Who Knew at the Buffalo Zoo? Ocelot Edition

In the latest edition of "Who Knew at the Buffalo Zoo?", meet the Ocelots. This feline family just welcomed a new member. The Buffalo Zoo's latest addition, an ocelot kitten, is now on exhibit in M&T Bank Rainforest Falls. The kitten was born to first time parents Pedro and Ayla on December 10, 2013. Keepers in the exhibit named the spunky little girl "Arieta." They report that she is a fast learner and very active in the exhibit. Arieta and her mother Ayla are on exhibit daily from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. in M&T Bank Rainforest Falls. Come on down to the Zoo and meet the family.



They are an ocelot of fun.

Behind the Scenes!

This latest "Wild Workshop" at the Buffalo Zoo is an exciting experience that gives you and your family a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go behind closed doors at the Zoo. Meet zookeepers as we visit three exhibit areas to learn the daily routine or preparing animal diets, observing behavior, training and more. Don't forget to bring your camera! The fee for Zoo members is $30.00 for this special session, $35.00 for non-Zoo members.

Important Notes:
Due to the unpredictability of animals, tour experiences may vary.
Please be aware that we will be visiting confined zookeeper work areas with close proximity to wild animals. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult. All participants must abide by staff instructions at all times. If you require reasonable accommodation as a result of a disability or other reasons, please call 995-6128 for assistance.

Zoo School

A Wild Workshop at the Buffalo Zoo
Date: September 8, 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

As students head back to school to learn new skills, our animals at the zoo continue their year-long training!  Have you ever wondered how a zookeeper trains a sea lion to flap its flippers or a parrot to mimic a sound? In this workshop we will discover how zookeepers use training to display animals’ natural behaviors, showcasing how they act in the wild.   We will observe animal behavior and practice training techniques that help zookeepers to manage the Zoo’s diverse animal collection!  

click here to download the WILD WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FORM
Pre-paid registration is required, and all participants are required to pay the workshop fee. For more information call us at (716) 995-6128.

Hellbenders at the Buffalo Zoo

In this Behind the Scenes (or a sort0 video, the Buffalo Zoo's hellbenders are feeding on prey they would find in their native streams. Crayfish are one of their favorite meals. Watch the way the hellbender takes its' favorite food with their specialized suction feeding technique.

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

Ferocious Fridays at the Buffalo Zoo

Presented by First Niagara

This summer, you and your family can explore the Buffalo Zoo on Friday evenings.
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. 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. These activities will be offered as part of special celebrations, including First Responders Night, International Night, Wizard Night and a fun PJ Party. For more information, please call (716)837-3900 or visit www.buffalozoo.org

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.