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Franklin Park Zoo

Photo Credit: Zoo New England

Just about the only thing missing at Boston's only urban zoo is an ark. The Franklin Park Zoo, founded in 1911, brings more than 210 species of animals together on a 72-acre site. That makes it New England's largest zoo.

Five themed areas make up most of the zoo. The three-acre "Tropical Forest" includes monkeys, warthogs, pygmy hippos, dwarf crocodiles, bats, vultures, and western lowland gorillas—along with specialized lighting and sound effects for a jungle feel. "Bongo Congo" gives zebras, ostriches, ibexes, and wildebeests four acres for roaming. "Australian Outback Trail" is home to free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and (seasonally) cockatoos. Inhabitants of "Bird's World" include tropical birds, waterfowl, tortoises, Gila monsters, and a Burmese python. And the domestic and exotic species of the "Children's Zoo" range from prairie dogs and a snow leopard to spiders and pettable farm animals.

Other zoo residents include lions, giraffes, African wild dogs, and camels. "Butterfly Landing," open from May through September, lets visitors walk amid 1,000 butterflies of 45 species in free flight.

As part of its educational focus, the Franklin Park Zoo offers "Zoo Encounters" on weekends and holidays from May through October. Visitors can meet a zookeeper, naturalist, or horticulture specialist and learn more about our wild world. The tours are offered hourly.

Location
Located in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester, the zoo is nestled in Franklin Park, five miles southwest of downtown Boston. Driving directions and public transportation information are available at the zoo's Web site.

Hours of operation
The Franklin Park Zoo is open daily, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., from October 1 through March 31. Its summer hours (April 1 through September 30) are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekends (plus Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day). The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission

Adults	$6
Senior citizens	$5
Children ages 2-15	$4
Children under age 2	Free

Entry to Butterfly Landing (in season) is $1 in addition to regular admission. Parking is free.

Contact information and reservations

• Call (617) 541-LION for general information or to make reservations.
• Call (617) 989-2024 for details on the special tours and "Wild Adventures" programs, which are available for a fee.

Disabled access
The zoo is wheelchair accessible. Although pets are not allowed on the grounds, service animals may be allowed if you inform the admissions staff before you visit.

Group information
Admission fees for groups of 10 or more are $8 for adults, $7 for senior citizens, and $4 for children ages 2–15. For group discounts, reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.

Additional information
Visit the Franklin Park Zoo Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.