Experience wildlife from around the world at this century-old zoo situated in Utica’s scenic Roscoe Conkling Park.
Founded in 1914, the Utica Zoo began with an initial collection of just three fallow deer but has since grown into a home to more than 200 animals representing 99 species from across the globe. The zoo strives to be a top destination for visitors looking for an engaging and interactive zoo experience, with education as a cornerstone of its vision. The zoo’s mission is to promote “public understanding and appreciation of wildlife species and their ecosystems through education, conservation, and recreation.” It actively supports conservation efforts through partnerships and breeding programs for threatened species.
Perfect for families, school groups, and travelers along the Capital Region corridor, ESAM is a hidden gem that brings the excitement of aviation to life.
Open year-round, the Utica Zoo features both indoor pavilions and outdoor habitats, allowing visitors a chance to explore wildlife in every season. Visitors will encounter animals from around the world, including African lions, zebras, Australian green tree frogs, Chinese alligators, river otters and more! Animals are housed within themed habitats like the African Ridge, Scales & Tails and Forever Forests.
Discover Striped Hyenas and Red Tailed Hawks when you step into the African Ridge. At Scales & Tails, observe a multitude of different species of snakes, turtles, and lizards. At the zoo’s Backyards and Barnyards section, meet Nigerian dwarf goats, pot-bellied pigs, miniature donkeys and more! Guests even get the chance to feed some of the friendly farm animals! Daily zoo keeper talks will give visitors insights into animal care. Be sure to stop by the zoo’s playground, Wadas’ Wild Play Park, where kids will enjoy sliding out of the mouth of a gigantic snake!
Tickets are $8 for Children (ages 2 to 12). Adult (ages 13-61) tickets are $11. Senior 62+, Military and College w/ID tickets are $10. Children 1 & Under are free!
Free parking is available.
Strollers are available to be rented for $7.50 for the day.
Feel free to bring your own lunch! There are a variety of pavilions and picnic tables spread throughout the zoo grounds. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
The zoo offers a variety of Experience packages that allow visitors to get up close and personal with animals from the zoo. Book an Experience with the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, the Miniature Donkeys or the Red Pandas! All Experiences must be booked two weeks in advance.
Hours of Operation:
Open year-round, 10AM to 4:30PM Daily
(check website for seasonal hours)
Experience the incredible exhibits the Utica Zoo has to offer via Amtrak to Utica’s Union Station in Central NY—Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount!
Get picked up from Union Station and taken to your reserved #NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Utica office today at: 315-736-0002.
