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Plan Your Visit During COVID-19

What You Need to Know

We are currently booking zoo reservations on the half-hour, with the first time slot at 10 a.m. and the last at 2:30 p.m. Once you arrive, you may stay as long as you like. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

General public/Non-Members seeking to make a paid reservation must book with Onondaga County Parks at onondagacountyparks.com/parks/rosamond-gifford-zoo.

All active zoo members, as well as those holding valid zoo guest passes, must call the Member Reservation Line at (315) 435-8511 x8589 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to book your time slot to visit the zoo.

You must present your valid Membership ID upon arrival.

To ensure the safety of our visitors, staff and our amazing animals and comply with health directives, the following modifications and policies will be in place:

  •  All guests will be required to reserve timed tickets for each member of their party through the county parks website or calling the Member Reservation Line before coming to the zoo. No walk-ups will be permitted. This rule applies to zoo members, veterans and military as well as the general public. 

  • Reciprocal zoo members can now book with us through the Member Reservation Line by calling (315) 435-8511 x8589 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

  • Those needing assistance with County Parks Reservations may call (315) 435-8511 x8512 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

  • Membership card or military ID, Photo ID and timed ticket receipt will be checked on entry.

  • We will limit the number of guests entering the zoo to 750 per day to ensure proper distancing. Guests will be welcomed to enter the zoo at timed intervals every half hour starting at 10 a.m. with the last reservations at 2:30 p.m. 

  • Zoo hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the last reservations at 2:30 p.m. Doors close at 3:30 p.m. 

  • Early or late arrivals will NOT be accommodated. There will be no re-entry. Please make sure you have everything with you before entering the zoo.

  • ALL visitors, staff and volunteers must wear face masks on arrival to the zoo, throughout their visit and are required for those over age 2.

  • While manual wheelchairs will still be available at the membership desk, there will be no stroller or wagon rental at this time. 

  • Only the outdoor zoo and Social Animals building will be accessible to visitors. Guests will need to pass through the lobby directly to the outdoor courtyard and follow signs to tour the Wildlife Trail in one direction only. Please follow markers and signage, and plan to do a walking tour with members of your group only. Please remember to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other parties.

  • The USS Antiquities cave, Diversity of Birds aviary, and Nocturnal Animals exhibits are still off limits to visitors.

  • Explorer’s Play Space, Explorer’s Outpost and carousel will remain closed for now. 

  • Hand sanitizer stations are distributed along the entire outdoor loop and at each entrance and exit of the building, and zoo staff will perform frequent disinfecting of all public touchpoints.

  • The Jungle Café and Courtyard Café will remain closed for now. Visitors are permitted to bring their own refreshments (no alcohol), but seating is limited to a few tables in the courtyard and benches around the zoo.