Date opened 1914 No. of animals 200 Website uticazoo.org Area 16 ha Number of animals 200 | Land area 40 acres (16 ha) Memberships formerly AZA Opened 1914 Phone +1 315-738-0472 Number of species 99 | |
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Location 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, New York, US Address 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501, USA Hours Open today · 10AM–4:45PMMonday10AM–4:45PMTuesday10AM–4:45PMWednesday10AM–4:45PMThursday10AM–4:45PMFriday10AM–4:45PMSaturday10AM–4:45PMSunday10AM–4:45PMSuggest an edit Similar Utica Children's Museum, Union Station, Adirondack Scenic Railroad, National Distance Running, Munson‑Williams‑Proctor Arts Institute Profiles | ||
Utica zoo lions
Utica Zoo is a regional zoo in Utica, New York, situated in a section of Roscoe Conkling Park. The zoo has both captive animal exhibits, including several endangered species, and a children's petting zoo.
Contents
History
The Utica Zoo was founded in 1914 with an initial collection of three fallow deer. The City of Utica owns the 80 acres (32 ha) of zoo property, of which 40 is currently developed. The first permanent building was erected in 1920. The City of Utica Parks Department managed the zoo until 1964, when responsibility was transferred to a dedicated organization. This organization was later chartered by the State of New York as an educational institution. The first professional zoo director was hired in 1966. The City of Utica, despite owning the land, does not financially support the zoo: it is primarily funded by the Oneida County government, the New York State Natural Heritage Program, and fundraising by the Zoo and private donors. Amid financial issues, the zoo lost accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2006, but intends to become re-accredited.
In 2000, a 15.5 feet (4.7 m) tall metal sculpture of a watering can was obtained by the zoo. This sculpture is listed by Guinness World Records as the world's largest watering can.
In 2011, the Utica Zoo announced they were debt-free and started adding more animals and exhibits. In November 2015 the Utica Zoo started their “We Don't Like it Either” campaign to raise money for reconstruction on the building.
Exhibits
As part of conservation programs, the Utica Zoo has housed Mexican wolves, red pandas, white-naped cranes, white-handed gibbons, Mexican spider monkeys, golden lion tamarins, golden-headed lion tamarins, California sea lions, prehensile-tailed skinks, collard peccaries and snowy owls. Its current collection includes African lions, Hartmann's mountain zebras, and California sea lions, and the petting zoo features Nigerian dwarf goats.
The African lions at Utica Zoo are one of the biggest attractions. In 2011, the zoo took in lions Bakari and Monni. Prior to their arrival, it had been 30 years since the zoo had lions. The zoo now has a family of lions that were born in Utica.
The Utica Zoo also offers personal animal encounters with African lions, California sea lions, red pandas, camels and the children's zoo yard. Each encounter varies in price range, availability, and amount of people allowed at once.
Events
The zoo hosts a handful of events each year that range from family events to adult events. These events are a big portion of the money the zoo earns to fund the exhibits. Dollar Day takes place in March when admission is one dollar. The zoo also hosts an educational scavenger hunt to celebrate Easter. Wine in the Wilderness, which is in early June, and Brewfest, which is in early August, are alcohol-themed events for adults. During the summer, the zoo also has a free night each month. At the end of October is Spooktacular. Holiday Hoot takes place in December.
Animal Encounters
Utica Zoo offers up close and personal animal encounters with the following animals: African Lion, California Sea Lion, Red Panda, Bactrian Camels, and Goats. The Red Panda Encounter is their most popular encounter, and popularity increased when two cubs were born in 2015. Visitors travel from all over the United States to feed the red pandas at the Utica Zoo. In April 2016, Utica Zoo Red Panda Encounters were mentioned on the popular game show Jeopardy.