Rosamond Gifford Zoo - Syracuse, New York - large zoo with over a thousand animals

Originally founded in 1914, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York is owned and operated by the Onondaga County Parks. It houses over 1,000 animals, including Asian elephants, African lions and Amur tigers. In its 88-year history, it has grown from four acres to 43, and undergone several transformations to become a leading zoo. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is accredited by the Association of Aquariums and Zoos.

Diversity is the watchword at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. The zoo is dedicated to preserving and educating people about biodiversity and its importance. The zoo houses its animals in sections that are each aimed at showing the diverse nature of the animals in each of the naturalistic habitats. These habitats include Penguin Coast, a Rainforest and Social Area and a Wildlife Trail that features 63 animals along a half-mile trail.

Birds are featured in many of the zoo's exhibits, including in the Diversity Bird Aviary. The Aviary is home to more than 20 species of birds, including Simon, a harlequin macaw who is often seated on his perch in the center of the aviary. The Aviary is also the venue for the In the Wings bird program, which runs daily at the Aviary during the summer months.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is heavily invested in education and conservation efforts. Among its programs, the zoo sponsors the Zoo to You educational outreach program with over a dozen traveling programs that appeal to age groups from preschool to senior citizens. Weekends feature EdZoocation classes for children and families. Each class includes a chance to meet zookeepers and animals and participate in age-appropriate activities in a small group. A typical offering is Naked What?, a program about naked mole rats aimed at 6-7 year old children.

Summer also brings the Summer Zoo Camps, a series of week long programs for children from kindergarten through 8th grade. Summer camps focus on an aspect of adaptation or biodiversity presented in age appropriate activities. For instance, kindergarteners may spend a week exploring the various ways that animals move - slither, slide, trot, gallop and prance - while 3rd and 4th graders might take a world tour in a week, visiting animals from Africa, South America and Australia.

For those who can't get enough of the zoo during the daytime hours, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo also offers overnights at the zoo. The Roars and Snores program is an overnight program offered to private groups of 24-35 people, and includes a pizza party, an after-dark tour of the Wildlife Trail and a late-night movie and snack before bedding down in the classrooms of the education area. The zoo also offers public overnight opportunities that are open to families.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is open year round except for Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years Day. Hours are seasonal, and admissions range from $4 to $6.50. For more information about group rates, zoo admissions and events, contact the zoo at 315-435-8511.