The Buffalo Zoo
Shelby Priester is an experienced animal care and wildlife management professional with a diverse background in herpetology and canine training. Currently serving as an Animal Keeper I in Herpetology at The Buffalo Zoo since October 2019, Shelby has also held positions such as Canine Coach at Fetch n' Catch LLC and Turtle Field Technician at The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. Additional experience includes roles as Wildlife Intake Coordinator and Wildlife Assistant at SPCA Serving Erie County, NY, and extensive research assistant positions focusing on eastern hellbenders at various educational institutions. Shelby holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Buffalo State University and an Associate of Science degree in Animal Management from Niagara County Community College.
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