M&T Bank’s Free Admissions Program at the Buffalo Zoo Returns This Thursday
This Thursday, Sept. 17, marks M&T Bank Presents Third Thursdays at the Buffalo Zoo, offering local families free admission. Since the program began in April 2025 during the Zoo’s 150th anniversary celebration, it has welcomed more than 22,000 visitors and created meaningful opportunities for residents and visitors alike to experience the Zoo together.
M&T Bank’s “Third Thursday” program will continue for three more Thursdays in 2026 – Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec 17.
To participate on Sept. 17, guests will need to reserve their free tickets online before arriving at the Zoo. Tickets can be reserved at mtb.com/ThirdThursdays. There will be a limit of 10 tickets per group, with timed ticket entry still available between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. While tickets are honored all day, visitors are asked to arrive at the time they sign up for.
Special programming will feature several Zookeeper Talks including:
10:30 a.m. – Sea Lion Feeding Demonstration at Sea Lion Cove
11:30 a.m. – Japanese Macaque Keeper Talk
1:30 p.m. – Addax Keeper Talk
Organizations including Together for Youth, Little Portion Friary, NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens will also be tabling onsite.
Current members of the Zoo will be admitted, even in the event of a “Third Thursday” sellout. Please note that rides, concessions and parking are not included in the free admission.
M&T is a longtime partner of the Buffalo Zoo and remains the lead sponsor of the M&T Bank Rainforest Falls exhibit. To learn more about the Buffalo Zoo and its latest special events, visit buffalozoo.org.
WHEN: Thursday, September 17
Media availability – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Zoo hours – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: The Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo, NY 14214
Parking is available for a fee. If Zoo parking lot is full, visitors may park within the Parkside neighborhood.
WHO:
Rachel Ernisse, Director of Marketing & Communications, Buffalo Zoo
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
M&T Bank Presents Third Thursdays at the Buffalo Zoo contributed to M&T’s longstanding partnerships with regional cultural destinations such as the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo Arts Studio and Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum. Through its partnerships with these organizations, M&T offers free admission days for the community.
