Emotional Connection Through Animal Ambassadors

Implements initiatives aimed at reducing negative human impact on a wide range of wildlife species, through education and outreach.

Provides educational programming to people of all ages on the preservation and conservation of exotic wildlife and endangered species, with the goal of fostering compassion and reducing negative human impact on wildlife.

Provides free push wheelchair and motorized wheelchair rentals, as well as single and double stroller rentals, to ensure accessible zoo experiences for all guests.

Provides habitat for over 700 animals representing 216 species, many of which are threatened or endangered, through indoor and outdoor exhibits including specialized spaces such as the USS Antiquities Cave/Aquarium and Helga Beck Asian Elephant Preserve.

Partners with the Syracuse Garden Club and Master Gardeners program to maintain zoo grounds, including rain gardens, butterfly garden, and vegetable garden used for animal enrichment.

Operates breeding programs in coordination with other AZA-accredited institutions to support the survival of threatened and endangered species.

Provides educational programs during summer and school breaks, hosts daily animal chats and feeding demonstrations, and conducts off-site outreach through the 'Zoo to You' program and classroom instruction by trained volunteers.

Provides in-kind donations to support fundraising events for nonprofit organizations that align with its conservation and education mission.

Offers membership benefits including unlimited zoo admission for one year, early zoo admission for active members, discounts on events and programs, and free access to annual member events.

Operates a gift shop and Jungle Café on zoo grounds, with all profits supporting the Rosamond Gifford Zoo; generates financial support for zoo animals through on-site food and retail sales.

Hosts annual events including the Winter Photo Contest, Zoo Boo Weekends, Party for the Planet, LGBTQ Family Day of Visibility, and fundraiser events such as Brew at the Zoo, Holiday Nights, Brunch with Santa, and golf tournaments including the Rosamond Cup and Ryder Cup themed event to support zoo operations and conservation initiatives.

Engages trained volunteers to support education programs, special events, guest engagement, exhibit interpretation, and grounds maintenance.

Provides educational programming aimed at raising awareness and knowledge about elephants among student audiences.

Offers information and education to members and the public regarding anti-fur movements and public relations, with the goal of promoting unity within the fur industry.

Provides in-person and mobile outreach education programs, including guided school field trips, the Wild Science Program for middle school students, and Zoomobile visits that bring interactive wildlife education to schools within 50 miles. These programs serve over 40,000 people annually across New York and Pennsylvania.

Offers 9-passenger electric tram rides, guided tours, and rental services for strollers and wheelchairs to improve accessibility and engagement during visits.

Offers visitors opportunities to feed goats and sheep with grain cups sold at the admissions kiosk for $3.00 and $2.00 refills, available daily during peak months and on weekends year-round. Also provides guided up-close encounters with Red Pandas for guests.

Offers rental of indoor and outdoor event spaces—including pavilions, an amphitheater, and climate-controlled facilities—for birthday parties, weddings, community events, and meetings. Birthday parties include exclusive access to the Wolf Woods Education Center, setup and cleanup services, and admission for up to 30 guests. Pavilion and amphitheater rentals accommodate up to 210 and 300 individuals respectively, with pricing based on half-day or full-day use.