Rosamond Gifford Zoo

01/21/2025

As a precautionary measure to protect our bird collection against the threat of Avian Influenza, outdoor birds at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will be safely quarantined off exhibit.

Avian Influenza, or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), occurs every year and spreads during the migratory season. Avian influenza is caused by an influenza type A virus that can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl.) Free-flying waterfowl (such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds) primarily carry the disease, which means they could potentially expose domestic poultry when migrating. Not only can wild birds be infected with HPAI without showing signs of illness, but mammals can also carry and become ill from the virus.

We appreciate your understanding as we fulfill our mission of saving species and protecting the animals under our care.

01/21/2025

“Eye” didn’t see this coming… Goats and sheep, such as the critically endangered San Clemente Island Goats, Armenian mouflon, and Black Welsh Mountain sheep who live at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, have rectangular pupils. This pupil shape allows their eyes to capture more light closer to the ground and to filter more light from up above. As a result, they have enhanced peripheral vision so they can spot predators more effectively. For context, a human’s typically have a 160°-210°
field of vision, whereas goats typically have a 320-340 field of vision. All the better to see you with when you visit the Rosamond Gifford Zoo!

01/20/2025

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo acknowledges the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the civil rights movement and inspiration in the fight for racial equality.

His vision of justice, inclusion, and equity inspires us to create a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can come together to connect with wildlife and nature. Today, we reflect on his enduring impact and commit to fostering a more inclusive community for all.

01/19/2025

The endangered helmeted curassow is native to subtropical cloud forests in the steep mountainous regions of Venezuela and Colombia. These impressive birds are about the size of a wild turkey, weighing approximately 7–8 lbs!

Our male, Cosmo (larger silver band on right leg, and the more vocal of the two) and female Cabernet (smaller band on left leg) are located in the Tropical River Exhibit near the exit of our USS Antiquities Cave. The two of them have a breeding recommendation through The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Helmeted Curassow SSP, or Species Survival Plan, to help preserve the genetic diversity of their species!

01/18/2025

🎵 “Kiss kiss fall in love!” ️ Guests have spotted red pandas Spring and Ketu getting cute and cozy this winter. 🥰

Did you know that red pandas “migrate vertically?” Native to the temperate forests of the Himalayas, they live between elevations of 4,900 and 13,000 feet, and will migrate to lower elevations during the colder months.

First photo from Nicole Loetterle
Second and third photo from Olivia Kelly-Davis.

01/18/2025

Ever wish you had an extra hand? Some animals have a prehensile tail, and that’s almost as good! A prehensile tail is a special adaptation that allows animals to grasp objects, to balance themselves, or even to hang from perches. Examples of species at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo with prehensile tails include our seahorses and southern tamanduas. See if you can “tail” the difference between prehensile tails and non-prehensile tails when you visit us!

01/17/2025

Calling all runners, walkers, and animal-lovers! Now’s your chance to make tracks for wildlife conservation at the Zoo Run Run 5K at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Join us on Sunday, April 6 for a 5K fun run through zoo grounds. Whether you run like a tiger, stroll like a sloth, or cheer like a crane, you can make a difference and have “wild” amounts of fun. All ages and levels are welcome. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/40DbO0S

01/17/2025

Happy ! We’re celebrating the 170+ species of ducks, geese, swans, and screamers who belong to the "waterfowl" classification TOMORROW, January 18, during our World Waterfowl Day Event! Guests will have the opportunity to attend informative talks from bird keepers, learn about current waterfowl research, and get involved in waterfowl conservation efforts. Crafts will also be available. This event is included with zoo admission and FREE to zoo members! Learn more on our website: https://bit.ly/3WnbCAg

Photo by Richard Mardex

01/16/2025

Smile, Naga! A recently published study suggests that Komodo dragons have a unique means of keeping their teeth sharp and healthy: iron-enriched coatings on their tooth serrations and tips. Although iron has been observed in the enamel of other animal species’ teeth, this is the first time it has been seen in a carnivorous reptile and the first time iron coating was discovered specifically along the cutting edge of teeth. This layer of iron preserves their teeth even as they use it to rip into their prey during hunting and eating. Catch a glimpse of our Komodo dragon’s special chompers during your next visit!

Happy !

01/15/2025

Are you WILD about education? Join our exceptional education team for a deep dive into the world of animals at any of our exciting upcoming programs!

Adult Lecture Series:https://bit.ly/3PBowGX
Adult Zoo Camp:https://bit.ly/4dxlnD0
One Day Zoo Camps: https://bit.ly/4gOELwa
Community Conservation: https://bit.ly/3WkUvz7

01/15/2025

What happens when animals paired together through the Species Survival Plan don’t work out? Well, much like the humans stuck on dating apps, they have to “unmatch.”

With fewer than 30 red wolves left in the wild, breeding programs for these critically endangered canines are imperative for the survival of their species. After two years together without the arrival of pups, our carnivore care specialists, vet staff, and the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP) Coordinator, have decided to see if red wolves Evie and Waya would have better luck with different partners.

Evie will be staying at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in the Matthews Auto Group Red Wolf Preserve, and we are in the process of finding her a new companion. To make sure that all of our animals maintain a healthy population, the SSP Coordinator consults a studbook for breeding recommendations to enhance genetic diversity, and Evie’s potential new mate will be carefully selected.

Waya has moved to another AZA-Accredited facility. While we will miss Waya, and we know he was a favorite here at the zoo, we hope you will join us in celebrating this move towards the survival of their species.

The resulting offspring from the red wolf SSP might be viable candidates for reintroduction to the wild through US Fish and Wildlife’s (USFW) intervention program. Reintroduction is the ultimate goal to help sustain this keystone species.

Stay tuned to see if Evie swipes right on her new suitor!

01/14/2025

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo invites you to celebrate the inaugural World Waterfowl Day with us THIS Saturday, January 18! Established in memory of Mike Lubbock, cofounder of Sylvan Heights Bird Park and one of the world's leaders in waterfowl conservation, the event aims to inspire public appreciation and awareness of the 170+ species of ducks, geese, swans, and screamers who belong to the "waterfowl" classification. At our World Waterfowl Day event, guests will have the opportunity to attend informative talks from bird keepers, learn about current waterfowl research, and get involved in waterfowl conservation efforts. Crafts will also be available. This event is included with zoo admission and FREE to zoo members!

Wood duck by Sandra Kirker

01/14/2025

Could you imagine newborn human babies being able to walk, talk, and feed themselves? Well, for precocial animals, that’s the case! Precocial animals are able to function pretty independently upon birth or hatching. They enter the world with their eyes open, able to move, and sometimes even feed themselves! Precocial species usually need to avoid predators readily, so beginning their lives in a more advanced state is an effective adaptation that increases their chance for survival. In some cases they do need the protection of their parents for a period of time. Examples of precocial species who live at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo include our lavender Orpington chickens, Sichuan takin, yellow spotted river turtle, and Asian elephants.

In contrast, animals who enter the world less developed and need more involved care to survive are known as altricial. Examples of altricial species include songbirds, Amur tigers, and the humans who care for all our amazing animals!

01/13/2025

Win a family four pack of tickets to the Syracuse Winter Fair! Stop by the Membership Desk to enter the raffle.

Winners will be picked on January 27.

Learn more at https://www.nyswinterfair.com/

01/13/2025

01/12/2025

What do our Kimberley rock monitor and our feathertail gliders have in common? Both are native to the continent of Australia! Whereas feather tail gliders are native to forest and woodland areas of eastern Australia, Kimberly rock monitors are native to rocky cliffs or humid forests across northwestern Australia. When you watch your favorite tennis players compete in the Australian Open this week, remember the amazing, diverse wildlife who call the varied range of Australia home.

01/11/2025

Grammar check! Many groups of animals have a specific collective noun. Here are a few lesser-known collective nouns for some of the species who live at our zoo. A group of camels is called a “caravan.” A group of jellyfish is called a “smuck.” A group of patas monkeys is called a “troop.” A group of penguins is called a “colony.” Learn more about these and many other species when you visit the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

01/11/2025

Kids ages 6-12 can join us for a deep dive into the incredible world of animals for a full day of Zoo Camp on Monday, January 20 or Wednesday, January 29! Each camp day is different, allowing your child to explore something new about the animal world through hands-on science, artistry, technology, and engineering projects, and STEAM activities: https://bit.ly/4gOELwa

Why should kids have all the fun? Adults 18+ can join our education staff for an afternoon of hands-on projects, themed tours, insider animal stories, engaging activities, and more, while learning how the Rosamond Gifford Zoo provides exceptional care for all your favorite animals on Saturday, January 18: https://bit.ly/4jdjRZc