Enjoy a Zoo Day
Round up the grandkids for a trip to a zoo
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
From tots through teens, engaging with animals always makes for a great outing with the grandkids or a young-at-heart date with your sweetheart.
■ Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park in Syracuse exhibits more than 1,300 animals among nearly 300 species. These include Asian elephants and other mammals, penguins, primates, domestic animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, all in species-oriented, colorful habitats. The zoo hosts numerous special events and educational programming all year. Check the website to find out what events are coming up. With the gift shop and snack shop, it’s easy to spend an entire day at the largest zoo in the region.
■ Many animals would call Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in Rome their home, including tame deer in the petting zoo, pygmy goat, otter, capybara, wallaby, horse, sheep, sloth, emus, bison, spider monkey, yak, lemur, eagle, owl, swan, alpaca, sheep, mini donkey, pony, chicken, rabbit, grey wolf, chinchilla, blue and gold macaw, cockatoo and arctic fox. The venue includes a lot of children’s activities, playground and concessions. The emphasis on hands-on engagement makes it perfect for youngsters who enjoy sensory learning.
■ At the Utica Zoo view 99 species of animals on 35 acres in the Roscoe-Conkling Park. Animal zones include African, rainforest, reptile, Asian, Northern forest and domestic animals. African lion, ostrich, hyena, zebra, turtle, python, lizard, snake, iguana, emu, camel, bald eagle, lynx, wolf and more. Check the website for special events and “up close” experiences that allow guests to see animals in a personal way.
■ The Wild Animal Park in Chittenango cares for about 50 species, including giraffe, hyena, red kangaroo, ring tailed lemur, jaguar, mountain lion, cheetah, African lion, African leopard, Bengal tigers and more. The park has a drive-through safari (your vehicle or the park’s vehicle for a guided tour), bounce house and concessions.
■ Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville near Binghamton offers both an indoor zoo, featuring rhino, giraffe, sloth, capybara and more, along with a drive-through, safari-style adventure with 30 species, including giraffe, rhino, bison, elk and many more. You can feed some animals purchased pellets right from your vehicle. There’s also an aviary, gem mining and hurricane simulator. The admission is separate for the indoor and outdoor parts of the facility, so it can make a great place to take the grandkids on a rainy day.
Make Your Day More Fun with These Tips
■ Check the facility’s website and Facebook page for updates and to review its policies.
■ Dress for the weather and the facility, including non-skid, comfortable footwear.
■ Bring along sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your skin.
■ If you’re bringing any young grandkids, review the facility’s rules before you go and as needed during your day. It’s easy for small children to become excited over seeing animals and do things that they normally wouldn’t.
■ Plan to stop at the gift shop for a little memento before you leave. The proceeds from the gift shop help support the facility and oftentimes, gift shops at animal facilities have many good quality educational items for children.