Franklin Park Zoo Winter Activities & Exhibits
| Venue: | Franklin Park Zoo - Zoo New England |
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| Ages: | Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Indoor, Outdoor |
| Cost: | $$$ see below |
| Category: | Animals |
More often than not, you’ll be able to see the following animals:
Tropical Forest animals (50+ species of exotic animals including western lowland gorillas, ocelots, ring-tailed lemurs, Baird’s tapirs, pigmy hippopotamuses, free-flight birds, and more)
- Lions
- Tigers
- Gorillas
- Wattled crane
- Flamingos
- Zebras
- Bird’s World
- Franklin Farm and more
Tropical Rain forest
Kept at a balmy 72 degrees, Franklin Park Zoo’s Tropical Forest is a great place to escape the cold! The Tropical Forest is an oasis in a New England winter, complete with water fountains, free-flight birds and 50+ species of exotic animals.
Animals that might NOT be on exhibit because it's too cold:
Giraffe Savannah/Serengeti Crossing
Giraffes are savannah animals and can’t tolerate harsh New England winters. When the temperature is too cold for our giraffes to be outside, they stay inside their heated barn. Warthogs are also inside keeping warm during the winter. Unlike our giraffes and warthogs, the Grevy's and Grant's zebras, wildebeests and ostrich can be seen on exhibit year-round as long as it’s not icy.
Butterfly Landing
This exhibit is open mid-June through mid-September. Many of the butterflies in Butterfly Landing are tropical insects and wouldn’t survive the New England winter. Native butterflies either migrate or pass the winter as eggs under the bark of trees.
Outback Trail
Kangaroos aren’t allowed outside if it’s below 40 degrees because they’re subject to frostbite, especially on the ears. Occasionally, they’re let out in mid-winter if there’s a stretch of mild weather.
Aussie Aviary
Aussie Aviary closes for the season at the end of September and reopens in the spring. On warmer days, it’s still possible to see birds in this exhibit space, although guests are not permitted to walk through.
Many other animals may be outdoors and on exhibit depending on weather conditions, particularly on milder winter days when the temperature is above freezing.
In addition, the zoo hosts Education Programs year-round and offer many special events –many with winter or holiday themes—throughout the winter.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
Winter hours: October 1 - April 1, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily, with last entry at 3:30 p.m. The Zoo is closed every Tuesday during the month of January.
The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day and December 25.
In cases of inclement weather, the Zoo may be closed. To check if we’re open on the day of your visit, please call 617-541-LION (5466).
| COST | ↑ top |
View Ticket Prices
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
www.zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo/winter-visits
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
One Franklin Park Road, Dorchester, MA map
Phone: 617-541-5466
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Franklin Park Zoo Winter Activities & Exhibits before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...