Rosamond Gifford Zoo image

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Cafe Tourist attraction Park Event venue Gift shop Nature preserve Zoo Aquarium

One of the Most Revieweds in Syracuse


Address

1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse, NY 13204

Website

www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org

Contact

(315) 435-8511

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (5.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: animals (52) nice (24) time (17) exhibits (17) area (16) great (12) good (11) staff (10) kids (10) beautiful (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Michele R. 2 years ago on Google
    Love the RG Zoo! Nice layout and reduced prices when you visit in January or February. All the animals are gorgeous and look well looked after. Friendly staff. Highly recommend!
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rawad E. 11 months ago on Google
    Very surprised at the variety of animals they had. To have elephants, leopards, camels, wolves, eagles, penguins, monkeys and many more in the middle of the city is very impressive. The size of the zoo isn’t huge, but I liked it because it keeps it interesting and you’re not spending half your time trying to reach the next attraction. It took us about 1-2 hours to see everything. The admission is very reasonable ($9 adults, $5 kids), and parking is free. The kids and adults will love it.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ashley A. 1 year ago on Google
    Unfortunately, half the Zoo was closed down to the public due to Covid-19 and a Bird flu going through the Zoo. All the birds and aquariums were shut down. I was there with my daughter and her Kindergarten class. It was definitely a beautiful day. I was just disappointed to not see the birdies!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rich O. 6 months ago on Google • 295 reviews
    Spent the day with our granddaughter and had a great time! She showed us all of her favorite animals and things to see, as she's been here a few times. I was amazed by the space of some of the exhibits and the landscaping is beautiful. Not to mention the great views of around Syracuse and the admission prices are pretty fair considering all there is to see...highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria O. 4 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    This zoo was affordable to enter and had a great selection of exhibits. The animals appeared healthy and lively. The whole place was clean and looked very beautiful. I didn't have time to see the aquarium, but I very much enjoyed my time here and plan on coming back in the spring.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christy K. 1 year ago on Google
    We LOVE the zoo, especially the penguin exhibit. It’s so peaceful to just sit and watch them swim around! The new Jr. Vet Clinic is really cool, too! It’s inside so it was nice to get a break from the heat for a few minutes while the kids explored all the fun vet toys. If you’re going to go more than once in a year, you should get a membership. It’s definitely worth the price!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dylan F. 1 year ago on Google
    The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is an AZA accredited zoo which hosts a variety of animals and learning opportunities. It's beautifully designed as one big loop, and semi-recent additions of a speckled bear, Amur leopards, and a number of other animals have really filled out the experience. We love our membership, which is a great value, and we tend to go about once a week in the summer time. I would recommend to anyone, kids or not.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hannah O. 2 months ago on Google • 127 reviews New
    This was a lovely way to while away a few hours on a grey but temperate Saturday. There were a fair number of visitors but no lines or crowds. Admission is already pretty reasonable but also is reduced in January and February, so a regular adult ticket is just $5. The animals for the most part seemed to have decent space and enrichment, although the fennec fox in particular looked distressed and confined. The elephants have a good size space though they were all inside the pavilion when we visited. The loop path is a nice walk and accessible for mobility aids. There were a lot of benches along the way for resting as needed. The cafe is adequate for a quick snack, and the gift shop had a great selection of stuffed animals matching the animals at the zoo.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dominic C. 2 months ago on Google • 48 reviews New
    I love this zoo! Great size, good mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, and lots of active animals. I have a membership and it’s for sure worth it. The weekends can be busy with kids but if you go close to closing time then you can avoid most of the gremlins.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leegi B. 2 months ago on Google • 250 reviews New
    Affordable tickets that still allow you to experience a range of animals. Kudos for being the only zoo we have visited that does not force you to exit via the souvenir shop!! There is an indoor section & an outdoor section. Depending on weather, some animals will be in one or the other. Many type of monkies so good chance you will see at least one of them doing their shananigans. Penguins, Elephants, Camels Tigers, Bears, Komodo Dragon, Sloth & what not. Remember that most animals are out during cooler months so don't hesitate winter visits.

  • 5/5 buster b. 1 year ago on Google
    My company had a managers meeting at the zoo's large conference room. Tables were setup with white table clothes and we had a make your own lunch buffet during our meeting. At the end of our meeting a zookeeper introduced us to Muppet the porcupine. Very cool 😎. After the meeting we all got tickets to enter the zoo and walk around and see the exhibits. It was a fun and beautiful walk around to see all the different animals.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ronnie P. 6 months ago on Google • 88 reviews
    Also, known as The Syracuse Zoo, is a hidden gem in Central New York. The exhibits are beautifully created and maintained to recreate the natural habitat of their animals. Everything from Elephants, Tigers, Monkeys, Koalas, Bears to various reptiles, the Aviary, even an octopus in their aquarium building delight the heart of everyone. Stop by their Website for information including feeding schedules and special events! I ADORE this Zoo!!! Less than an hour from most Finger Lake locations makes the zoo a must do on every itinerary. Being centrally located in New York it is the perfect day trip, as well. Conveniently located off 81, and in the heart of Syracuse, NY, your day at the zoo can be finished off by dinner in Little Italy or one of the other amazing restaurants located near by!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JustME 7 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    Love visiting this zoo. Many different animals to see. They are always making improvements here. We actually visited on a very busy day with lots of other patrons. It was our first time visiting on their annual Asian Elephant Extravaganza Day. The big bonus was seeing the new twin male elephant calves. We also were able to feed the ducks and Koi fish.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Samantha H. 1 year ago on Google
    We always enjoy a zoo trip and this one has so much to offer! Veterans plus 3 guest get in for free so we did not pay for entry. Elephants are quite a thing to see. Disappointed that due to avian flu all birds were quarantined.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amber M. 1 year ago on Google
    It's such a cute little zoo, the animals seem relaxed and not anxious like they do at some zoos. They also have an animal medical center included now which is really nice.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 TheKmankman4321 1 year ago on Google
    Nice little zoo. It's very quiet during the week which was nice. My 3yr old daughter and I found a shady spot to eat lunch in front of the tigers which was fun for her. There are lots of indoor exhibits as well with interesting critters. It's a little tired and could use a nice capital infusion to upgrade some aspects of the facilities.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J J. 9 months ago on Google
    First time visiting the zoo, and it exceeded my expectations! I was pleasantly surprised by the number of families bringing their children along. This zoo is definitely kid-friendly. Personally, I enjoyed seeing the elephants, especially the twins that were born in October 2022. My favorite was the red panda. Overall, everything was great. However, I believe the cafeteria could improve by offering more snacks such as churros, cotton candy, and ice cream. Parking was convenient, and the entrance fee was reasonable.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katrina B. 11 months ago on Google
    I might be a little biased since I started volunteering at the zoo roughly a yr ago now, but I love how much they have done over the yrs. One thing I love is the education department has really done great at bringing interactive information to all ages. I've even gone to some of the programs both as a parent and as a participant for the adult zoo programs. Today was a perfect day as the weather was perfect and lots of animals were out and about. Love seeing how much our zoo cares for not just the animals but also teaching the importance of conservation for these and many other animals around the world.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nikkita C. 8 months ago on Google
    It's always a fun experience when we are here. The staff are always so nice, the place is clean and all around a nice environment. Last time we were there it was 85°F and they had some misters/sprinklers on in different areas of the zoo for people to cool off.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 V N. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is amazing! It is more than 100 years old with vivid history and heritage. Very well maintained. What surprises is how some birds and animals live together and interact. In birds diversity area you can find many species that friendly share common space, fly over you head and just walk around. This park feels like at home, stuff is friendly and welcoming.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole C. 6 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    This is one of the nicest zoos I've been to! Very affordable, very clean, the landscaping was beautiful, good amount of animals, I was just all around very pleasantly surprised! A must visit if you're ever in the area!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Smokey Hills o. 1 month ago on Google • 146 reviews New
    This zoo is absolutely amazing went there 35 years ago when it was Burnett Park. and was leary about it but it didn't disappoint at all we loved it very clean really nice handlers the bear was the highlight of our trip thank you rosamond zoo

  • 5/5 Lorna Street D. 6 months ago on Google • 45 reviews
    What a great little zoo! Clean, very well maintained, loved how geared it was towards kids' interactions with the environments. It's a small zoo, but it feels big! The grounds are beautiful. Loved the penguins and ducks. I didn't take many photos because we were too busy running around. Clean, accessible bathrooms and a nice cafe accompany the zoo. We didn't get to see their tiger because she'd just had babies!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tricia G. 7 months ago on Google • 42 reviews
    We decided to take a day trip and I found this zoo. It's located inside Burnet Park. We visited on a Saturday afternoon . Waited in line less than 10 minutes. They had a stroller to rent for a reasonable price. They will hold your ID until it's returned but we were ok with that . Our 16month grandson would need to rest so the stroller was a plus. Plenty of animals to see. Some we have never heard of. Even new babies. Our favorite were the Baby Twin Elephants. So cute.There enclosures are large and what makes this zoo a great place is they give you more than one area to see the animal. Just a beautiful zoo to walk through. There are a few places with food. Just overall a Fantastic place for an outstanding price I have attached some pictures we took that day. Enjoy! Happy Travels
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Miguel Gutiérrez A. 5 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    This Zoo is fine, very organized and clean. The animals looked save. The tigers and elephants are very beautiful. But I don't seen lions it's the shame. In overall there is a lot a interest species. In other side, I seen a lot a kids get funn in this Zoo, it is glad to see that.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kimberly S. 2 years ago on Google
    Just held a retirement party at the Zoo. Worked with Stephanie and her staff. Amazing experience. The guests absolutely loved the venue. Very memorable time. All staff, top notch. Stephanie rocked it. The sloth ambassador, the owl ambassador and the camel bothers, wow. Seriously epic experiences for our guests. So happy we chose the Zoo.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tammra S. 1 year ago on Google
    Cute zoo with plenty to do. Affordable for a family visit and a way to spend a couple hours learning about the animals and their natural habitats. Pleasant visit. Plenty of parking and close to entrance for those with mobility issues.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna P. 9 months ago on Google
    Go to this Zoo! It was a great day. We saw loads of animals and the zoo was laid out well. It did get crowded inside the aquarium part but that’s due to the wagon/strollers. That’s because there’s a few bottlenecks where you can’t see around the corner. We had a good lunch at the cafe. Was t expensive and the food was made to order. Not concession stand food. It took us 3 1/2 hours to see most everything and eat our lunch. It was $28 for our lunch. Two made to order sandwiches with a fountain and a bag of chips. Admission was $19 for 2 adults.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Samantha D. 2 years ago on Google
    This zoo was a good size with lots of animals. The entrance is tucked away and down a winding road but there was lots of free parking. At this time you have to walk into the visitor center to purchase tickets so have masks ready to enter the building. They had various stations around the zoo with interesting animal facts (bones, eggs, replicas) and staff to explain these cool artifacts. It was very hot when we went so the zoo kindly has a few misters placed around which helped to cool us off. The zoo was not crowded, all the animals were visible. We even caught part of a zookeeper talk about camels. Only drawback to the whole visit was the little snack stand which had run out of ice cream, but we didn't check the restaurant (wasn't sure it was open). Had a great time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lynnette P. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a cute zoo! Came from Buffalo to see the Syracuse Zoo and it was very cute. Loved feeding the ducks and seeing the sloths were my favorite
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Riva W. 8 months ago on Google
    If you haven't been to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in awhile you must go. It is wonderful. I went last Friday and came in time to see the baby twin elephants. They are so cute. I then went with my friends and toured the entire facility taking pics and videos. I can't wait to go again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason P. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely Zoo. Very well priced for the amount of animals there. ($9 adult and $5 children) The zoo, amenities and exhibits are well-kept. All staff I saw there (only a few) were friendly and helpful. There is a small area with birds you can enter through the main inside area. There is also a very large indoor eating area. (Probably was more popular pre-COVID). There are a few seats outside the cafe area as well. Large parking lot with tons of spaces for cars. The gift shop is pretty impressive with lots of things to buy...clothes, stuffed toys, games, and all other kinds of trinkets. I don't think there were any food options opened on the day we went.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kayla W. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a nice zoo! Most exhibits were closed due to the cold air I believe, but it was still really nice to see all of these wonderful animals!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Colleen B. 1 year ago on Google
    We loved this zoo. The photos my daughter got of the tiger were amazing. Was nice to find a water and watermelon hut along our adventure since it was brutally hot. Nice touch. Great gift shop, face painting and we received a little education about the elephants... including that one is expecting - we can't wait to visit in the spring to see the baby.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great zoo! Very nice enclosures and a great variety of animals. Elephants were amazing! Vets get in free with guests too, so that doesn't hurt.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole A. 1 year ago on Google
    Always a nice experience. The facility is kept immaculately. Animals are all in good condition. Many were pretty sleep this round so we didn't get to see several of the animals but that gives us a reason to go back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Karla K. 1 month ago on Google • 32 reviews New
    A simple basic zoo that is good to go to when you want to just relax for the day. I do wish they had a petting area for the goats, and more birds in the inside area. Prices to get in are decent but be prepared for the high food prices and being forced to use a kiosk (no cash).

  • 4/5 Michael L. 6 months ago on Google
    the kids enjoyed the zoo. it took us just about 2 hours to see all of the exhibits. I felt like there were quite a few exhibits that were empty and under construction, etc. I'm not sure if the penguin enclosure is supposed to be completely covered in algae and dead fish but it was when we went, which made the under water viewing nearly impossible.

  • 5/5 Jessica H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great zoo. Lots too see. Friendly employees. Great value for the cost.

  • 4/5 Tom E. 2 years ago on Google
    The Zoo is one of the nicer family entertainment venues in central New York. They have adapted well to the Covid pandemic. No entry fee for Veterans with ID and their small family groups. Like any zoo don't expect all the residents to be active and available for viewing. The elephant paddock is new and much more open for elephant watching. A big hit for the younger kids is the very large "sand box" area. You can expect to spend a lot of time with the kids in this play area. The Zoo has changed a lot over the years and I think for the the most part, for the better. I recommend a visit.

  • 4/5 Brittney R. 2 years ago on Google
    We always love coming here! A little sad that soo many things were closed off due to renovations but excited to see what's coming!

  • 5/5 Andrew Blake (BT 7. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful facility. Animal exhibits are exceptionally well maintained and the animals themselves appear to be very well cared for. Not to mention the sheer diversity of animals. 10/10 would recommend.

  • 5/5 MESO H. 2 years ago on Google
    The best Elephant enclosure so far out of all the zoos my family has been too. They are diverse in species and the bear was so lively. I would definetly take my family back again, it was also free admission for veterans.

  • 5/5 Derrik W. 2 years ago on Google
    Small zoo, but extremely personable. We had a wonderful conversation with the three elephant care givers. Cool day, so the animals were all very active.

  • 5/5 Feather 2 years ago on Google
    What a nice mid sized zoo, very affordable at 9$ for adults. The Asian elephant exhibit is the best that I've seen, with active kind elephants craving your attention and a young female who loves to play with tires and toys. I experienced many beautiful moments today, with their tiger, octopus and bear. <3 Thank you guys!

  • 4/5 Roberto 2 years ago on Google
    Great zoo for the CNY area. We have been here many times, but this was the first time post-COVID. The marine area was closed down, so that was disappointing. In that spot they have all the different fish, seahorses, turtles, crocs, etc. Another disappointment was the big cats that weren’t there. I don’t think they have lions anymore, and we didn’t see the tigers either. Overall, it’s still fun - just for something to do. Currently, there is only a snack stand with stuff like nachos and hot dogs. When food is available, I think they offer pizza, salads, burgers, etc…don’t let the full parking lot scare you away. Once inside, there is plenty of space for social distancing. Oh yea, they also have a big gift shop and a few of the souvenir coin machines.

  • 3/5 Cindy K. 1 year ago on Google
    Many exhibits are closed, all birds- weren't open to public. For $5.00/person it was good. It would be nice if there were elevated viewing for the toddlers. Pengins were Inside, in a dark area so the toddlers couldn't see well. No monkeys, no tigers...we had out of town guests so it was disappointing. Being outside on a nice spring day with a chilly wind was a good thing.

  • 4/5 Jillian C. 8 months ago on Google
    For me and my son to get in, cost less than $20. It's a nice place to take the family. However, you can't feed or pet the animals, so if that's what you're going for, forget it. Some of the animals, we couldn't even see because of the location. They do have a place to order lunch. Food wasn't too bad, but we went on a holiday and it was super busy, so the wait was long. The prices are a little high. They also have a gift shop as well. Prices are as you would expect at any gift shop though.

  • 5/5 Bethany S. 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely love this zoo. Great pricing, well kept, staff care about the animals, the exhibits are laid out well for viewing and for animals to be safe and happy in their "true" environment. Multiple viewing areas for most animals. Different things always planned throughout the day such as the elephant walks and primate talks. Definitely recommend. Fun for all ages!

  • 4/5 Karl G. 2 years ago on Google
    For a small zoo, it’s got a lot going for it. The elephant exhibit is quite modern, although the old area is still empty waiting a face lift. The animals all look quite healthy, which honestly is more important than the facility itself.

  • 3/5 Zachariah C. 1 year ago on Google
    The zoo itself was very nice, clean with friendly staff. We went on a pretty hot day which does explain why it was hard to see most outside animals. Otherwise it was fun for the kids. Lots of space, wasn't over crowded, but again it was hot. I would love to go again on a cooler day and see if more animals are up and about.

  • 4/5 Yiddy F. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a very nice zoo smaller than I expected. A lot of the exhibits are empty. But there are some really nice exhibits for example the elephant exhibit and the penguins. We had a very nice time there.

  • 5/5 Steve V. 1 year ago on Google
    We took our inclusive Pre-K class on a field trip and the experience was, in a word, awesome! The staff were very friendly, helpful and welcoming. We started by visiting the outside exhibits on a pretty cold day. But most of the animals were out, even the baby elephants (SO freakin' cute)! The kiddos were amazed & delighted to see our animal unit come to life! When we were done we stopped inside for lunch. The staff gave us a large area in the cafe to feed our little animals, and we bigger ones! We then toured the inside habitats where the penguins were probably the biggest hit. A few of us teachers popped into the zoo store for some souvenirs and then our exhausted group headed back to school. I'm a life long resident of Syracuse and have been to our zoo many times. It never gets old or redundant. It remains a magical gift full of surprises and a way of bringing families, school groups, indeed all visitors, a little closer together.

  • 4/5 S J. 1 year ago on Google
    We have an annual membership, which pays for itself in no time! It’s a nice walk through the animal exhibits no matter the season. There are a good variety of animals. I like all the camp and events the zoo hosts too. One thing I would like to see is more zoo keepers doing talks/demonstrations more often and more history of/maps of/conservation efforts needed type info for all the animals at a level for children. We go to the zoo at lots of different times of the day and year and information about the animals’ schedules and care would be interesting.

  • 5/5 Alyssa F. 8 months ago on Google
    Great zoo! Fun for the whole family! There were buildings and shaded areas to rest out of the sun. Plenty of seating along the paths and various views to each enclosure. We weren't able to see the red wolves, amur tiger, or snow leopard and there were some animals we were only able to glimpse. But we had fun regardless.

  • 5/5 Sara W. 9 months ago on Google
    Loved the new exhibit .we enjoyed seeing the new baby elephants 😁 the zoo is clean and the zoo keeper's our really nice and answered all our questions.will definitely be going back 😁

  • 5/5 Malay P. 8 months ago on Google
    Definitely exceeded my expectations. Lots of animals to see. Loved the bird habitat. The monkey habitat were huge and the monkeys were active. A lot of zoos have animals but they just sitting around or sleeping. Wish the animals didn’t all go in at 4pm as the zoo is still open until 4:30.


Call (315) 435-8511 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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