Located within Boston’s largest green space, Franklin Park, this 72-acre zoo offers up-close encounters with 1,000+ creatures big and small, from majestic lions and towering giraffes to red pandas and playful gorillas.

Founded in 1912, Franklin Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in New England, designed as part of Frederick Law Olmsted’s vision for Boston’s Emerald Necklace park system. Today, visitors can explore immersive exhibits like Giraffe Savannah, Serengeti Crossing, and Tropical Forest, where Little Joe, one of the zoo’s most famous gorillas, resides. The Australian Outback houses kangaroos and emus, while the Children’s Zoo lets younger visitors meet barnyard favorites and explore interactive nature play areas.

Whether you’re walking through a rainforest, watching a bird show, or standing face-to-face with a Masai giraffe, Franklin Park Zoo offers an unforgettable wildlife experience for all ages. A must-visit for animal lovers, families, and anyone looking to escape into nature—without leaving the city.