Buffalo Zoo to Open Preschool This Fall

The Buffalo Zoo will offer a brand new preschool program beginning in September, 2015.

Families who wish to learn more about the preschool classes can attend open houses at the Zoo on Wednesday, May 20 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. or Saturday May 30 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“We feel that the Zoo offers a really unique learning opportunity for children,” said Tiffany Vanderwerf, the Zoo’s curator of education. “We have a giant outdoor classroom with endless possibilities for exploration and discovery.  This kind of learning environment is unlike any other. By immersing children in it, we hope to develop a love and appreciation of the natural world that will last a lifetime.”

Zoo classroom before it was set up for the new preschool classes.

The classroom is set up and ready for the Zoo's first preschool classes!

The full school year program will offer children daily access to Zoo grounds including a brand new nature playground in the Delta Sonic Heritage Farm exhibit. Classes will be taught using the Reggio-Emilia-inspired approach to childhood education. The program’s manager and head teacher will be the Zoo’s early childhood programs specialist, Scott Lawson. Mr. Lawson earned his bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, as well as a master’s degree in educational psychology. He has more than ten years of experience in early childhood education, teaching preschool and kindergarten, and working extensively with young children for the Buffalo Zoo’s education department.

The program offers two options:
Two days per week - Tuesdays and Thursdays - 9:00am to 11:30am
Three days per week - Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - 9:00am to 11:30 am

Registration for preschool at the Zoo is open now. Click here for the registration form. The program is open to children three or four years in age as of September 1, 2015. Each class will be limited to 16 students. Enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (716) 995-6140 or email slawson@buffalozoo.org.

Lineup for Third Annual BuffaLoveFest Includes Tribute to Lance Diamond

The Buffalo Zoo has announced the lineup for their third annual BuffaLoveFest, an event featuring all things “Buffalo.”

BuffaLoveFest will take place on Friday, May 29, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Buffalo Zoo. Click here for tickets. 

In the past, BuffaLoveFest events have featured the BuffaLoveBirds All Star Band fronted by the late Lance Diamond. This year, the group will perform a tribute to the singer including “Lancefication,” a song that was co-produced by Diamond and the Goo Goo Dolls’ Robby Takac. The BuffaLoveBird band lineup features popular local musicians Ali Critelli, Eric Crittenden, Vinne DeRosa, Rob Lynch, and Mike Wagner.

Other performers at the event will be local favorites Blackrock Zydeco and the Albrights, with DJ sets by Camaican Sensation.

“This year’s event will have eighteen food trucks,” said the Zoo’s senior events coordinator, Katie Jordan. “In past years, the lines for food trucks have been really long, and many of the trucks ran out of food before the end of the event. We hope that the additional food trucks this year will accommodate the large hungry crowd!”

The Zoo has partnered with local breweries to offer exclusive BuffaLoveFest brews from Flying Bison, Resurgence, and Big Ditch Brewing. The Zoo has also added wine from Chateau Buffalo to this year’s offerings.

In addition to Buffalonians’ favorite bands, food trucks, and beers and wine; the event will include Buffalo trivia, a DRINKO tournament, and a variety of Buffalo-centric vendors including local artisans, t-shirt printers, jewelers, and more!

Click Here for the full list of vendors!

The event is limited to ages 21 and up. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $30 at the door, and include two drinks. To order tickets online, please visit buffalozoo.org. Tickets can also be purchased at any WNY Noco Express location.

BuffaLoveFest is presented by TryIt Distributing and sponsored by Buffalo Metropolitan Federal Credit Union. Media sponsors include ArtVoice, Buffalo.com, Buffalo Spree, 97 Rock, 103.3 The Edge, Yelp.com, Community Papers of WNY, and Fox 29/MyTV Buffalo.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO BUFFALOVEFEST. 

BuffaLoveFest 2015 LineUp

2015 Lineup

Entertainment 

The Bar

Food Trucks

 

 

Buffalo Artisans

 

 

 

                                                   


 




 
 

  

Thank You to our 2015 Sponsors! 

Presenting Sponsor

Event Sponsor

In Association with

Media Sponsors

Click Here to purchase tickets to BuffaLoveFest!