Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Effective April 15, the Buffalo Zoo has incorporated a new pricing structure for admission into the park significantly higher than the previous prices, much to the dismay of families and zoo enthusiasts.
The new in-season prices, which run May 25 through Sept. 1, are $25.95 for adults, $19.95 for children and $22.95 for seniors. In the offseason, those prices are $21.95 for adults, $15.95 for children and $18.95 for seniors.
Their in-season pricing shows an $8 increase per-adult, $6 increase per-child and a $7 increase per-senior citizen based off their previous year-round pricing model.
State Sen. Sean Ryan told WBEN on Tuesday that many Buffalo arts and hospitality attractions have been grappling with changing admission pricing to keep up with the rising costs of upkeep and other costs that derive from inflation.
"The Botanical Gardens, the Science Museum, the Zoo, [Buffalo AKG Art Museum], everyone is trying to figure out the balance of how much revenue should we expect to get from the turnstile, people coming through," said Ryan.
And although Buffalo Zoo President and CEO Lisa Smith says the rising costs of admission are unavoidable, Sen. Ryan has the inclination that discussions regarding potential solutions to keep admission prices down are not over.
"I know the Zoo is looking at it to see if they've got the right balance, but it's going to be a continued conversation. I don't think the conversation is over," Ryan said.
Ryan commends the Buffalo Zoo for incorporating their "Zoo For All" program, which allows low income families to utilize SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to get discounted admission into the park.
Smith also notes there are other opportunities for the community to receive discounts and save at the park, such as with a Erie County and Buffalo library card, AAA membership, anyone with military ID or those who purchase a membership to the Zoo, which pays for itself after two visits.
Smith also notes that 20% of the zoo's operating budget comes from government funding, such as county and state. $2 million dollars was given to the zoo this year from Erie County taxpayers and state grants continue to help provide the Zoo with resources.
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Most recently, a total of $53,000 in state funding came via grant to help the Buffalo Zoo's education and animal department last August. The grant supported the Zoo’s education and animal departments, including its animal upkeep and husbandry program.
Could more state funding be the answer?
"The county steps up, you know, the state steps up, and we might have to look at how we step up more to make sure that the zoo remains affordable to everybody who lives in Western New York," Sen. Ryan said.
Smith also notes that every Tuesday during the season, the Buffalo Zoo will offer the offseason pricing.