Ross Park Zoo
Our History
The Ross Park Zoo sits tucked into the northern face of Binghamton’s South Mountain. The zoo officially opened in 1875, and is the fifth oldest zoological institution in the country behind Philadelphia, Chicago, Cincinnati, and Buffalo.
A wealthy businessman, Erastus Ross, who stipulated that his land was to be used as a park for all the community to enjoy, donated the 90-acre plot to the city of Binghamton. The first electric-run trolleys in Binghamton were in 1887, and a line running up Park Avenue by way of the old Washington Bridge created easy access to the park. A roller coaster, swings, and a variety of other amusements helped Ross Park to flourish into a busy and popular recreational area. The stone pillars were erected in 1896 and welcomed visitors as they arrived by carriage or trolley. In 1919, Ross Park saw the arrival of a bear exhibit and the park’s carousel.
The increased use of the automobile allowed people to travel out of the Binghamton area for recreation, decreasing the number of visitors to the parks. The loss of this revenue caused the zoo to slowly degenerate. Two World Wars and the Great Depression furthered the decline of the Ross Park Zoo until the US Department of Agriculture threatened the zoo with closure.
In 1966, concerned community residents formed the Southern Tier Zoological Society, and for the first time in 1972, an appropriation for zoo maintenance appeared in the City of Binghamton’s budget. The Society was granted a contract by the City to oversee the operation and maintenance of the zoo in 1977, and has assumed additional responsibilities ever since. The zoo was first accredited in 1987, and has received accreditation in 1992, 1997, and 2009 by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Under the Southern Tier Zoological Society, Ross Park has undergone tremendous changes. What was once asphalt, concrete, and steel bars is now winding wooded paths with naturalistic exhibits housing over 30 different species. A strong emphasis on conservation education has created an outreach program that serves over 40,000 people in New York and Pennsylvania.
Our Animals
With 34 current species housed at the zoo, Ross Park is home to a variety of unique and nonstandard animals that capture the imagination! Check out all the furry and feathered friends we have at the zoo!
Our Leadership
With decades of combined experience, our knowledgeable and passionate staff are determined to provide the best experience for our animals and for you! Meet our professional team that helps keep Ross Park Zoo running!
Career & Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in volunteering our working with us? Check out the variety of opportunities the Ross Park Zoo provides to get involved with making the zoo a better place! Whether it's donating your time and effort, applying for an internship or job, or even joining our esteemed Board, there are plenty of ways to help improve the zoo!
Contact Us
Have any questions or concerns? Click here to check out our FAQs, get directions or contact information, or get in touch with someone who can help!