BUFFALO, N.Y. — Although the Buffalo Zoo recently announced that they would be reducing admission prices for low income families and individuals through their new program 'Zoo for All', that doesn't seem to be case for regular admission to the zoo.
The Buffalo Zoo sent out a release clarify their prices for admission and membership on Friday. The new increase in admission prices at the Zoo will go into effect on April 15 and varies during their "in and off seasons."
“The rising costs of providing world-class animal care, maintaining our facilities, and offering innovative educational programs necessitate full price admission adjustments,” said Lisa Smith, President and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo. “These new admission prices will ensure the Zoo can continue fulfilling its mission and maintain the highest standard of care for its animals.”
Buffalo Zoo current admission cost as of April 12, 2024:
- Regular (age 13-64), $17.95
- Seniors (age 65+), $15.95
- Children (age 2-12), $13.95
- Children (under 24 months), Free
Buffalo Zoo admission cost after April 15, 2024
Off-season prices (September 3 to May 24):
- Regular (age 13-64), $21.95
- Seniors (age 65+), $18.95
- Children (age 2-12), $15.95
- Children (under 24 months), Free
In-season prices (May 25 to September 1):
- Regular (age 13-64), $25.95
- Seniors (age 65+), $22.95
- Children (age 2-12), $19.95
- Children (under 24 months), Free
Memberships current cost as of April 12, 2024:
- Adult (age 18-64), $35 each
- Senior (age 65+), $26 each
- First two children (age 2 -17), $20 each
- Additional children $18 each
- Children (under 24 months), Free
Membership after May 1st:
- Adult (age 18-64), $45 each
- Senior (age 65+), $35 each
- First two children (age 2-17), $30 each
- Additional children $25 each
- Children (under 24 months), Free
Memberships can be created based upon specific family sizes, and offer exclusive benefits such as one year of unlimited visits, free or reduced admission to other zoos nationwide, 20% off certain purchases at the gift shop, and more. To learn more about certain memberships click here.
Tuesdays all year-round are charged at the off season rate. Parking at the Buffalo Zoo is charged at an hourly rate of $6 for the first two hours, and $2 after that with a maximum of $12.
Parking at the zoo during special events or busy days on their website is said to vary in price. Recently during the Solar Eclipse parking at the zoo was reported as being $8 per hour.
In comparison to the Buffalo Zoo it can be found that nearby competitor zoos are charging less also while offering what the Buffalo Zoo lacks.
The 2 On Your Side Team compared the Buffalo Zoos ticket prices to other popular zoos. Here's what we found online for admission as of April 12, 2024 at the following locations:
Erie Zoo (1 hour, 34 minutes away from City of Buffalo)
- Adults (age 13 & above) $12
- Seniors (age 62 & above) $10
- Children (age 2-12) $8
- Children (under 24 months) Free
Toronto Zoo (2 hours, 15 minutes away from City of Buffalo) *Note these prices are in CAD*
- Adults (age 13 & above), $26.45
- Seniors (age 65 & above), $22.48
- Children (age 3-12), $18.52
- Children (age 2 and under), Free
- Adult with a disability (age 13-64), $13.23
- Senior with a disability (age 65+), $11.24
- Child with a disability (age 3-12), $9.26
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium (3 hours, 24 minutes away from City of Buffalo)
Their prices vary based upon purchasing ahead of time or day of. They also offer free parking.
- Adult price range $18 to $24
- Child price range $15 to $21
- Senior price range $16 to $22
The Pittsburg Zoo & Aquarium also mentions on their website that if guests do purchase their tickets ahead of time that it will reduce the cost with their plan-ahead pricing.
Central Park Zoo in NYC (6 hours, 9 minutes away from City of Buffalo)
- Adults (age 13 & above) $19.95
- Seniors (age 65 & above) $16.95
- Children (age 3-12) $14.95
- Children (age 2 and under) Free
The Buffalo Zoo has announced Thursday that they will be offering a new program regarding their admission called "Zoo for All."
Zoo visitors that are identified as a low-income family, or individual, will be able to get significantly reduced admission rates in an effort to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience all the wonders and educational benefits of the zoo.
Key components of the new program include:
- Discounted admission offered to qualified low-income families and individuals through presentation of SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
- Additional discounts available through partnerships with Buffalo and Erie County Library System and the Arts Services Inc.
- Learning opportunities, designed for diverse learning styles, that will encourage exploration and understanding of the natural world.
- Free or reduced pricing days subsidized through sponsorships throughout the year that will provide opportunities for families to come together and celebrate the wonders of wildlife.
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