Rosamond Gifford Zoo
About
What It Is
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is an accredited public zoo located in Syracuse, New York, within Burnet Park, and is owned and operated by Onondaga County Parks with support from the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo [2]. The facility covers 43 acres and houses more than 1,300 animals representing nearly 300 species [2]. The zoo has held continuous accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1987, with reaccreditation occurring every five years [2]. Its stated mission centers on connecting visitors to the natural world through animal care, guest experiences, and conservation education [1].
Activities & Experiences
Visitors can explore a range of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the USS Antiquities Cave, which simulates a submarine journey through time and features marine life, reptiles, amphibians, and insects [2]. The Adaptations of Animals wing includes a Nocturnal Animals area operating on a reverse light cycle so guests can observe night-active species such as sloths, fennec foxes, and a North Island brown kiwi [2]. The Diversity of Birds aviary offers a large free-flight rainforest environment with warm-weather bird species from around the world, while the outdoor Waterfowl Pond displays Chilean flamingos, wood ducks, and numerous aquatic birds [2]. A 0.5-mile Wildlife Trail connects outdoor areas of the zoo [2], and the zoo also offers animal encounters, education classes, summer zoo camps, and recurring seasonal events such as Zoo Boo and Holiday Nights [1].
Practical Access
The zoo is located at 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse, NY 13204, and can be reached by phone at (315) 435-8511 [1]. The official website lists hours and admission prices, and tickets can be purchased online [1]. The zoo notes accessibility information on its website and offers school and group visit planning resources [1].
Restrictions
No specific restrictions noted in the sources.
What Makes It Distinctive
The zoo opened an Animal Health Center in 2022 that is the largest zoological medical center in New York State outside of the Bronx Zoo [2]. Its Penguin Coast exhibit, completed in 2005, supports a breeding colony of Humboldt penguins and has produced more than 55 chicks as part of the Species Survival Plan for that species [2]. The zoo also houses Amur leopards, described as the world's most critically endangered big cats, and in 2020 became the first known zoo in North America to hand-raise an infant patas monkey after its mother died during birth [2]. These conservation and breeding achievements distinguish it among regional zoos in the northeastern United States.
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