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Snow Leopards

Winter Visits

Stone Zoo has the cure for cabin fever during long New England winters, so hold off on hibernating, because we’ve got plenty of amazing animals that don’t!

  • Winter hours: October 1 - April 1, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily, with last entry at 3:30 p.m.
  • The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day and December 25.
  • In cases of inclement weather, the Zoo may be closed. To check if we’re open on the day of your visit, please call 617-541-LION (5466).
  • Kids, check out our winter trading card collection in the Kids' Corner!

Which animals am I likely to see?

More often than not, you’ll be able to see our:

  • Black bears
  • North American river otters
  • Snow leopards
  • Mexican gray wolf
  • Jaguars
  • Cougars
  • Caribbean flamingos
  • Arctic foxes
  • Reindeer
  • Yak
  • and many others!

 

Are there any animals that might not be on exhibit?

When the temperature begins to drop, we’re often asked “What happens to the animals?” Many of the animals who call Stone Zoo home are incredibly adaptable and can tolerate cold weather. But others aren’t as able to acclimate to the cold temperatures. When the temperature is too cold for them to enjoy their outdoor exhibit, they stay indoors in their warm, off-exhibit space.

  • Kookaburra
    The kookaburra is kept indoors throughout the fall and winter. Kookaburra do not have the insulating feathers and down that other birds have to keep them warm in the winter.
  • Roadrunner
    The roadrunner, which can’t acclimate to colder temperatures, comes off exhibit around mid-October. They may be seen on exhibit in the spring.
  • Primates
    It has to be at least 40 degrees for our white-cheeked gibbons to be on exhibit. When the temperature is 40 degrees, the gibbons are given access to their warm, indoor off-exhibit space, so they can choose to be inside or outside. It has to be at least 55 degrees for the spider monkeys to be on exhibit. Like the gibbons, they’re also given access to their warm, off-exhibit space so they can choose to be inside or outside.

Where can I go to warm up while visiting the Zoo?

Head to the indoor Animal Discovery Center, where you'll meet creatures small but mighty! The center features hands-on programming, interactive learning opportunities, and animal exhibits.

Is there indoor dining during the winter?

The Safari Grill is closed for the winter season (October 1 through March 31) with the exception of our ZooLights event (open daily throughout the event from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.). Small snacks and drinks can be purchased year-round in Peacock Place, Stone Zoo’s gift shop, open daily October 1 through December 3, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; 
January 1 through March 31, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Are there any special events planned for the winter months?

Absolutely! We hold Education Programs year-round and offer many special events –many with winter or holiday themes—throughout the winter.
Image at right: Stone Zoo's annual festival of lights, ZooLights.