Get up close with more than 1,300 animals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse. From Asian elephants and Humboldt penguins to Amur leopards and tropical birds, the zoo offers a fun day of wildlife encounters, education and conservation.
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals representing nearly 300 species, with habitats designed to encourage natural behaviors. About 60 percent of the zoo is indoors, making it a year-round destination even during Central New York winters.
Visitors can see animals from around the world, including Asian elephants, Amur leopards, Humboldt penguins, Chilean flamingos, primates, birds of prey and more.
One of the zoo’s standout attractions is the Helga Beck Asian Elephant Preserve, an approximately seven-acre habitat featuring a 50,000-gallon naturalistic watering hole and multiple viewing areas. The preserve is home to the zoo’s Asian elephant herd, including elephant twins Yaad and Tukada.
Other outdoor highlights include Penguin Coast, Primate Park, the Domestic Animal Barn, Outdoor Birds and the Wildlife Trail. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits featuring tropical birds, reptiles, amphibians, aquatic species and nocturnal animals.
For an even closer look, the zoo offers special animal encounters throughout the year. Guests can meet a Humboldt penguin with a zookeeper, take a Hawk Walk with Harris hawks or participate in an Elephant Bath alongside the zoo’s animal care team. Encounters vary by season and require reservations.
The zoo also hosts daily creature chats and animal presentations, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the animals and the care they receive.
There’s always something happening at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo beyond the regular exhibits. The annual calendar includes family-friendly events, conservation programs and seasonal celebrations.
Fall visitors can experience Fall Festival and Zoo Boo, while Holiday Nights transforms the zoo with holiday lights, live entertainment, fire pits, hot chocolate and more.
General admission from March through December is $9 for adults, $5 for youth ages 3–17 and seniors 62+, while children 2 and under enter free. Winter discount pricing is offered in January and February. Veterans, active military members, active military spouses and up to three family members also receive free admission with valid identification.
Visitors can also stop at the HoneyBee Café for food and drinks or browse The Curious Cub Gift Shop for zoo-themed gifts and souvenirs.
Open daily: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
1 Conservation Place
Syracuse, NY 13204
Experience the Rosamond Gifford Zoo via Amtrak to Syracuse Regional Transportation Center (SYR). The station is served by Amtrak and provides connections to destinations throughout New York and beyond.
The zoo is located at 1 Conservation Place in Syracuse, while the Amtrak station is at the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center at 1 Walsh Circle. From the station, visitors can arrange ground transportation to the zoo.
Don’t forget to use Amtrak’s See New York and Save 15% discount!