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Utica Zoo

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Coordinates: 43°04′55″N 75°14′46″W / 43.082°N 75.246°W / 43.082; -75.246
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Utica Zoo
Map
43°04′55″N 75°14′46″W / 43.082°N 75.246°W / 43.082; -75.246
Date opened1914
Location1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, New York, US
Land area40 acres (16 ha)
No. of animals200
MembershipsAZA
Websiteuticazoo.org

Utica Zoo is a regional zoo in Utica, New York, situated in a section of Roscoe Conkling Park.[1] The Zoo has over 200 animals, including several endangered species, African Lions, Zebras, Mexican Gray Wolves, Bactrian Camels, Bald Eagles, Chinese Alligators, White Handed Gibbons, Spider Monkeys, California Sea Lions, Burmese Pythons, a children's petting Zoo, and more.

Utica Zoo welcome sign

History

The Utica Zoo was founded in 1914 with an initial collection of three fallow deer. The City of Utica owns the 80 acres (32 ha) of zoo property, of which 40 is currently developed. The first permanent building was erected in 1920. The City of Utica Parks Department managed the zoo until 1964, when responsibility was transferred to a dedicated organization. This organization was later chartered by the State of New York as an educational institution. The first professional zoo director was hired in 1966. The City of Utica, despite owning the land, does not financially support the zoo. It is instead primarily funded by the Oneida County government, the New York State Natural Heritage Program, and fundraising by the zoo and private donors.[2] Amid financial issues, the zoo was forced to defer maintenance on its facilities, and consequently lost accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2004. However, it was reaccredited by AZA in 2018.[3][4]

In 2000, a 15.5-foot-tall (4.7 m) metal sculpture of a watering can was obtained by the zoo. This sculpture is listed by Guinness World Records as the world's largest watering can.[5]

In 2011, the Utica Zoo announced they were debt-free and started adding more animals and exhibits. In November 2015 the Utica Zoo started their “We Don't Like it Either” campaign to raise money for reconstruction of the primate building, originally built in 1927. In August 2018, the Utica Zoo unveiled their "The Excitement is Building!" Campaign, aimed at continuing construction to the Primate Building and the addition of 2 outdoor, 25ft. tall primate exhibits for the White Handed Gibbons and Spider Monkeys. The entire project is expected to cost approximately $3 Million and will be the first time since 1988 the exhibit space will be open to the public.

Exhibits

As part of conservation programs, the Utica Zoo has housed Mexican wolves, red pandas, white-naped cranes, white-handed gibbons, Mexican spider monkeys, golden lion tamarins, golden-headed lion tamarins, California sea lions, prehensile-tailed skinks, collard peccaries and snowy owls.[6] Its current collection includes African lions, Hartmann's mountain zebras, and California sea lions, and the petting zoo features Nigerian dwarf goats.[7][8]

The African lions at Utica Zoo are one of the biggest attractions. In 2011, the zoo took in lions Bakari and Monni. Prior to their arrival, it had been 30 years since the zoo had lions.[9] The zoo now has a family of 3 lions that were born in Utica.

Animal encounters

The zoo offers up-close-and-personal encounters with lions, sea lions, red pandas, camels and dwarf goats.[10] The red panda encounter is their most popular, and popularity increased when two cubs were born in 2015[11] and after the encounter was mentioned on the national game show Jeopardy in 2016.[12]

Events

The zoo hosts a handful of events each year that range from family events to adult events. These events are a big portion of the money the zoo earns to fund the exhibits.[13] Dollar Day takes place in March when admission is one dollar. The zoo also hosts an educational scavenger hunt to celebrate Easter. Wine in the Wilderness, which is in early June, and Brewfest, which is in early August, are alcohol-themed events for adults. During the summer, the zoo also has a free night each month. At the end of October is Spooktacular. Holiday Hoot takes place in December.[14]

References

  1. ^ Natural Science for Youth Foundation (1990). Directory, Natural Science Centers. p. 228.
  2. ^ "Utica Zoo: History".
  3. ^ "Utica Zoo secures accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums". Newschannel 2 WKTV. September 24, 2018.
  4. ^ "Utica Zoo secures accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums". Utica Observer-Dispatch. September 24, 2018. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help); Text "http://www.uticaod.com/news/20180925/utica-zoo-secures-accreditation-from-association-of-zoos-and-aquariums" ignored (help)
  5. ^ "Guinness World Records: Largest Watering Can".
  6. ^ "Utica Zoo: Conservation".
  7. ^ "Utica Zoo: History".
  8. ^ "Utica Zoo: Adopt an Animal".
  9. ^ "Utica Zoo adds two lions to collection, opens for season Saturday". Utica Observer-Dispatch. May 3, 2016.
  10. ^ "Animal Encounters". Utica Zoo. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
  11. ^ "New York state zoo welcomes birth of two Red Panda cubs". Retrieved August 18, 2016.
  12. ^ "Jeopardy contestant mentions Utica Zoo during game show interview". WKTV (Utica). April 29, 2016. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
  13. ^ "“We Don’t Like It Either” Campaign." Utica Zoo . N.p., 11 Feb. 2016. Web. 3 May 2016.
  14. ^ "Utica Zoo 2016 Events." Utica Zoo . N.p., 23 Jan. 2016. Web. 03 May 2016.
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