Buttonwood Park Zoo

05/31/2026

Timberrrr!

Nakoda, our cougar cub, learned how gravity affects climbing soft pines this week. (She’s fine though!)

📸: Keeper Katie

05/28/2026

A huge thank you to Senator .montigny for his continued leadership and dedication to our community!

Senator Montigny recently shared some wonderful childhood memories of Buttonwood Park, calling it a magical place. (We couldn't agree more!)

On behalf of the Staff and the Board of Directors of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his instrumental support in securing $50,000 in funding for Buttonwood Park Zoo.

His leadership and commitment to our community make a meaningful difference. This generous funding will have a direct and lasting impact on the children and families of New Bedford. In particular, it allows us to continue offering free or low-cost admission and expand our educational programming, ensuring that more schoolchildren have access to engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity about wildlife, conservation, and the natural world.

From our dedicated team to residents like Sandy, our Hoffman's two-toed sloth, thank you, Senator, for always supporting BPZOO!

05/27/2026

It's World Otter Day, and here's to Dunkin, Donut, and Dani!

Did you know North American river otters play an important role in our wetland ecosystems? They keep prey populations in check by putting pressure on crustaceans and fish that would otherwise decimate plants by overgrazing and burrowing through root systems.

Wetlands are declining worldwide. Otters, and the other remarkable wildlife that call wetlands home, need our help. Climate change, pollution, and coastal development are threatening these vital habitats. We can help by learning more, spreading the word about their importance, and encouraging our communities to take action for these rich and diverse ecosystems.

05/26/2026

Incredibly grateful for Southcoast Health!

We’re proud to support Buttonwood Park Zoo (BPZOO) by donating medical supplies to support their veterinary team and enhance the care of its animals.

Our most recent donation included a wide range of essential items – syringes, saline bags, surgical masks, respirator masks, face shields, disinfectant wipes, surgical gowns, and lab coats, all of which can be used during medical treatments and surgical procedures.

“Our veterinary team is extremely appreciative of these donations from Southcoast Health. We work hard to reduce medical waste by reusing supplies until they are at the end of their "lifespan," and we are happy to accept these donated items to assist in reducing their medical waste as well,” said Dr. Emmy Budas, BPZOO Veterinarian.

By donating these high-quality supplies, we’re not only helping provide safe, effective care for animals, but also taking another important step toward reducing medical waste. Initiatives like this allow us to extend the life of valuable resources while contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system.

“We cannot thank Southcoast Health enough for their continued partnership. Their support strengthens our ability to provide high-quality veterinary care for BPZOO’s animal residents and truly makes a meaningful difference,” shared Sarah Henry, Buttonwood Park Zoological Society Executive Director.

“At Southcoast Health, we’re proud to support Buttonwood Park Zoo and the incredible work of its veterinary team in delivering high-quality care for their animals,” said Nicole Rosa, Director of Environmental Sustainability and Logistics at Southcoast Health. “This partnership reflects the work of our Environmental Sustainability, Logistics, and Community Health and Wellness teams, all focused on reducing waste, reusing resources, and strengthening the connection between a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the well-being of our patients today and into the future.”

Read more at: https://www.southcoast.org/news/buttonwoodparkzoo2026/

05/25/2026

That feeling when you realize summer is unofficially here!

Happy Memorial Day! We are open today from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Please note: There will be NO performances from the Toe Jam Puppet Band today.

We're looking forward to seeing you all! Come celebrate the holiday with us!

05/24/2026

We're still buzzing about last weekend's Red, White & Brew!

More than 700 visitors joined us at BPZOO for an incredible evening of tasting craft brews, wine, spirits, and delicious food. The weather was perfect, and we had so much fun welcoming everyone to the Zoo!

A massive thank you to our presenting sponsor, Northeast Alternatives, for making this event possible. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, the New Bedford Police Department, New Bedford's Department of Public Infrastructure, and every single visitor who made the night so amazing.

Missed out on the fun? Join us this fall for our annual First Taste of Fall craft brew event!

📸: BPZOO Zoological Society Liana

05/23/2026

Today is World Turtle Day, and Lily and Reed, our McCord’s box turtles, are a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation partnerships.

Native to central China, McCord’s box turtles are now believed to be extinct in the wild due to habitat loss, pollution, and illegal collection for the pet trade. As one of the rarest turtle species in the world, every individual plays an important role in the future of the species.

Through the Species Survival Plan® (SSP)—a collaborative conservation effort among Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institutions, including Buttonwood Park Zoo—we are helping safeguard a sustainable population for the long-term future

Lily and Reed arrived at BPZOO this past March from the Bronx Zoo, where they successfully hatched in 2021. Come say hello and see them for yourself in our Animal Ambassador Center

05/22/2026

The monarchs are coming! The monarchs are coming! The monarchs are coming!

We've been monitoring the adult monarch sightings map from our friends at Journey North. Reports show that monarchs were first spotted in MA around May 16th, indicating the great migration is officially reaching New England!

Generations of monarch butterflies have been traveling north from Mexico in search of breeding grounds and milkweed. The journey takes months, and we're thrilled that they are now reaching New England. It's just a matter of time before the rest of the migration arrives!

Who else is excited to see monarchs again? Anyone spot any in the SouthCoast?

Visit the map to see the monarch butterfly migration: https://maps.journeynorth.org/map/?map=monarch-adult-first&year=2026

05/21/2026

We have a special 4 year old to celebrate!

Yesterday, we celebrated our Atlantic harbor seal, Conway, with some delicious frozen fish treats for her birthday!

Conway, along with her seal mate Luna, joined the BPZOO family in 2023 from Brooklyn’s New York Aquarium. She was named after the late Dr. William Conway, an iconic conservationist and former leader of the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Happy birthday, Conway! Here’s to many more!

📸: Keeper Amanda