommend.

    Stacey A.

    Beautiful zoo, well laid out, clean, active animals with close up viewing. Love the informational screens throughout the zoo. Ready to read and learn a bit. Plenty of animal exhibits with a red panda, lions, tigers and polar bears. The reptile house has been greatly improved since the last time I was there... Fantastic viewing options of exotic colorful frogs, lizards and snakes. Most of the animals were outdoors and moving around... It was great. A wonderful zoo where you can enjoy a full day of animal watching.

    Rick T.

    Pretty average zoo I would say one and done for me here. Just wasn't too impressed on our visit to this Zoo.

    Yolanda H.

    where to even start with this one.... the buffalo zoo? More like buffalo poo!! I love animals but the care here is obviously mediocre at best. Their enclosures were clearly not big enough to suit their needs. The gorilla shown here was eating and regurgitating its food for over an hour just to keep itself entertained. What else is there to say? Do better.

    Outside the polar bear exhibit
    Kari L.

    I went to the zoo all the time with the children I nannied in Buffalo 15 years ago but it was so nice to bring my own son and see it all updated. We went on a blustery Wednesday in October and it wasn't super busy. We saw a lot of animals and the fall decor was beautiful. The new enclosures are great and we loved hanging out with the red panda. Of course going on a weekday we missed out on the carousel and train but if we lived in Buffalo, we would be there all the time!

    Polar bear
    Marilyn W.

    This is another local gem in Buffalo, New York. I always buy a membership to Support them and went to zoomagination again this year with my family. If you haven't been to this wonderful yearly event, you definitely should! Every year it's a different theme, just beautiful, especially at night fun for the kids and adults too!

    Sabra R.

    Love my Buffalo zoo! It may be small and sometimes our animals are on loan to other zoos, but it's an awesome place for children! It's just the right size to take little ones with plenty for them to see and do. My granddaughter is in love with the place and squeals with excitement when we pull up! I have seen this zoo in many stages and it's definitely on the way up! All of the keepers and docents are so friendly and willing to talk about the animals, they love their jobs and it shows! We've been members for at least 30 years and will continue to give support so our zoo can continue to grow.

    Kaitlyn M.

    What a sad and dreadful experience. Not just sad as in disappointing but sad emotionally. To begin--We went on a day that so happened to be school field trip day--first mistake. Was more like bringing the zoo to the animals than the people to the zoo. Truly--I was appalled by the chaotic nature of it all. Let's just say there are children that make you want to have kids and then there are those remind you why you don't. The animals themselves were cowering in fear over the constant screaming. And the animals that we managed to sneak a look at--in some secluded scream-free corner--had the saddest eyes. From the lone polar bear repeating his same rhythmic back strokes to pass the time to the motionless birds inside who never get to see real sunlight, it was all just very sad. The enclosures look very poorly kept and make it look like you're visiting an animal prison instead of a home. $20 tickets for that? Hard pass.

    Sea lions were the favorite!

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    1 year ago

    It was the polar bears for me, so fun!! The lions also, put on a great little show of play!! We had a very nice time!

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    7 months ago

    Great fun for everyone. Good way to spend the day. Walking and talking making memories.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - The Buffalo Zoo

    Which day I can visit the zoo without ticket?

    Occasionally they have special reduced rate days - you would have to check their website and look at their calendar

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    Review Highlights - The Buffalo Zoo

    There are a ton of different animals here (many of the same animals as the Toronto Zoo, but not as far to walk to see them all).

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    Buffalo Museum of Science - Triceratops

    Buffalo Museum of Science

    3.9(86 reviews)
    2.1 miEastside

    LIKED: This historic…read morebuilding boasts ample parking, a wealth of historic artifacts, and convenient access due to its proximity to a major highway. WOULD HAVE LIKED: - The exhibits could be more appealing to adults instead of students. Many of the exhibits seem to be designed for elementary and middle school students rather than adults. - A more reasonable price. The current $23 fee appears excessive considering the value provided during a visit.

    I loved all the interactive games where you can learn while having fun. Building race cars,…read morefeeling a tornado force wind, engineering building paper rockets that soared through the room...so many fun projects. The exhibit rooms are spacious with interesting facts explaining what you're seeing from woven baskets to a giant polar bear. We explored space and the time of the dinosaurs. I was there with a 6 month old and I have to say they have it set up nice for parents to care for young ones from places for diaper changes to breast feeding. Impressive. There's a large room for quiet time and a snack bar for all your children's needs. Easy free parking is a plus, no hassle getting in or out. We did go up to the rooftop deck but it was closed, so was the planetarium but it didn't matter there was plenty to see and do. The Buffalo Museum of Science is FUN!

    Photos
    Buffalo Museum of Science - Buffalo Museum of Science,  Mummy's of the World The Exhibition  VIP Opening Party

    Buffalo Museum of Science, Mummy's of the World The Exhibition VIP Opening Party

    Buffalo Museum of Science - Family time at the museum

    Family time at the museum

    Buffalo Museum of Science

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    Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory - 6.23.23 Niagra Falls Butterfly Conservatory, Blue Morpho

    Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

    4.6(193 reviews)
    17.2 mi

    I visited the Butterfly Conservatory and really enjoyed the experience. I somewhat knew what to…read moreexpect because I have been to several butterfly farms before, so I was expecting the usual enclosed environment with butterflies flying freely around. However, this conservatory was even prettier than some of the other butterfly attractions I have visited. The environment itself is beautiful and peaceful. There are numerous butterflies flying around, along with lovely greenery, waterfalls, and water features that make the space feel calm and relaxing. It is a very nice attraction for anyone who enjoys nature, photography, or simply wants a peaceful place to explore. One part that really stood out to me was the interactive activity at the end of the experience. Guests are given a coloring sheet with a butterfly, hummingbird, or another design to color. Once finished, the attraction attendant scans the artwork, and then your colored image appears on a screen. I thought that was such a cool and creative feature. It added something extra and memorable to the visit. Overall, the Butterfly Conservatory was a beautiful and enjoyable attraction. The butterflies, scenery, water features, and interactive activity made it a relaxing and fun experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

    Our recent trip to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory was truly magical! Our tickets for…read moreadmission were included with our Wonder Pass Plus purchase. This attraction doesn't require an appointment, but it is a longer bus ride from the other Niagara Parks attractions, so be sure to plan for that. We used our passes to take the WEGO bus from Niagara Takes Flight to the butterfly conservatory. Rain was in the forecast, so this is a nice, indoor option. The conservatory itself houses so many butterflies, and they tell you upon entry that it is thought to be lucky if a blue one lands on you, so everyone inside is doing their best to attract a blue butterfly. Several landed on us, and while you don't want to move for fear of them flying away, you also want to get your companion's attention to snap that perfect pic! We had lots of fun even though the temperature is kept very warm and the space was crowded. Clearly, everyone had the same rainy-day activity planned. My only complaint comes from when I asked about re-entry. I was told that we could leave the conservatory, but not the building. We wanted to visit the cafe and grab a bite to eat or something to drink and perhaps return once the crowd had thinned out a bit, but that is not permitted. We were told that we could step out to cool down in the gift shop or lobby area and then return through the same entrance that we used when we arrived. The volunteer got on her walkie to tell someone that we'd be coming back in, so I'm not even sure that this is normally permitted. Overall, it was a fun and new experience for us. The staff was kind and the conservatory is beautiful. There's also a botanical garden and at least one beehive there, but we didn't get to explore the outdoor areas due to the rain.

    Photos
    Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory - 6.23.23 Niagra Falls Butterfly Conservatory, Banded Orange

    6.23.23 Niagra Falls Butterfly Conservatory, Banded Orange

    Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory - 6.23.23 Niagra Falls Butterfly Conservatory, Blue Morphos

    6.23.23 Niagra Falls Butterfly Conservatory, Blue Morphos

    Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory - 6.23.23 Niagra Falls Butterfly Conservatory

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    6.23.23 Niagra Falls Butterfly Conservatory

    The Buffalo Zoo - zoos - Updated May 2026

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