Gulf breeze zoo grand opening free#

Starting in the 1960s, it went into a period of decline in maintenance and attendance. The park was closed to the public during World War II and re-opened in 1945. The farm was managed by Collier, who had previously worked for Ringling Brothers and the Brockton Fair. In 1940, animal trainer Joe Arcaris began his association with the zoo, performing acts with lions and other animals till the late 1970s.īenson died in September 1943, and the following year the property was purchased by a syndicate from Boston consisting of Boston Garden-Arena Corporation executives Raymond Lapham, Walter A. By 1934 the parking lot could accommodate 5,200 cars.

A special 'Jungle Train' ran from Boston to Hudson on Sundays, with admission to Benson's included in the ticket price.

After opening to the public in 1926, Benson's was expanded in 1932–33 with the addition of a permanent Wild Animal Circus. The park finally closed in 1921.īenson then went to New Hampshire to open his own animal park. At the time trolleys took Bostonians from Massachusetts Avenue to Bedford Street and dropped them off at the park's entrance, located on the Lexington and Bedford town line. The women's resting house remains and is now a home. Although he was not the owner, he ran the amusement park, which was filled with all sorts of exotic animals, a theater, a women's resting building and other facilities. His career started at Lexington Park in Lexington, Massachusetts, in the early 1900s. The zoo was founded by John Benson in 1924 as an animal-training center, and was opened to the public in 1926 with animal exhibits, a miniature train, games and exhibits.īenson was born in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, England, circa 1871 he immigrated to the United States as a young man. It has been redeveloped as a public park and nature area. The state of New Hampshire acquired the property in 1989 and transferred it to the town of Hudson in 2009. It opened to the public in 1926 and closed in 1987, after having been renamed New England Playworld for its final year. Prepare yourself for any Zoo adventure with cold drinks, snacks, additional animal feed and train ride tickets.Benson's Wild Animal Farm was a private zoo and amusement park in Hudson, New Hampshire, United States. We carry unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else including handmade treasures, ostrich and emu eggs, ornaments and much more! The Gulf Breeze Zoo offers unique souvenirs from adorable plush animals and toys to unique animal themed apparel and collectibles.The Gift Shop, located at the Zoo’s main entrance, is the perfect place to find that special gift or souvenir! We’ve got you covered with a variety of gifts for any budget and occasion- from school field trips to family vacations, holidays and special birthdays. Now serving a family friendly menu including: Angus cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, pizzas, Nathans all beef hot dogs, and kids meals. Watering Hole Cafe : Enjoy a delicious meal or a quick snack at the Watering Hole Cafe. Military, senior and group rates are available. daily and is located just off Highway 98. Book your tour today! The Zoo opens at 9 a.m. This experience can be more than just a tall tale. Skilled keepers will be on hand to educate you about giraffe behavior, diet, and husbandry practices. Stroll behind the scenes of the giraffe exhibit and stand toe to toe with the zoo’s tallest residents! Marvel at their long eye lashes and, even longer, purple tongues as they grasp their favorite treats from your hand.

Gulf breeze zoo grand opening free#

Ride through herds of free ranging animals on the brand new Safari Express train to view hippos, rhinos, gorillas and African antelope up close! The Zoo offers many hands on animal encounters and kid’s activities perfect for field trips, family day trips and exciting birthday parties.

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is a 50-acre zoo located in Gulf Breeze, Florida.Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to more than 900 native and exotic animals.