Who Knew? River Otters, Part One

The Buffalo Zoo recently had river otter babies. They are beyond cute, and are little history makers to boot. Learn a little more about them, river otters in general and what separates them from Sea Otters and more. Most importantly, come to the Buffalo Zoo and see the babies. They are on exhibit daily from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

New! Ferocious Fridays

Buffalo Zoo Offers Extended Summer Hours on Friday Nights!

This summer, you and your family can explore the Buffalo Zoo on Friday evenings in July and August!

Have you ever wondered what the animals at the Buffalo Zoo do during the evening hours? From July 1 through August 26, the Buffalo Zoo will offer extended hours on Friday nights as part of Ferocious Fridays, sponsored by First Niagara. Choose to spend a beautiful summer evening with us, and explore Zoo grounds until 8:30 p.m.!

On select dates, visitors can also participate in themed programming. This Friday, July 15, join us for International Night, and enjoy a variety of demonstrations that highlight rich traditions. Upcoming celebrations also include Wizard Night and a fun PJ Party.

On Friday nights during which themed programming is not scheduled, different areas of the Zoo will be highlighted.

The schedule for themed programming is as follows:

International Night (July 15)

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Taoist Tai Chi Society® demonstrations; Henna tattoo art; visit with representatives from the Peace Corps and UB Athletics.

6:00 p.m. - Rince Na Tiarna Irish Dancing performance

6:30 p.m. - Erie County Sheriff’s Irish Pipe & Drum Band

6:45 p.m. - M&T Bank Rainforest Falls tour

7:15 p.m. - Erie County Sheriff’s Irish Pipe & Drum Band

7:30 p.m. - Fleuron Rouge Fusion bellydancing performance

PJ Party Night (August 12)

• $1 off admission for each visitor who comes dressed in pajamas!
• Learn more about the Buffalo Zoo’s nocturnal animals
• Activities & games for the kids
• Kids: Bring your favorite teddy bear for a check-up!

Wizard Night (August 26)

• $1 off admission for each visitor who comes dressed as a wizard!
• Learn more about the endangered species in our Vanishing Animals exhibit and how we can help save them.
• Activities and games for kids
• Magicians throughout the Zoo

On Friday nights during which themed programming is not offered, formal programs will be offered at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. to highlight various areas of the Buffalo Zoo. The schedule is as follows:

July 22 Sea Lions

July 29 M&T Bank Rainforest Falls

August 5 Sea Lions

August 19 Keeper Talks:

Chameleon (6:30 p.m. only) and Serval

Enrichment Day, supporting the Food Bank of WNY

If you’re searching for something to do with your visiting friends and relatives over the holiday weekend, stop by the Buffalo Zoo for Enrichment Day! From 10:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on November 27, the Zoo’s animal residents will receive special enrichment in a variety of ways to stimulate their senses. Keepers will incorporate new food items, toys, smells and sounds to keep the animals mentally and physically healthy. Keepers will also be on hand to explain the particular enrichment their animals are receiving, as well as its significance to that species. To help support the WNY Food Bank, visitors can bring something extra--a canned food item to receive $1 off admission. (Please note that while no more than $1 will be taken off each admission, bringing more than one can per person is certainly appreciated!) For more information, please call (716) 995-6133.