The zoo is situated on land designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture.
The Tropical Forest pavilion was designed to replicate a rainforest environment, including a high humidity level and specific tropical flora.
It is operated by Zoo New England, a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation.
The zoo features a 'Nature's Neighborhood' children's zoo that encourages interactive and tactile learning about local wildlife.
It houses a large outdoor exhibit dedicated to the western lowland gorilla, which is listed as critically endangered in the wild.
The Franklin Park area itself serves as the final, 'crown jewel' of Boston's Emerald Necklace park system.
Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre zoological facility located within Boston’s historic Franklin Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The zoo is home to the Tropical Forest, a large indoor pavilion housing western lowland gorillas, ring-tailed lemurs, and pygmy hippos. The Outback Trail exhibit features red kangaroos and emus in an expansive outdoor setting. The Serengeti Crossing is a multi-species habitat showcasing zebras, ostriches, and Masai giraffes. The zoo focuses heavily on species conservation, participating in Species Survival Plans for endangered animals. It functions as an integrated part of the larger Olmsted-designed park system, blending zoo architecture with extensive arboretum-style landscaping. Visitors can explore various walking paths that highlight both the animal enclosures and the diverse plant life of the surrounding park grounds.
The viewing window inside the Tropical Forest pavilion for close-up shots of the gorillas.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the park terrain is expansive and includes hilly, paved, and unpaved paths.
Check the daily keeper chat schedule upon arrival to catch live feedings and educational briefings.
Bring a water bottle to refill at stations located throughout the park to stay hydrated while walking between exhibits.
Do not attempt to navigate the park without a map, as the sprawling layout of Franklin Park can be disorienting.
Open daily year-round, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Do not feed or touch the animals, and maintain a respectful noise level near sensitive habitats.
