One Of America’s Oldest Zoo’s Is Celebrating Big Birthday

It's often too easy to forget that the city and region we live in are quite historic, with a long and storied place in the American story. Since Buffalo was originally settled in 1789, the people and institutions who have called Western New York home have done a lot to support the United States being the greatest country in the world.

As America gets ready to celebrate its 250th birthday, there is one Buffalo institution that is also celebrating a big birthday this year

As a city with a rich history of people who valued parks and nature, it should come as no surprise that Buffalo boasts one of the oldest zoos in American history.

The Buffalo Zoo Celebrates 150th Birthday

Originally founded in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo is an urban zoo that is directly incorporated into the world-famous Delaware Park. Delaware Park, which was originally just known as The Park, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and sits on more than 23 acres of land.

The Buffalo Zoo, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, is the 3rd oldest zoo in the nation and is highly regarded as one of the best zoos in the country.

Averaging more than 400,000 visitors per year, the Buffalo Zoo is the second most visited place in Western New York (only behind Niagara Falls)

It's not often that a landmark like the Buffalo Zoo turns 150, so officials have a full slate of activities planned this year, marking a significant milestone for the Zoo.

From Art Gone Wild to Zoomagination, you can get a full list of this year's activities on the Buffalo Zoo website.

Happy Birthday, Buffalo Zoo! Here's to 150 more great birthdays!