zoo closed for renovations in November 1996 and reopened in 2000. The zoo was re-accredited by the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2003. Recent years The City of New Bedford owns and operates the zoo. The City of New Bedford funds staffing, operation, maintenance and capital improvements to facilities. Approximately $7,000,000 in Capital Improvement Program (CIP) bonds have been designated between 2014-2019 to update the facilities. Another $4,000,000 was funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2018 for further improvements. Buttonwood Park Zoo was called "one of the finest small zoos in the United States" by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in 2003. Exhibits and attractions The zoo houses more than 250 animal species from around the world. Exhibits feature both domestic and wild animals. The zoo has two asian elephants, Ruth and Emily. Emily arrived to the zoo in 1968. After being abused in a circus and abandoned in a trailer located in Danvers, Ruth arrived to the zoo in 1986. In 2013, the zoo announced that after the elephants die, it will not take in any other elephants to replace them, instead opting to get greater one-horned rhinos as part of its master plan. The exhibits are categorized into five main areas: North America East (NAE): This section contains black bears, river otters, beavers, turkey vultures, bald eagles, and a coyote. North America West (NAW): This section located beyond the entrance contains bison, wild turkeys, whitetail deer, cougars, Canadian lynx, bobcats, and common crows. Aquatics: This section contains harbor seals, shorebirds, exhibits replicating a salt marsh, a kettlepond, and a mountain stream, amphibians, snakes, and turtles. Rainforests, Rivers & Reefs: This indoor section contains animals from the tropical regions of Earth, like monkeys, birds, and reef fish. Elephants: This section contains the zoo's two elephants, Ruth and Emily. Nerarby exhibits include red pandas and southern pudu. Buttonwood Farm: This section contains 3 horses, 1 cow, and 1 pig. Education The Wildlife Education Center is an educational building at the heart of the zoo. It contains two classrooms which host educational programs and business and private meetings. Events Annual events at the zoo include "Boo at the Zoo", "Holiday Lights", "Cabin Fever Week", and "Spring Fling Week". Other features The North Woods Gift Store and Bear's Den Cafe are open daily. Notes External links Buildings and structures in New Bedford, Massachusetts Zoos in Massachusetts 1894 establishments