Franklin Park Zoo - Olmsted-era public zoo

Franklin Park Zoo, located within Frederick Law Olmsted’s Franklin Park, opened as a public zoo in the early 20th century and today occupies roughly 72 acres with exhibits such as the Tropical Forest and Giraffe Savannah. The zoo was developed as part of Boston’s park system and later operated by Zoo New England; its creation and evolution are documented in municipal and institutional records. The site is a longstanding element of Boston recreational lore and seasonal family traditions.