Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York is a modern, small zoo saddled with the challenges many face: steady, slow attendance growth; mish-mash of design ideas; nearly zero winter attendance; outdated exhibits and buildings next to innovative ones. Focusing on telling the story that the ‘small zoo can do big innovative things’ by building on the existing modern exterior entry experience and green practices will solidify its foundation for the future.
The Wild Animal Park: The Cabela’s of Zoos
Relatively new and growing, The Wild Animal Park, in rural central New York still has its brand new shine. Efficiently well-planned, aesthetically pleasing, and a wide variety of animals and interaction possibilities makes this a great short stop for road-trippers. However, a few details detract from its potential, including lack of naturalistic vegetation & topography and the compact nature of the site.
Seneca Park Zoo: An East Coast Charmer
County-owned, AZA accredited Seneca Park Zoo is a twenty-acre gem set into Olmsted-designed Seneca Park in Rochester, New York. Unlike many publicly owned small zoos, this one is unique for many reasons. The biggest, and most challenging, lies within the site itself—a long linear sliver of land following the edge of the park and not nearly wide enough for a loop path. This challenge manages to become an attribute in surprising ways.
Utica Zoo: Oktoberfest All Year-Round!
The iconic Bavarian building at the heart of the 40 acre, AZA accredited Utica Zoo, perfectly personifies the character and soul of the small zoo itself—a reflection of the dominant German population in Utica at the time of its opening in 1920. Utica Zoo is an adorable regional gem, but improvements in service access efficiency, upgrades to older areas of the zoo, and deeper thinking related to the selection of animals are needed.