1. The Buffalo Zoo, ​300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214
​Press Release
​Chilling New Polar Bear Exhibit Underway
Release Date: immediate
Contact: Elaina Bolles, (716) 583-2272, ebolles@buffalozoo.org
The Buffalo Zoo broke ground on its newest exhibit, ​The Arctic Zone​, which will give its
polar bears a home more accurately replicating the Arctic Circle’s climate and landscape
when it is completed July 2016.
The Arctic Zone​ is “another example of the rebirth of Buffalo and all of Western New
York,” stated Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul during the recent groundbreaking ceremony. This
new polar exhibit will be bigger and better than the one previously built in 1934. It will feature
a large saltwater pool with a unique underwater view of the Zoo’s three polar bears.
If you would like to know more about the exhibit, please go to
www.buffalozoo.org​/thearcticzone​ or call (716) 837-900. Stop by the Buffalo Zoo, in the
meantime, to see other animals and watch the progress being made on ​The Arctic Zone​.
Designed by ABC Architects of Seattle, Washington, ​The Arctic Zone​ will cover 1.5
acres and will house American bald eagles, Canadian lynx and arctic wolves in addition to the
polar bears. State and federal monies make up half of the $14 million needed to create the
exhibit, while the other half was funded through community donations.
The Buffalo Zoo was founded in 1875 and is the third oldest zoo in the United States.
Besides Niagara Falls, it is the largest tourist attraction in Western New York, welcoming
about 400,000 visitors annually. It also serves as home to a diverse collection of wild and
exotic animals, as well as, over 320 various species of plants.
Situated on 23.5 acres of Buffalo’s beautiful Delaware Park, the Zoo is open
year-round to promote wildlife conservation through up-close animal encounters, engaging
educational experiences, and participation in regional and international programs for
endangered species.
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