The Buttonwood Park Zoological Society (BPZS) is a private, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), nonprofit corporation founded in 1969. The mission of the BPZS is to support the Buttonwood Park Zoo so that the Zoo will be a significant contributor to the conservation of nature both at home and throughout the world.
The City of New Bedford covers one-third of the Zoo’s operational costs and the remainder is covered by earned income and contributions from the Zoo Society.
The Society supports the Zoo by managing the membership program, running the concessions, producing family events and coordinating fundraising activities. The Society is managed by an Executive Director and supported by a Board of Directors.
2013 Board of Directors: