Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse (must see)

Located in Burnet Park, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse is one of the city’s most treasured institutions—an award-winning zoo with over a century of history. Founded in 1914 through the support of philanthropist Lyman Cornelius Smith, the zoo began as a modest 4-acre menagerie and gradually expanded into a 43-acre facility home to more than 900 animals representing over 200 species. Now owned and operated by Onondaga County Parks with essential support from Friends of the Zoo, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is ranked among the top 10% of North American zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

The zoo’s mission focuses on connecting people to the natural world through conservation education, exceptional animal care, and engaging experiences. From poison dart frogs to Amur tigers, Humboldt penguins, Komodo dragons, and 8,000-pound Asian elephants, the zoo’s diverse collection includes many endangered and threatened species. It also participates in global breeding and species survival programs, reinforcing its commitment to wildlife conservation.

In 2022, the zoo opened the largest zoological medical center in New York State outside of the Bronx Zoo. The state-of-the-art Animal Health Center enhances veterinary care and offers visitors a unique look into the science and compassion behind animal wellness. This expansion complements the zoo’s broader efforts to lead by example in sustainability and ethical animal husbandry.

With a blend of historic charm and modern innovation, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo offers guests more than just a stroll among exotic animals—it delivers hands-on education, lasting memories, and a call to action for conservation. Whether you're visiting with family, attending a special event, or exploring as part of a school program, the zoo remains a vibrant, evolving space that brings the wild world closer to home.