Franklin Park Zoo

Frommer's Review

The Franklin Park Zoo is an enjoyable, engaging attraction but not a can't-miss experience -- mostly because of its distance from downtown Boston. The centerpiece is the Tropical Forest exhibit, a sprawling complex that houses more than 50 species of animals. Here you might have a close encounter with a Western lowland gorilla (Little Joe, who made international headlines by literally going over the wall in 2003, is secure in a redesigned enclosure) or see a pygmy hippo. If you're traveling with animal-mad youngsters, the hands-on Franklin Farm is both entertaining and educational. From June to September, you can visit the popular, colorful Butterfly Landing enclosure. Tigers, lions, and giraffes (with their zebra friends) have their own turf, and the Serengeti Crossing and Outback Trail exhibits assemble species from their respective continents -- African zebras, ibex, and ostriches, and Australian kangaroos, emus, and cockatoos.

Allow at least half a day for a visit to the zoo. Franklin Park is 40 minutes from downtown by public transportation, and the walk from the main gate and parking area to the entrance is fairly long, especially for those with little legs.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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