New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park Zoo Expanding Animal Ambassador Program

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM)— New Bedford's Buttonwood Park Zoo is breaking ground on a new expansion that will house more animals.

On Friday, March 8, Mayor Jon Mitchell and Buttonwood Park Zoo Director of Zoological Services Gary Lunsford gathered to celebrate the expansion of the Animal Ambassador Program.

The Animal Ambassador Program started in 2014 and will house its animals at the Buttonwood Barn, next to Charlie's Nature Play Area.

READ MORE: Unstructured Play Space Opens at Buttonwood Park Zoo

The successful program has been an educational and environmental experience, giving kids the opportunity to connect with animals in a safe way. The new renovations will expand the program's exhibit of more animals.

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Mayor Mitchell shared that the mission behind the program will be an exciting mark of a strong and growing institution, an educational partnership with the city, and an opportunity for kids to continue learning and discovering.

"Expanding the program is great for the zoo because it creates educational opportunities for the religion's school children," Mitchell said.

The current 3,600-square-foot barn will be completely remodeled to improve animal exhibits, provide more enclosures and medical care space, boost educational space and programs and be environmentally friendly.

The Ambassador Program houses a collection of animals, including those rehabilitated or surrendered by their owners. \

Buttonwood Park Zoo's Director of Education Sara Van Womer told WBSM that species such as opossums, skunks, owls, foxes and many others are just a few of the animals currently in the program. With the renovated barn, they will now have a home in front of zoo guests instead of behind the scenes.

"We are excited about renovating the Buttonwood Barn into an educational animal facility," Lunsford said. "We have shaped this project for several years now to find the best fit to serve the City of New Bedford. This is a big step in revitalizing the Buttonwood Farm for our guests."

Construction on the $2.4 million renovation will begin in March and is expected to be completed in January 2025. The project is Phase II of the zoo's master plan revealed in 2016 and has driven expansion efforts over the past decade.

READ MORE: Buttonwood Park Zoo Unveils $22 Million Master Plan