Roars 'n' Snores Overnights

Don't miss the unique opportunity to experience first hand what happens at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo after hours! When the last visitor leaves for the day and the sun goes down, you can hear the Roars and Snores of the animals as they get ready for the nighttime. So grab your pajamas and sleeping bag, and get ready for a "wild" night! Any group or organization can schedule an overnight, including scouts, religious organizations, school groups and more. 

Public Overnights

Public overnights are a unique experience for families that include after dark and early morning tours of the zoo, activities and/or a craft, pizza dinner and a light breakfast, an outreach animal visit, and a special behind the scenes activity!

Children must be between the ages of 6 and 14 and accompanied by an adult. (Maximum 3 children per adult). This unique opportunity will begin at 7:00 pm Friday night and wrap up the next morning at 10:00 am. After the overnight, your family is welcome to enjoy everything the Zoo has to offer! Minimum number of participants is required.

Please check back soon for more public overnight opportunities.

Contact Liz Schmidt at (315) 435-8511 x205 or email lschmidt@rosamondgiffordzoo.org for more details. 

Private Overnights

Who are private overnights for?

Private overnights are for any group looking to learn and have fun at the Zoo! We cater to girl scouts, boy scouts, church groups, youth groups, and other community organizations. We have a minimum requirement of 24 participants (adults and/or children) and a maximum of 35 participants (adults and/or children). Participants must be six (6) years old or older at the time of the event.

What does the Zoo provide?

Overnights include a pizza dinner, personalized tours of the Zoo including an after dark tour of the Wild Life Trail, a visit from some of our outreach animals, late night snack and movie, a light breakfast, and of course, a unique nocturnal experience at the Zoo! The event may also include keeper interactions, a craft, a badge or patch component, and other activities based on your group's needs. Every effort will be made to provide allergy neutral foods; please note that dairy and wheat products (i.e. pizza dinner) are served. If you or members of your group have special dietary needs, please alert Zoo staff before the event.

• To check out a sample overnight schedule, click here.

What should we bring?

Overnight participants should bring a sleeping bag (it does get chilly in the classrooms at night), pillow, toiletries (including a hand towel), and PJs. Please remember to dress for the weather; tours will go outside! Please do not bring electronics (including games), food (unless you have a special dietary need), or flashlights (unless you'd like to read before bed).

• Each participant under the age of 18 without a parent or legal guardian on Zoo grounds during the overnight must have a signed Consent and Waiver form on file. To view or download this form, click here.

Where do we sleep?

Overnights take place in the education classrooms, which are climate controlled. There are bathroom facilities but no showers. Participants sleep on the floor, which is carpeted. We do not provide mats or cots. Sleeping mats and air mattresses are welcome, but keep in mind that you may be sharing sleeping space with up to 34 other people, so please limit the size of your mattresses/sleeping pads to twin or full sized.

When do overnights take place?

Overnights typically take place on Friday nights, but a Saturday night may be possible depending on staff and facility availability. Overnights take place year round, from January to June and September to December. Overnights are not scheduled during July and August, as Summer Zoo Camp utilizes the education facilities. Due to the popularity of the Zoo's banquet facilities, another event may be scheduled during the same time as your overnight. Every effort will be made to keep event and overnight groups separate.

All dates are booked for Spring 2010! The following dates are available in the fall 2010:

• December 10 and 17

We are now booking for Spring 2011! The following dates are currently available:

• January 14, 21, 28
• March 11, 25
• April 8, 29
• May 13
• June 10, 17

More dates may become available throughout the year. Please call (315) 435-8511 ext. 205 to check availability. We are unable to accommodate overnights in July and August due to our popular summer Zoo Camp program!

What is the cost?

Overnights cost $35.00 per participant. We require one (1) adult chaperone for every seven (7) children, and that adult is free. Additional adults are welcome for $35.00 each. A minimum fee of $840.00 (equivalent to 24 paying participants, children and/or adults) is required to run an overnight program. If your troop or group is unable to meet the minimum requirement, you may combine with another troop on your own or we will combine for you. If your group is smaller than 15 people (children and adults), you must combine with another group. Please indicate if you need to combine when you book your date. If you do not wish to combine with another troop or group, the minimum payment of $840.00 is required even if you do not bring 24 people. A signed contract and $200.00 deposit is required within two weeks of reserving your date.

To check out the overnight contract, click here.

Winter Weather Policy

All education programs, including edZOOcation, camps, and overnights, will run as scheduled unless the Zoo has been closed by order of Onondaga County administration. Sorry, but no refunds or rain checks will be given for 'no-shows' for any reason.

Questions?

Call Liz Schmidt at (315) 435-8511 x205 or e-mail lschmidt@rosamondgiffordzoo.org for further information, to check availability, or to reserve a date.