Franklin Park Zoo
Dorchester, MA 02121-3255
Phone: (617) 541-5466
- Cross Street:
- Blue Hill Avenue
- Hours:
- Apr-Sep: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Oct-Mar: Daily 10am-4pm
Editorial Review for Franklin Park Zoo – by Dawn Keable
In Short
Looking for wildlife in the city? Head to Franklin Park, an urban jungle that's home to over 220 species. Founded in 1911, the historic zoo features exhibits like the child-friendly, interactive Franklin Farms, with sheep, goats, cows and horses. Giraffe Savannah, home to two young Masai giraffes, is another can't-miss attraction. Kids love the seasonal Butterfly Landing, a tented outdoor exhibit with nearly 1,000 butterflies, hatched from chrysalides on site, in free flight.
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Insider Tips
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User Reviews for Franklin Park Zoo
09/05/2007 Posted by ialexei
The zoo itself is less than impressive. The animals look sad and pathetic. The zoo advertises free parking, but what they fail to tell you is, the fact that the neighborhood has the highest crime rate in Boston (google for crimes Dorchester). I was visiting the zoo on 09/07 with my 2 year old son and on the way back noticed that the passenger side window on my car has been smashed and goods worth $1000 taken. It was a bright sunny day today and the car which was parked in the zoo parking lot, appeared to have been broken into between 11:30am and 1:30pm. On inquiring with Mattapan police I was told that the neighborhood has one of the highest crime rate in the city. I was also told that typically around 40 breakins happen on weekends and holidays such as today. And yet there is no warning signs or adequate security in the parking lot to protect innocent tourists men, women and kids who visit the zoo. -----Questions and comments for zoo authorities---------------------- 1. Are the guys managing the zoo aware of this problem ? 2. What measures are you taking to prevent such issues from happening ? 3. Zoo website mentions about free parking. If you are located in a high crime neighborhood, is'nt it fair to let tourists know (by putting signs etc). 4. If that cannot be done, how about a paid parking scheme where revenue generated could be used to pay for security guards who patrol the area ? I am disgusted by the lack of concern for security by this organization. If you cannot provide adequate security, at least warn the public so that they can take measures to be safe.
Pros: None
Cons: Security, pathetic state of animals
07/25/2002 Posted by pinkpanther
Although this park is not in the best of areas in Boston, it is still a great place to visit. It is very large so bring good shoes. It has a cute baby gorilla who definitely worth the ride in. It has lions, giraffas, kangaroos, emus, hippos, jaguars, many birds, moneys...it's a really fun/educational outing.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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