The Buffalo Zoo
Lisa Smith has a diverse and extensive background in zoo management and animal care. Lisa currently serves as the President/CEO of The Buffalo Zoo since 2023. Prior to this, they held the position of Interim President and CEO from 2022 until 2023. Lisa also served as the Chief Zoological Officer at The Buffalo Zoo from 2021 to 2023 and as the General Curator from 2018 to 2021. Before joining The Buffalo Zoo, Lisa worked as the Senior Director of Animal Programs at the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum from 2009 to 2018. Lisa was the Curator of Large Mammals at Zoo Atlanta from 2002 to 2009. Lisa also gained experience as a Zookeeper at Cleveland Metroparks from 1998 to 2002 and at the Santa Barbara Zoo from 1997 to 1998. Lisa started their career as an Animal Care Specialist for marine mammals and aquarist at Undersea World (now Ocean World) from 1995 to 1997.
Lisa Smith attended Brunswick Highschool from 1985 to 1989. After completing their high school education, they pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and zoology at The University of Akron from 1989 to 1993.
The Buffalo Zoo
Buffalo Zoo Facts Founded in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the United States. Each year, the Zoo welcomes approximately 400,000 visitors and is the second largest tourist attraction in Western New York, second only to Niagara Falls. Located on 23.5 acres of Buffalo’s beautiful Delaware Park, the Zoo exhibits a diverse collection of wild and exotic animals and more than 320 different species of plants. Open year-round, the Zoo is a constant source of conservation, education and recreation for Western New York. Indoor Attractions: EcoStation (sponsored by Tops Markets) Gorilla House (sponsored by Univera) Reptile House (sponsored by Goya Foods) The Living Tree House Giraffe House Outdoor Attractions: Sea Lion Cove (sponsored by NOCO Energy Corp.) – observe sea lions through underwater viewing or from our amphitheater Otter Creek (sponsored by Buffalo exterminating) – realistic, park-like exhibit, complete with stream & waterfall Vanishing Animals – learn more about threatened and endangered animals African Predator Habitat – view hyenas in a naturalistic African plains setting Bear Pits – exhibits polar bears, spectacled bears, grizzly and Kodiak bears Children’s Zoo – The Delta Sonic Heritage farm. interactive, educational and fun for kids! Habicat – houses African lions and Amur (Siberian) tigers Rhinoceros Exhibit – (sponsored by 2Find Your Home) Elephant Yard – (sponsored by Wegmans Markets) features our two female Asian elephants, Jothi and Surapa