In honor of World Lion Day on August 10, visitors to Franklin Park Zoo will have the opportunity to learn more about these majestic animals and why conservation efforts on their behalf are so important. Visitors of all ages have the opportunity to see 10-year-old lion brothers Dinari and Kamaia at the lion exhibit located within Kalahari Kingdom. There will be lion themed crafts and activities for children, as well as the opportunity to learn more about these incredible animals by visiting with the Zoo’s education staff. During special zookeeper talks, guests can learn what it’s like to care for these animals each day as well as the threats lions face in the wild.
Staff of the Franklin Park Zoo are leading a project to count every species in Franklin Park -- and everyone is welcome to participate in the project!. We're talking the birds and the bees, the flowers and the trees, skunks and skunk cabbage -- and gorillas (they are in the zoo!). "As an organization committed to conservation, we want to educate and inspire people of all ages that we all play a role in healthy ecosystems. And, this starts right in our own backyard," said Dr. Eric Baitchman, Vice President of Animal Health and Conservation, who has Zoo New England staff in conducting seasonal surveys to record observations of wildlife. So far more than 660 species have been observed with the American robin leading the way with 39 observations. All of the project's observations are being recorded and presented on inaturalist.org.
Franklin Park Zoo is proud to honor those who risk their lives to keep our community safe. On Saturday, August 3, first responders will receive FREE admission to the Zoo. Accompanying family members will receive $5 off admission, up to five people. First responders include employees of an emergency service who are likely to be among the first people to assist at the scene of an emergency such as an accident or natural disaster. This would include personnel such as firefighters, EMTs, and police officers.
Celebrate Read Across America Day with us at Franklin Park Zoo on Saturday, March 2. Join us for storytime at 11:00 a.m. with Big Joe the Storyteller in the Hippo Theatre. There will also be a visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog, special zookeeper chats, an arts and crafts table, and more. Clifford the Big Red Dog will be in the Tropical Forest from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at half hour intervals. Be sure to bring your camera, as visitors of all ages will have an opportunity for a meet and greet with everyone’s favorite canine!
Longing for an island getaway? Escape to the Tropics with the Zoo’s young professionals group, The Wild Things, at Franklin Park Zoo! Join us in your best luau gear as you dance and limbo your way through the Tropical Forest with friends! Watch the ring-tail lemurs as they discover tropical themed enrichment in their decorated exhibit, and don’t miss special opportunities to meet some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors. Join Zoo staff to learn more about the free-flight birds, including scarlet ibis, yellow-billed storks, hadada ibis and more!
Visit Franklin Park Zoo during St. Patrick’s Day weekend and watch as some of the animals in the Tropical Forest receive green-themed treats. On Saturday, guests can get creative at the arts and crafts table and discover fun facts at the education station.
Lion brothers Dinari and Kamaia turn 10 in March, and guests are invited to celebrate the occasion. This roaring good time will include special birthday enrichment items for the lions and an opportunity to meet with one of the zookeepers who cares for the brothers. Get creative with lion-themed arts and crafts and learn more about these big cats at the education station. Guests can also sign a giant birthday card, and enjoy a slice of cake from Montilio’s Baking Company (available for the first 200 people).
*Please note that the lions will go on exhibit at 10:15 a.m.
It’s game time at Franklin Park Zoo! Get ready for the big game with a visit to the Zoo, and watch the gorilla troop enjoy a game day party with special enrichment! Throughout the day, don’t miss a chance to ask questions directly to zookeepers during special zookeeper chats. Go Pats! Schedule of Game Day Zookeeper chats:
10:30 AM – lion exhibit
11:30 AM – condor exhibit
1:30 PM – red panda exhibit
3:00 PM – Franklin Farm with the GOATS
Please note: the gorillas will go on exhibit at 10:15 a.m.
Discover the weird, wacky and wonderful world of nature at Franklin Park Zoo during February School Vacation week. From anteaters to fruit bats, giant African millipedes to pygmy hippos, the natural world is filled with incredible biodiversity. Be sure to check out our zookeeper chats throughout the day to learn more about some of the unusual animals that call Franklin Park Zoo home. Visit the craft table and let your silly side show!
On Monday, February 18, don’t miss out on the birthday party for Little Joe, a western lowland gorilla who turns 26 in February!
It’s Little Joe’s 26th birthday, and you’re invited to the party! The indoor gorilla exhibit at Franklin Park Zoo will be festively decorated and the gorillas will enjoy treats made especially for them. New this year, don’t miss Zookeeper Jake’s puppet show at 11:15 a.m. Guests will also have the opportunity to sign a giant birthday card for Little Joe and enjoy cake from Montilio’s Baking Company, available first come, first serve.
After you’ve had your fill of cake, be sure to explore the rest of the Tropical Forest, where there will be special zookeeper encounters and crafts for February school vacation week, as we celebrate the weird, wacky and wonderful world of nature.
Please note: the gorillas will go on exhibit at 10:15 a.m.
