Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre zoo in the heart of Boston. When you make your way here on your Massachusetts travels, you will be visiting part of a non-profit corporation that operates two locations within the state. Franklin Park Zoo was founded in 1913 and was long considered the "crown jewel" of the Frederick Law Olmsted's Emerald Necklace Park System. Some of the highlights here include the African lions, Masai giraffe, zebra of the Giraffe Savannah, and lowland gorillas of the tropical forest.

Walk among the animals

At Franklin Park Zoo, you and your family can experience hundreds of exotic animals right in the middle of your Massachusetts travels. From the tropical rainforest, the Australian outback, or the African savannah, you can go on safari through the zoo.

One of the most popular areas of the zoo is Serengeti Crossing. This area comprises of four-acres of open grassland and wooded hills. Most of the animals found here were moved from older, less naturalistic habitats about a decade ago. Many of these species are found on the African Savannah, including the ostrich, zebra, Nubian ibex, and white-bearded wildebeest.

An old tradition: experience the great American way

Franklin Farm offers you a glimpse of farm life while you are in the middle of your Massachusetts travels. You can touch the goats and sheep, as well as watch newborn chicks stay warm in the incubators. In the main barn you will find a cow, ponies, donkeys, goats, and sheep, as well as some other animals that are often found on the farm such as snakes, spiders, and mice.

Come face-to-face with the lions

When you booked your Massachusetts travels did you ever think that you would come face-to-face with a lion? At Kalahari Kingdom you might see one staring at you from the hood of your car. There is also Tiger Tales, which features the zoo's newest tigers. This area will educate you about some of the problems that surround these dangerous and beautiful animals.

Reach for the sky

When you visit Giraffe Savannah, look waaaayyyy up to see Beau, Jana, and Autumn - Franklin Park Zoo's Masai giraffe family. They make their home on the grassy plains with the Grevy's zebra nearby. You will find these animals out during the summer months, and sometimes on warmer days in the winter if you are here on your Massachusetts travels.

The tropical forest also stretches upwards to the sky with the tall trees. Here you will find lowland gorillas, mandrills, capybaras, Baird's tapir, pygmy hippopotamus, and dozens of free-flight birds.

As you can see there is much to explore in the space of 72 acres on your Massachusetts travels. You can see animals from all over the globe when you visit Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.