Dorchester Illustration 2598 Franklin Park Zoo
Although Franklin Park is technically on the edge of Dorchester and not part of Dorchester’s historical territory, the park feels as if it is home.
Franklin Park Zoo comprises 72 acres within Franklin Park. When Frederick Law Olmsted designed the park, he included the idea for a future zoological garden, intended to be a naturalistic area for native animals. However, when the zoo was opened in 1912, it included many exotic animals in addition to ative species. The zoo has evolved over the years and is now accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.