Rosamond Gifford Zoo

07/10/2025

07/09/2025

Brew at the Zoo is on August 1! Do you have your tickets? https://bit.ly/3aX2Ios

This popular, annual fundraiser features a selection of regional craft beers, wines, and cocktails. You'll enjoy a variety of local food trucks, live entertainment throughout the zoo, animals on evening exhibit, and more!

Ticket prices will increase by $5 on July 18.

07/08/2025

Last month, a group of ninth-grade students from Syracuse City School District’s (SCSD) Henninger High School, in partnership with The Manufacturers’ Association (MACNY) and Partners for Education & Business (PEB), celebrated the completion of their capstone projects that were a year in the making— Wildlife Wonders.

The project aimed to provide students with hands-on, project-based learning experience as they consider the many possibilities of pursuing a career in the health professions. In celebration of their accomplishment, the students gathered at the zoo to view their finished videos together and to receive their certificates before touring the zoo.

Check out our Blog to learn more about this exciting project: https://bit.ly/44B2A5J

07/07/2025

Interested in connecting with the natural world around you in a more meaningful way? Join us on July 13 for Nature Journaling! This immersive program offers a peaceful, reflective space to observe and understand the animals and plants throughout the Zoo, as well as the native wildlife and plants in the surrounding environment. Register on our website. Link in bio!

This adult-only class is good for the soul, and perfect for those looking to slow down and find joy in the simple wonders of nature.

07/07/2025

Sunday, July 13, is our Penguin Palooza! Check out the schedule below:

10:30 a.m. – Bubble Enrichment, Penguin Team member available for questions
11 a.m. – Free ice cream begins
11 a.m. – Carlos Gutierrez: Chilean Music Performance (Gazebo)
Noon – Penguin Feed Demo
1:30 p.m. – Carlos Gutierrez: Chilean Music Performance (Gazebo)
2 p.m. – Penguin Creature Chat, Courtship
*schedule subject to change

This event is free with Membership or admission!

07/06/2025

We have both beaded lizards and Gila monsters in the Desert Exhibit in our USS Antiquities Cave, but can you tell the difference between these two venomous reptiles by their scales?

Gila monsters (left) are smaller and have a more “marbled” pattern.

Beaded lizards (right) have more dots, and are generally larger with longer, pointed tails!

07/05/2025

Your feed has been blessed by this incredibly rare photo of red panda Spring splooting AND blepping!

And yes, she does have access to her air-conditioned den behind the scenes, but Spring seems to be a big fan of just flopping down on her climbing platform.

07/04/2025

Let freedom ring (necked dove). Happy from our ring-necked dove and animal ambassador, Mbala! Mbala was found in 2007, Downtown in the City of Syracuse, on July 4. Native to Africa, it was suspected that he was someone's escaped pet, or released during a wedding, and he came right to our animal care staff when offered food.

Please note that, as an AZA-accredited institution, we have strict animal intake policies and are unable to accept rescue animals unless called upon by local and national conservation authorities.

The fireworks on and leading up to the Fourth of July tend to scare and disrupt local wildlife. If you come across a sick or injured wild animal, please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) or your local police. Do NOT attempt to intervene yourself. To access a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in New York State, organized by location and accepted species, visit https://appfactory.dec.ny.gov/SpecialLicensesSearchSystem/rehab

Be on the lookout for a more in-depth article about wildlife rehabilitation in our upcoming MyZoo Magazine!

07/04/2025

Happy Fourth of July from our RED wolf pups, WHITE-faced whistling ducks, and BLUE poison dart frogs. We are open, spend your fourth of July with friends and family at the zoo!

07/03/2025

Calling all Jr. Conservationists – we want YOU to join us on our mission to protect the planet! Join our Summer Zoo Camp, July 14-18, to make a real impact as you dive into the exciting world of conservation. At this camp you'll learn about endangered species, the importance of ecosystems, and how we can work together to preserve our planet.

This camp is for kids ages 4-11. Learn more and register your child on our website: https://bit.ly/41EWPnk

07/03/2025

A friend from the zoo, sent just to you!

Each package includes an adorable plush animal buddy, perfect for cuddles and comfort. These buddies are ready to help you send a message of love and cheer to your person. Makes the perfect gift for children, adults, and everyone in between.

Everyone needs a buddy!

Purchase today at: https://bit.ly/401r5I9

07/02/2025

Meet Cora, the Elephant Barn Dog at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo! She’s got a big job: helping our Asian elephants and the humans who care for them! Originally a rescue from Helping Hounds, Cora serves as a training assistant for the zoo’s elephant team so they can practice their training techniques before working with the elephants.

Are you a member of the Cora fan club? Keep your eye out for new Cora-inspired items, coming soon to The Curious Cub Gift Shop!