Franklin Park Zoo, Urban zoo in Boston, United States.
Franklin Park Zoo is a zoo in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, featuring habitats such as tropical forest, African savanna, and desert. Giraffes, lions, gorillas, and gibbons live in naturalistic enclosures spread across a spacious site.
The zoo opened its gates in October 1912 under city management, then administration passed to the Metropolitan District Commission. Frederick Law Olmsted's original design envisioned a naturalistic space for native species, but over the decades the focus shifted to exotic animals.
The name refers to Franklin Park, which surrounds the zoo grounds and honors Benjamin Franklin. Visitors experience different habitats that recreate African and Asian wilderness, offering insights into conservation breeding programs.
School groups from Massachusetts in grades K through twelve receive free admission on weekdays during the regular school year. Groups of ten or more qualify for reduced rates that can be arranged in advance.
The zoo participates in breeding programs for endangered species such as the Northern White-Cheeked Gibbon and the African Lion, helping to secure genetic diversity. These programs run internationally and exchange animals between zoos to maintain healthy populations.
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