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Boston Zoos 2008

Boston is a perfect destination for a family vacation. Full of history and sights, this city on Cape Cod has something for everyone to enjoy.

For a day out and about, Boston offers families two incredible zoos and parks.

Franklin Park Zoo, founded in 1913, has been long considered the crown jewel of the Emerald Necklace Park System. Franklin Park is small for a zoo, at 72 acres, but wonderfully intimate and provides an up close look at some of the world’s most exotic and fascinating animals.

Get a taste of Africa in the middle of an American metropolis. Franklin Park’s Serengeti Crossing is four acres of grassland and rolling hills. Species featured at this slice of Africa include ostrich, Grant's zebras, Nubian ibex, and white-bearded wildebeests.

Go face to face with the king of the jungle. At Kalahari Kingdom you can experience a unique view—an extremely close one at that—of an African lion. And if you love big cats, head over to Tiger Tails and meet Franklin Park’s own pair of tigers, Anala and Luther. These impressive cats have been with the zoo since 1996, the first tigers there in over 30 years.

Continue your African adventure with some of the earth’s longest creature: the giraffe. Franklin Park is home to a Masai giraffe family and a herd of endangered Grevy’s zebra. And when you’re done with Africa, head into a tropical surrounding with Franklin Park’s impressive collection of birds and butterflies.

Children will also love a visit to Franklin Farm. This farm in the middle of Boston features a petting zoo full of goats and sheep, a brooder building where you can see freshly-hatched chicks, and a main barn full of farm animals and some special guests such as snakes and spiders.

For more animal fun, head over to Stone Zoo located near Spot Pond Reservoir. Stone Zoo is 26 acres of animals, exhibits and fun-filled events the whole family can enjoy.

Get a taste of Canadian wildlife at Yukon Creek, home to bald eagles, a lynx, reindeer and black bears.

For warmer climes, head to Windows to the Wild. Opened in 2003, this exhibit features birds, mammals and primates from around the world. Get your fill of pink with the zoo’s large flamingo colony.

Take a marvellous journey to the mysterious Sierra Madre. Stone Zoo’s exhibit features animals unique to this beautiful region of the Southwest United States, including jaguars, cougars, coyotes, and Gila monsters.

If you thought the Himalayas were just really high mountains, guess again. Stone Zoo’s Himalayan exhibit features amazing animals capable of living in one of Earth’s most inhospitable habitats, including snow leopards, Markhor goats and yaks.

For close interaction with critters, check out the Stone Zoo Barnyard. This petting zoo features goats, sheep, and a pygmy zebu—a miniature cattle unique to India.

Both zoos are located conveniently close to the city of Boston. Franklin Park Zoo is located at 1 Franklin Park Rd in Dorchester, Mass. Call 617-541-LION (5466). Stone Zoo is at 149 Pond St in Stoneham, Mass.