Buttonwood Park Zoo

06/06/2026

We're celebrating World Ocean Day today!

Join us from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm for a special World Ocean Day celebration packed with fun, learning, and community action.

Meet with over a dozen amazing local organizations, including wildlife scientists, historians, and community educators, for day centered around our ocean.

Get ready for a day packed with extra special animal encounters, games, crafts, face painting, and awesome giveaways! You can also check out the New Bedford Free Public Library bookmobile and enter our raffle to win a unique, one-of-a-kind animal painting!

By entering the raffle, you're helping us make waves! Proceeds support the BPZOO Conservation Fund, which powers critical local projects like our SouthCoast fishing line recycling stations and global efforts like the AZA SAFE: Coral Program.

Hope to see you all today!

06/05/2026

We heard it's National Donut Day - but that's every day here at BPZOO

And just like the sweet treat, one is never enough. Luckily, Donut has Dunkin’ and Dani to play with! After all, what’s a Donut without ?

The otter trio spent their morning hunting for veggie and produce treats (no donuts!) hidden throughout their habitat.

Stop by the Zoo this weekend to congratulate Donut on his National Day, just keep the donuts home.

06/03/2026

Our next Pairing Art with Science session takes place this weekend!

Join us on Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am to learn about wildlife and take home a work of inspired artwork. This month, we're exploring the wonderful world of coral reefs and creating our own reefs out of clay!

While they might look like plants, corals are actually animals that build giant, colorful underwater cities! Their incredible textures and vibrant neon colors make them one of nature's greatest masterpieces—and the perfect inspiration for June's PAWS session.

Reserve your tickets today: https://www.bpzoo.org/whats-new/pairing-art-with-science/

06/02/2026

Our oceans are home to incredible animals, and the world depends on the Ocean's health!

Next Monday, June 8 is World Ocean Day, and we're celebrating early. Join us next Saturday, June 6 from 10:30 am -2:30 pm for a special World Ocean Day celebration packed with fun, learning, and community action.

We’re teaming up with over a dozen amazing local organizations, including wildlife scientists, historians, and community educators, for an unforgettable day. Experience extra special animal encounters, games, crafts, face painting, & giveaways, the New Bedford Free Public Library bookmobile, and enter our raffle to win a one-of-a-kind animal painting!

Best of all, raffle proceeds support the BPZOO Conservation Fund, fueling local projects like our SouthCoast fishing line recycling stations and global efforts like the AZA SAFE: Coral Program.

Together, we can keep our waterways safe and sustainable for all. Visit our website for a full line up of activities: https://www.bpzoo.org/whats-new/world-ocean-day/

06/01/2026

A Message from the Director Shara Rapoza: Celebrating Pride Month at Buttonwood Park Zoo 🌈

As we welcome the start of Pride Month, I would like to pause to celebrate the beauty, strength, and diversity that make our community so vibrant.

Our Zoo has always been a place of connection between people, animals, and the natural world. Today, we proudly reaffirm that Buttonwood Park Zoo is a space where everyone belongs. We are committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and welcoming to all individuals.

Just as biodiversity strengthens ecosystems, diversity strengthens our community. We believe that when everyone feels seen, safe, and valued, we all grow stronger together.

Throughout this month and beyond, we stand with the LGBTQ+ community in celebrating authenticity, understanding, and pride.

We look forward to seeing you at the Zoo, exactly as you are.

Happy Pride Month!

Please note: Buttonwood Park Zoo is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive space for all. Hateful, disrespectful, offensive, inappropriate or irrelevant comments will not be tolerated and will be removed.

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/