General Info

Founded in 1969, The Buttonwood Park Zoological Society is a private, nonprofit corporation that supports educational programs, family events and improvement activities at Buttonwood Park Zoo. The society offers wildlife preservation programs. Buttonwood Park Zoo is owned by the City of New Bedford and houses a variety of animals. It is nationally accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Established in 1894, the zoo conducts breeding programs for rare and minor domestic animals. It is also involved in several regional, national and international conservation and research projects for endangered and threatened species.