Buffalo Zoo raising ticket prices, offering low-income discount

Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Updated ·2 min read
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Apr. 11—The Buffalo Zoo announced Thursday it is raising admission prices next week while launching a new program offering reduced admission rates for low-income families.

The ticket price increase takes effect on Monday. Regular ticket prices are rising from $17.95 currently to $29.95 through September. Regular tickets will run $21.95 from October through March.

The full ticket price breakdown:

Admission pricing April-September

—Regular (age 13-64) $29.95

—Seniors (age 65+) $22.95

—Children (age 2-12) $19.95

—Children under 24 months Free

Admission pricing October-March

—Regular (age 13-64) $21.95

—Seniors (age 65+) $18.95

—Children (age 2-12) $15.95

—Children under 24 months Free

Zoo officials said the decision to raise prices came after careful consideration and will allow the zoo to continue providing animal care, expand learning opportunities and enhance the overall guest experience.

"The rising costs of providing world-class animal care, maintaining our facilities and offering innovative educational programs necessitate full price admission adjustments," Buffalo Zoo President and CEO, Lisa Smith said. "These new admission prices will ensure the zoo can continue fulfilling its mission and maintain the highest standard of care for its animals."

The new Zoo for All program will offer:

—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.

"We believe the magic of all the animal world should be shared by everyone," Smith said. "The Zoo for All program allows families of all backgrounds to connect with wildlife, fostering a love of nature and appreciation for conservation."

Buffalo Zoo officials say they worked with many community partners and leaders to develop a program that removes financial barriers and provides a variety of inclusive experiences, making the Zoo accessible and affordable to all members of the community.

"We are deeply involved in our region, offering discounted education programs to schools, supporting other non-profits, and now offering discounted admission to community members facing barriers such as low-income," Smith said. "Ensuring the educational and recreational benefits offered by our historic Zoo are accessible and welcoming to all is a key part of the Zoo's core mission."

For more information, visit buffalozoo.org.