Nov
9
November, 9th 2023
SPRINGFIELD – For the third time in as many years, The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center has been nationally recognized for its innovative education programs.
Oct
19
October, 19th 2023
The Zoo in Forest Park will host its annual Spooky Safari, presented by M&T Bank, on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jul
3
July, 3rd 2023
The Zoo in Forest Park hosts their 5th Brew at The Zoo fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 5.
Jan
27
January, 27th 2023
Clint Screechwood, a one-eye eastern screech owl, is competing for Superb Owl of the Year in BonusFinder's Superb Owl Awards.
Nov
9
November, 9th 2022
SPRINGFIELD – At its October meeting, The Zoo in Forest Park’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to add long-time nonprofit leader Joan Kagan to the board.
Nov
2
November, 2nd 2022
The Zoo hosted its annual Spooky Safari on Saturday, Oct. 29.
Mar
30
March, 30th 2022
To us, Ted Hebert, owner of Teddy Bear Pools & Spas and longtime member of The Zoo’s Board of Directors, has always been a “difference maker.” But last week, Ted officially received this title when he was recognized as one of BusinessWest’s 2022 Difference Makers at a ceremony held at The Log Cabin.
Jan
24
January, 24th 2022
For the second time in six months, The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is being recognized for its innovative education programming. Most recently, The Zoo received the 2021 Educational Award of Excellence, presented by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) for its Kids Go Wild programming.
Sep
24
September, 24th 2021
Caroline Cay Adams, education director for The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center, received the Janet McCoy Excellence in Public Education Award from the American Association of Zookeepers during a virtual presentation held Aug. 31.
Jul
6
July, 6th 2021
The Zoo in Forest Park's Zoo on the Go program brings animal ambassadors to groups all over Western Mass and Connecticut. Zoo Educators teach the groups about native species, conservation efforts, the importance of responsible pet ownership, adaptations and more.
May
4
May, 4th 2021
Monday, May 3 The Zoo in Forest Park welcomed local legislators, including Sen. Eric Lesser, Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, Rep. Bud Williams, Sen. Adam Gomez and Springfield City Councilor Malo Brown as they announced $125,000 in pandemic relief funding for The Zoo. Due to the pandemic, The Zoo experienced a 40% drop in revenue in 2020. With 225-plus animals in our care, many of which require specialized diets, expensive medication and ongoing veterinary care, those financial losses were crippling. But thanks to Sen. Lesser and Rep. Gonzalez, who co-sponsored the legislation, along with the support of other members of the western Massachusetts delegation, we are able to continue meeting our mission, with a focus on education, conservation and rehabilitation. We cannot thank Sen. Lesser and Rep. Gonzalez enough for their leadership in co-sponsoring this legislation that brought much-needed financial relief to The Zoo, and to the animals that call this place their home.
Feb
4
February, 4th 2021
The Zoo's internship program is just one of many that provide Environmental Science majors at Springfield College with real-world, hands-on experience in the field they are studying.
Feb
3
February, 3rd 2021
A.W. Brown's partnered with The Zoo in Forest Park during the month of November to help raise money for winter animal care.
Dec
14
December, 14th 2020
From your kids to your significant other, we have gifts for everyone on your list. Get your shopping done without ever having to leave your house!
Oct
7
October, 7th 2020
The Zoo in Forest Park will be hosting a second Virtual Trivia Night on Oct. 21. All money raised will go towards winter animal care. Donations can be made at www.forestparkzoo.org/events-1/trivia. Email gabry@forestparkzoo.com to register a team of six or fewer.
Aug
12
August, 12th 2020
Forest Park Zoo in Springfield is on the “quest for the perfect name” for two baby Pygmy Goats but they need your help. The zoo is hosting a Name That Kid raffle, in which two lucky raffle winners will get the chance to each name a goat.
Jul
2
July, 2nd 2020
It was opening day at the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center in Springfield — a full nine weeks later than usual — but Sarah Tsitso liked what she saw. “People are definitely responding,” said Tsitso, the zoo’s executive director, as guests took advantage of a new timed reservation system that, at least for now, lets only 10 people in every 10 minutes, to promote social distancing. “It’s great seeing families and children so happy being out seeing the animals, and the animals are happy to see their friends come back. We close the first week of November. That’s a long time to be closed to the public.”
Jan
8
January, 8th 2020
The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center has successfully completed 125 years of serving the greater Springfield community. We look forward to the next 125 years and to continue educating the community on wildlife education, conservation and rehabilitation.
Dec
13
December, 13th 2019
On December 11th, The Zoo opened its doors for one special night during Bright Nights. Over 200 guests were able to view The Zoo at night and enjoy special visits from Santa and the Grinch!
Nov
8
November, 8th 2019
Balise is once again showcasing its exceptional commitment to community by donating a new, fully wrapped, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe for The Zoo’s education programs. We are so thankful to General Manager, Brian Houser and his team at Balise Hyundai in Springfield!
Nov
4
November, 4th 2019
The Zoo is now closed for the winter. We want to thank all our guests and members that made this such a successful season. Please stay posted for special event openings over the winter season!
Oct
26
October, 26th 2019
On Saturday, October 26th, The Zoo welcomed hundreds of children - and their families - to The Zoo for a spooky, but not too spooky, safari!
Sep
4
September, 4th 2019
On Wednesday, September 4th, The Zoo welcomed volunteers from MassMutual for a Day of Caring.
Aug
23
August, 23rd 2019
Please note that The Zoo's Fall Hours will begin September 13, 2019.
Aug
17
August, 17th 2019
On Saturday, August 17th, The zoo hosted its Third Annual Brew at The Zoo presented by United Bank. This event raises necessary funds for our animal care department.
Jun
25
June, 25th 2019
Rylee, a 12 year old who aspires to work with animals when she is older, got the chance to be up-close with our animals as a "Zookeeper for a Day".
Jun
24
June, 24th 2019
If you have been to The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center recently, you may have noticed a missing fan favorite. Fergie, the Bactrian Camel has left The Zoo to return to her home in Mendon, MA.
Jun
11
June, 11th 2019
The Zoo welcomed two groups of volunteers over the past few weeks who have helped with some landscaping and painting. Come to The Zoo to check out the hard work our volunteers have helped with!
May
29
May, 29th 2019
Molly, a three year veteran of The Zoo's Crew In Training (CIT) Program receives award for Excellence in SAE (Supported Agricultural Experience). Molly will be returning to The Zoo's CIT Program this summer.
May
15
May, 15th 2019
On May 15th, The Zoo hosted YPS and West of the River Chamber of Commerce for a night of networking at The Zoo.
May
11
May, 11th 2019
The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center has welcomed a new resident, Gandalf the Gray Fox! Gandalf came to us from a rehabilitation center in Jupiter, FL.
Apr
29
April, 29th 2019
As of April 29th, Forest Park has closed the entrance located on Sumner Ave. A temporary entrance has been created on Trafton Road to allow access to the park & zoo.
Apr
27
April, 27th 2019
On April 27th, The Zoo hosted its Annual Eggstravaganza event. The day was filled with a candy trail, crafts and activities, face painting, a visit from the Easter Bunny and up-close animal interactions.
Apr
25
April, 25th 2019
On April 25th, The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center held its third annual Wine Safari, hosted by Valley Venture Mentors. The night was filled with wine tasting and up-close animal encounters.
Apr
6
April, 6th 2019
On April 6th, The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center welcomed two new residents, a pair of Bald Eagles, that were adopted through the Alaskan Raptor Center last winter after undergoing rehabilitation for permanent injuries.
Jan
31
January, 31st 2019
The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center prepares for 125th season of operation.
Sep
17
September, 17th 2018
The Zoo in Forest Park has partnered with The American Red Cross to save the lives of humans and improve the lives of the animals we love. 
Sep
14
September, 14th 2018
On September 14, employees from Baystate Health, Health New England and the Men’s Wearhouse of Chicopee came out to The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center for United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Day of Caring.
Jul
27
July, 27th 2018
On July 26, The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center held its second annual Brew at The Zoo. Eight local Breweries served up beers through the night while food trucks from the area sold meals to the 358 guests that attended the event.
Jul
11
July, 11th 2018
On July 11, The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center welcomed its two newest residents, Servals, that were generously donated by Paul Picknelly of the Sheraton Springfield and Starbucks at Monarch Place and the Springfield Thunderbirds.
May
25
May, 25th 2018
The soon-to-open Starbucks location of Monarch Place will donate proceeds of first week's business to The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center, helping to fund purchase of African cat exhibit.
May
7
May, 7th 2018
Special guests from the zoo at Forest Park in Springfield, Mass. visited the Frederick H. Cossitt Library in Granby during April vacation.
Mar
19
March, 19th 2018
Thank you to all who purchased tickets!
Mar
19
March, 19th 2018
EGG-citement is building for Zoo's opening event!
Apr
23
April, 23rd 2017
April 23rd-29th is National Volunteer Week - a time to express gratitude and appreciation for all who dedicate their time and service to others without asking for anything in return.
Mar
19
March, 19th 2017
As fun as the snow has been, we are beyond excited for the start of the 2017 season. A few of the great things in the works include: exciting new keeper talks and education programming, upgrades to our grounds and exhibits, and more!
Feb
12
February, 12th 2017
You have the greatest impact. Without a strong, supportive community of individuals, like you, we would not be able to provide these educational, fun, and engaging opportunities for thousands of children and families every year.