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Trip Planner:   USA  /  Massachusetts  /  New Bedford  /  Buttonwood Park Zoo

Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford

3.8
#4 of 25 in Things to do in New Bedford
Zoo · Zoo / Aquarium
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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. Located on a 7 acres (2.8 ha) campus, the zoo is owned and operated by the City of New Bedford, with the support of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society. It is located on part of the Buttonwood Park Historic District, and federally-designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

The zoo is home to more 250 different animals made up of more than 80 different species of animals, including many that are rare and endangered. The zoo has played a vital role in the conservation of endangered animals and is a participant in the Cape Cod Stranding Network and Species Survival Plan.

To visit Buttonwood Park Zoo and other attractions in New Bedford, use our New Bedford day trip app.
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Buttonwood Park Zoo reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
213 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • We decided to check out this zoo because it was only a 30 minute drive from our Airbnb in Providence, RI. It’s a small zoo that you can finish in an hour so don’t expect spending the whole morning or....  more
    We decided to check out this zoo because it was only a 30 minute drive from our Airbnb in Providence, RI. It’s a small zoo that you can finish in an hour so don’t expect spending the whole morning or....  more »
  • 5 for cleanliness, care, and size. What a nice zoo. I was most impressed with how clean the animal habitats were maintained. There were some animals that are not in the larger zoos. The zoo is large.....  more
    5 for cleanliness, care, and size. What a nice zoo. I was most impressed with how clean the animal habitats were maintained. There were some animals that are not in the larger zoos. The zoo is large.....  more »
Google
  • A very pleasing and relaxing atmosphere all throughout the park. Parking is ample and it’s a short walk to the entrance. The gift shop is stocked with all manner of stuffed animals and souvenirs certain to appease even the most discerning shoppers. The train ride and carousel were specially entertaining or rather fascinating for little ones. Park staff can be easily located or identified and are glad to assist with any questions. The keepers are very knowledgeable and easy to approach with inquiries about the animals in their care. Of note, the Bald Eagles are an impressive sight given their overall size and expansive wingspan. The food court maintains a limited menu and prices are relative compared to other similar places. Restroom facilities are well maintained and stocked. I did not upload nor take any pictures of actual zoo animals as to not take away from the experience of any future visitor.
  • Nice little zoo, clean and easy to navigate, but hard to find in general as there was only one tiny little sign that a saw pointing in the direction of the zoo. Most animals were visible and active. Nice little zoo for kids. Big playground nearby and a carousel inside the zoo(but apparently you need to buy a token for it, it's not included with admission which I thought was a little strange) There's a nice little cafe with a great kid-friendly menu. All in all it was a nice place to stop on our way home to Connecticut from Cape Cod.

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