Franklin Park Zoo

08/30/2026

One of these things is not like the other...

As you can see, African penguin Cooper is going through his catastrophic molt right now. That means he's losing all his feathers and growing a brand-new waterproof set. This process takes a few weeks, and he'll looking a little plump and scruffy while hanging out on land during that time. But he'll be back to normal swimming with the rest of the colony soon!

08/29/2026

Due to events taking place outside the Zoo, Franklin Park Zoo will be closed all day today, August 29. Boston Lights will also be closed this evening. Stone Zoo is open regular hours.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you tomorrow!

08/29/2026

Do you know a student looking for social media marketing experience? A budding photographer or videographer looking to hone their skills? We’re accepting applications for our Social Media Internship for the fall semester!

Apply today ➤ https://www.zoonewengland.org/jobs-volunteering/internships/

[Pygmy hippo Cleo photo for visibility 😘 Credit: Volunteer Rachel Amendola]

08/28/2026

You know how sometimes it's the box that's better than the gift inside? Yeah, like that.

Alexander Camelton and Zowie got some delicious hay inside a paper bag recently. But obviously the bag was the best part.

Video: Keeper Morgan

08/27/2026

Three perfect little fluffs are waddling behind the scenes at Franklin Park Zoo right now. Meet the red-breasted goose chicks that hatched earlier this month! They are not only adorable, they represent a critical addition to the AZA’s Species Survival Plan.

Red-breasted geese are native to freshwater wetlands in northern Siberia. Their population is listed as vulnerable due to threats including habitat loss, climate change and hunting. Zoo New England participates in the Red-Breasted Goose Species Survival Plan to maintain a genetically healthy population of this species in human care, which could one day support wild populations if needed.

The trio has graduated from an incubator to a larger space behind the scenes. We’re happy to share that the gosling are healthy and have been hitting all of their developmental and adorable milestones. Hope you like baby pictures!

Waterfowl Taxon Advisory Group

08/27/2026

Different lanterns every year, same magical experience ✨ Get glowing at Boston Lights at Franklin Park Zoo this weekend!

Tickets ➤ FranklinParkZoo.org

08/26/2026

Celebrate World African Painted Dog Day with us at Franklin Park Zoo today! 🐾

Say hello to Madikwe and stop by our special education stations, where guests can learn about painted dogs' unique coat patterns — it's for camouflage! — and their wild vocalizations. Get crafty and help us paint our own painted dog too! 🖌️

Here's today's schedule of activities ➤ https://zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo/whats-happening?dzscal_date=8-26-2026&utm_campaign=20260826&utm_content=Franklin+Park+Zoo%2Cawareness+day%2Ceducation%2Cpainted+dogs%2Cmultiple+photos&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

08/22/2026

Meep Meep! Have you met the roadrunner in Birds World? Keeper Sloane is sharing a few facts about Fraggle and why you'll find this desert dweller in our swamp habitat.

Video: Intern Laynie Clarke

08/21/2026

"After the animals at the Franklin Park Zoo headed to bed for the night, visitors headed into to the zoo, where they had dream-like experiences of their own as they wandered through scenes inspired by coastal South Africa, the Grand Canyon, and ocean depths."

Keep reading about the magic of Boston Lights in the Dorchester Reporter.

Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience, the popular summer and fall tradition, is back in Dorchester, beginning a Thursday through Monday run that will conclude in early November.

08/20/2026

The lanterns may change every year, but the magic is always the same. 🤩 Summertime memories are glowing at Boston Lights.

Book tickets ahead of time to save ➤ ZooNewEngland.org/BostonLights