Information
Landmark: Utica ZooCity: Syracuse
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Utica Zoo, Syracuse, USA New York, North America
Overview
The Utica Zoo sits at 1 Utica Zoo Way in Utica, New York, tucked into the green, winding paths of Roscoe Conkling Park.Founded in 1914, it stretches across 40 acres, where more than 200 animals-from tiny dart frogs to towering giraffes-represent 99 species.The zoo works to protect wildlife, teach visitors, and make every trip-whether you’re five or fifty-feel exciting, from the roar of a lion to the splash of a playful otter.You’ll find the Utica Zoo at 1 Utica Zoo Way in Utica, NY, open 363 days a year-closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas-from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.Free parking is offered in two roomy lots right on the grounds.Admission is free for kids under one, $6 for ages 2–12, $9 for adults 13–61, and $8 for seniors 62+, military members, and college students with valid ID.Pay with cash, check, or credit/debit cards, including American Express, Visa, and Mastercard.At the Utica Zoo, you can wander through themed areas that highlight wildlife from every corner of the globe, like African Ridge, where lions lounge in the sun, giraffes stretch for leaves, and zebras graze quietly nearby.This exhibit showcases the rich variety of African wildlife, from sleek cheetahs to sprawling savannas, and the unique habitats they call home.Forever Forests showcases native North American species, from the rust-colored fox to the call of a barred owl, all rooted in the life of local forest ecosystems.Scales & Tails is a lively reptile and amphibian exhibit, home to snakes that coil lazily under warm lights, turtles that drift through shallow water, bright-eyed frogs, and quick, darting lizards.In the Asian Realm, you’ll spot red pandas curled in tree branches, gibbons swinging with ease, and other creatures perfectly at home in the forests and mountains of the continent.North Trek shines a spotlight on cold-climate wildlife, from sturdy musk oxen to arctic foxes built for life in the frost.Backyards & Barnyards is a hands-on space where you can meet farm animals and gentle pets, sometimes even scratch a goat’s rough, warm nose in the petting zoo.Ambassador Animals showcases creatures from educational programs, giving visitors a close look at their fur, feathers, and habits while learning about wildlife conservation and behavior.At the Utica Zoo, small groups can enjoy hands-on animal encounters-special moments that run about 30 minutes, maybe long enough to feel the warmth of a goat’s nose against your palm.You’ll need to book ahead for the White-Handed Gibbon Experience-$300 covers up to four people-and you’ll get to feed the gibbons and slip behind the scenes, where their soft calls echo through the trees.The African Painted Dog Experience ($250 for up to four people) lets you watch them feed, hear keepers share stories, and join enrichment activities that bring this endangered species to life.For $150, up to four people can feed Hartmann’s mountain zebras and step inside the warm, hay-scented barn where they live.Bactrian Camel Encounter - $75 for up to four people - includes a feeding session, and you might leave with a photo package capturing a sandy whiskered nose up close.Nigerian Dwarf Goat Encounter ($50 for up to 4 people) - feed and mingle with these gentle goats as they nibble grain right from your hand.The Ambassador Animal Experience ($30 for up to four people) offers an engaging session where you’ll meet outreach animals up close-maybe feel the soft fur of a chinchilla or see the bright eyes of a barn owl.The Utica Zoo brings the community together with seasonal and special events that support its mission, like Eggstravaganza-an Easter celebration filled with egg hunts, friendly animal meet-and-greets, and the sound of live music drifting through the grounds.Wine in the Wilderness brings you an evening of rich aromas and bold flavors, all while raising funds and sharing stories about the animals that roam our wild places.Brewfest is a lively celebration of craft beer, with bands playing under the summer sun and the gates to the zoo wide open.The zoo runs education programs like Zoo Camp, school field trips, and hands-on outreach that bring conservation and biology to life-picture a child holding a smooth turtle shell while learning how habitats work.The interactive zoo map guides visitors through winding paths, pointing them toward exhibits, restrooms, and snack stands.Memberships come with perks-free admission, generous discounts, and a pass to special events where the lights glow and music fills the air.The gift shop sells souvenirs, books about wildlife, and other items that help support the zoo.You might spot a bright plush tiger in the window.The zoo joins species survival plans and works hard to spread the word about endangered animals, from the roar of a tiger to the flutter of a rare butterfly.At the Utica Zoo, families, school groups, and wildlife lovers can explore exhibits that blend hands-on learning with conservation-and still have plenty of fun, from watching playful otters to strolling shaded garden paths.
