This annual event showcases the zoo’s enrichment program, which provides stimulating environments for the zoo’s animals in order for them to demonstrate natural behavior and enhance their well-being.

Watch the animals play with their enrichment toys and discover the importance of training that occurs daily at the zoo. Observe as animals forage for food and work through complex puzzles for an edible reward. Laugh as novel items placed in the animals’ exhibit bring out their natural – and often comical – behaviors.

Schedule of enrichment activities:

10:00 a.m. - Frozen Fun - Sheep, goats, ponies and donkeys
10:00 a.m. - Undercover Insects - Himalayan Monal Pheasants
10:30 a.m. - Papered Prey - Lions11:00 a.m. - Creature Coaching - Raptors Bird Show Yard
11:10 a.m. - Search! an activity for humans - Bird Show Yard
11:30 a.m. - Papered Prey - Tigers
12:00 p.m. - Feeding Frenzy - Penguins
12:30 p.m. - Jiminy Crickets or The Nose Knows- Ocelots
1:00 p.m. - Frozen Fun - Spectacled bears
1:00 p.m. - Creature Coaching/Weight Watchers - Elephants
1:30 p.m. - Creature Coaching - Parrots Bird Show Yard
1:30 p.m. - Creature Coaching - Raptors Bird Show Yard
2:00 p.m. - Sheet hammock - Siamangs
2:30 p.m. - Hangin’ Around - Egyptian fruit bats
3:00 p.m. - Creature Coaching - Lemurs
3:00 p.m. - The Nose Knows - Turkey vultures
3:00 p.m. - Watermelon Stampede - Elephants

Touch tables and enrichment stations will be located throughout the zoo.

This event held at Dinosaur Bar B Que in Syracuse. Free to attend. All ages welcome.

The great Zoo Boo will take place at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park on October 17, 18, 24 & 25 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

The zoo will be transformed into a bustling Halloween bash with hauntingly hilarious interactive characters and sets for children and families to enjoy. Its “kooky not spooky” theme provides families with Halloween fun without the fear!

Coordinated by Scarlett Rat Entertainment, families will have fantastic fun with interactive characters like Franki and Wolfie. They are also able to explore the Wizard's Walkway and a hay bale maze, visit Zoo Boo’s Creepy Corners Crew and play in Scarecrow Alley!   All of the four Zoo Boo evenings hold tons of fun in store and children receive a goodie as they exit the zoo!

Children and adults can participate in the pumpkin carving fun and enter the Zoo Boo carved pumpkin contest, which will take place on the Saturday evenings of Zoo Boo!

Families bring their already carved pumpkins to the zoo at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 18 and 25 and a Zoo Boo character will choose one child and one adult winner with the best carved pumpkin. The winners receive a fun Zoo Boo prize, a special treat and will even lead the Pumpkin Procession at the start of Zoo Boo! All pumpkins entered in the contest remain on display for all to enjoy.

Tickets are available at the Zoo's membership desk and participating P&C locations.  Advance sale member discounts are only available at the Zoo and must be purchased during regular Zoo hours, prior to

the event.

Onondaga County Parks and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo are pleased to offer FREE admission to all active military, veterans and their families as part of Onondaga County’s observance of Veterans Day.

Please present military or veteran organization ID cards or military discharge documents or wear your uniform for verification for complimentary Veterans Day access to the Zoo.

For busy parents looking for a safe place to bring their children the day after Thanksgiving, Wild Friday is the perfect solution. This new program offers kids an opportunity to get out of the house, tour the zoo, see animals up close, play games and make awesome crafts.

Come and enjoy a buffet meal with the jolly ole' elf. Share last minute holiday wishes with Santa and see the Zoo! Children will also be able to decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus.

Breakfast 10-11am

Lunch 12:30-1:30pm