STATEN ISLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC

Provides education programs for children and adults on the care and handling of zoo and household animals, and topics related to the zoological world, including on-site classes for up to 30 students and 5 adults at $375 per class, virtual programs via Zoom, and mobile education programs requiring a minimum of three consecutive 45-minute sessions.

Offers on-site animal presentations for general education groups of up to 30 students and 5 adults at a price of $350 per session.

Offers volunteer opportunities requiring a minimum 3-month commitment, a docent and junior docent program with a 10-week training course focused on public education and outreach, internship programs in animal care, veterinary hospital, wildlife education, and administration with a close staff-to-intern ratio, and veterinary externships for students from AVMA-accredited schools to gain hands-on experience in zoo and wildlife medicine.

Brings animals to local nursing homes and rehabilitation centers for resident encounters and provides virtual presentations to children’s hospitals. Engages community members at 20 outreach events and families at 15 citywide science events annually.

Hosts two-hour birthday party reservations on weekends in the Zoo Café, including up-close animal encounters, carousel rides, pizza party, crafts, and a zoo instructor to lead activities. The package includes invitations, animal-themed paper goods, a mask craft for all children, carousel ride, and food (5 pizzas and 24 juice boxes).

Offers summer camp sessions annually from June 29 to August 21, featuring arts and crafts, animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and games led by professional wildlife educators. The program serves over 500 participants annually and includes a nut-free environment to accommodate allergies. Campers receive a Zoofari t-shirt, water bottle, photo with an animal, and a grade-appropriate bag upon registration.

Provides members with one year of free admission to the Staten Island Zoo and reciprocal free or discounted admission to over 100 zoos and aquariums nationwide. Members receive early access to new exhibits, advance notice and discounted access to programs, special events, members-only programs, and a 10% discount on souvenirs at the Zoo Café.

Operates the Conservation Carousel on weekends, Wednesdays, and school holidays as a public attraction.

Provides sensory bags with fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, and KCVIP badges; weighted lap pads; and access to a social story via the KultureCity All-Inclusive App to support guests with sensory sensitivities.

Operates a zoological park open to the public, including exhibits designed for children, and provides free parking for visitors at the corner of Martling Avenue and Clove Road. The zoo hosts approximately 200,000 annual guests.

Annually provides 5,000 pounds of meat, 1,000 pounds of fish, 12,000 pounds of grain and seed, 27,000 pounds of grain, 2,500 pounds of grain for mammals, 10,000 pounds of hay, 54,600 pounds of produce, and 9,360 eggs to feed zoo animals.