America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration

Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre destination nestled within Boston’s historic Franklin Park and long regarded as the “crown jewel” of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace. Founded in 1912, Franklin Park Zoo has evolved alongside the city itself, reflecting over a century of commitment to education, recreation and the protection of the natural world. 

As you venture through the zoo, look for these historical highlights: 

Guests entering or exiting through the Giraffe Entrance will notice two towering marble statues standing on either side of the gates. Carved by the preeminent American sculptor Daniel Chester French, the figures represent Commerce and Industry and were installed at the Zoo in 1928, reflecting the era’s vision of civic pride and progress. Originally created for the old Post Office building in Boston’s Post Office Square, the statues were relocated to the Zoo during the building’s renovation, where they continue to serve as enduring symbols of the city’s history.

Don’t miss a visit to Bird’s World, formerly known as the William Austin Bird House. Completed in 1912 and inspired by Asian historical architecture, this building debuted alongside an innovative free-flight exhibit, the "Aquatic Flying Cage," known today as Raptor Ridge. In addition to the Bird House, this iconic habitat is one of the Zoo’s last remaining original structures. Thoughtfully restored to preserve its historic stonework, waterfalls and naturalistic design, the renovation honors the habitat’s early 20th-century roots. Today, guests can encounter the world’s largest flying bird against a dramatic 300-foot watercourse and learn about Zoo New England’s role in the conservation of this majestic species. Learn more about the renovation.

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we’re also celebrating two powerful wildlife comeback stories that reflect our nation’s commitment to conservation and resilience: the Mexican gray wolf and the bald eagle, both of which you can see during your visit to Stone Zoo. Both species once stood on the brink of extinction in the United States due to habitat loss, hunting and human impact. Their stories are more than conservation milestones—they’re American success stories. They demonstrate what can happen when science, public will and long-term commitment come together to protect the natural heritage we all share. As we mark 250 years of our nation’s history, we’re proud to highlight these species as living symbols of resilience, renewal and the enduring spirit of the wild in America.

As you head up the hill past our snow leopards, look for our Mexican gray wolf pack running or lounging among the rocks and woodland paths of their habitat. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, their story stands as a powerful example of how conservation in the United States can bring a species back from the brink of extinction. Nearly wiped out in the wild by the mid-1900s, the Mexican gray wolf was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1976, launching a nationwide recovery effort. Zoos like Stone Zoo play a vital role through the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan, a collaborative breeding and conservation program that maintains a healthy population of wolves in human care while supporting reintroduction efforts.

Thanks to decades of dedication from wildlife experts, conservationists and accredited zoos, the species is slowly returning to its native landscapes. More than 350 wolves are now cared for in SSP institutions, helping ensure the long-term survival of the species, while the wild population in Arizona and New Mexico has grown to over 300 animals for the first time since reintroduction. As the nation marks 250 years, the recovery of the Mexican gray wolf highlights a modern American conservation success story, demonstrating how science, collaboration and commitment can help restore wildlife for future generations.

As you stroll through Yukon Creek, you’ll see Grace, our bald eagle. Grace came to us through a wildlife rescue program in Florida after an injury left her unable to fly and survive in the wild. Her care team has adapted her habitat so she can hop and climb between different levels, allowing her to stay active and comfortable in her home here at the Zoo.

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Grace also represents one of the nation’s most inspiring conservation success stories. The bald eagle, our national symbol, was once pushed to the brink of extinction by habitat loss, hunting and the widespread use of the pesticide DDT. Thanks to strong conservation laws, habitat protections and decades of dedicated recovery efforts, bald eagle populations have rebounded dramatically. Today, these iconic birds can once again be seen soaring over rivers, forests and coastlines across much of the country.