Rivera secures $225,000 for Buffalo Zoo's new 'Expedition 360' VR theater dome

Investment supports innovative educational experiences as Buffalo Zoo advances ambitious 10-year transformation plan

Submitted by the Office of New York State Assembly member Jon Rivera

New York State Assembly member Jon Rivera has secured $225,000 in state funding to support the Buffalo Zoo’s planned “Expedition 360” virtual reality theater dome, an immersive educational attraction that will expand learning opportunities for visitors while helping advance the Buffalo Zoo’s long-term vision for the future.

The funding will support the installation of a one-story high, walk-in virtual reality dome theater that is part of the Buffalo Zoo’s broader campus development plan. The immersive theater will accommodate several dozen viewers per show, and will feature a rotating lineup of virtual experiences that will transport audiences to African safaris, jungle adventures, Arctic expeditions, underwater explorations, planetarium programs, and family-friendly, animated features.

“For over 150 years, the zoo has inspired curiosity, connected generations of families with the natural world, and advanced critical conservation efforts both here in Western New York and around the globe,” Rivera said. “This investment will help create an exciting, state-of-the-art educational experience that introduces visitors to wildlife, ecosystems, and scientific discovery in entirely new ways while supporting the zoo’s broader vision for the future. I am proud to secure this funding and help ensure the Buffalo Zoo remains a world-class destination for generations to come.”

The “Expedition 360” project builds upon the success of the venue’s “Wild Explorer” VR attraction, which debuted in 2025 and allows guests to soar above Africa’s Great Migration, encounter gorillas deep in the jungle, and come face-to-face with dinosaurs through immersive virtual reality and motion-seat technology.

Buffalo Zoo President and CEO Lisa Smith said, “The Buffalo Zoo is grateful for this generous donation from New York State Assembly member Jon Rivera, which helps make our ‘Expedition 360’ VR dome a reality. The ‘Expedition 360’ VR dome is just one of the exciting projects that we are planning through our campus development plan – an ambitious plan that will span over the next 10 years to bring new experiences to our guests, further our connection to our community, and expand habitats for the zoo’s animals. It is through our generous donors, government partners, and supporters throughout the Western New York region that we can transform our Buffalo Zoo and continue inspiring generations to come.”

All images provided by the Office of New York State Assembly member Jon Rivera // courtesy of the Buffalo Zoo

The new theater dome represents another step forward in the Buffalo Zoo’s ongoing modernization efforts. The venue recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and has embarked on a comprehensive, 10-year campus development plan featuring projects designed to expand animal habitats, enhance visitor experiences, improve accessibility, and create more year-round opportunities for education and engagement.

The Buffalo Zoo’s campus development plan emphasizes making better use of its existing footprint while preserving the historic character of its north Buffalo campus. Planned improvements include additional climate-controlled and enclosed spaces for visitors, upgraded habitats, and new educational facilities that further the site’s mission of conservation and public engagement.

Today, the Buffalo Zoo houses approximately 800 animals and serves as a regional leader in education and conservation. Beyond its campus, the zoo operates educational programs, camps, and a “ZooMobile” that brings hands-on learning experiences directly to schools, libraries and events throughout the community.

The Buffalo Zoo also participates in conservation initiatives locally and internationally. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Buffalo Zoo meets the highest standards in animal care and operations, participating in Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. In partnership with the Seneca Nation, the organization supports turtle conservation efforts involving wood turtles and Blanding’s turtles. Internationally, the Buffalo Zoo contributes to conservation programs around the globe including birds in the Mariana Islands, the Puerto Rican crested toad, polar bears and rhinoceroses.