We are open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with our last admission at 3 pm. 

We are CLOSED Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We may close early for special events! Please check our social media or view our upcoming events page to see if an event is happening the day of your visit.

We recommend setting aside at least one hour for your visit.

Yes! Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted within the zoo. Feeding of the animals, however, is strictly prohibited due to health and other hazards.

No! For the health and safety of our animals and other guests, smoking is prohibited within the Ross Park campus. This includes vaping and e-cigarettes.

Our animals have the choice of being indoors or outdoors. Depending on the weather, some animals may head inside to warm up or cool down. Many of the exhibits have indoor viewing as well as outdoor enclosures.

Being a New England zoo, we are subject to some pretty unforgiving weather and shelter our animals accordingly. For example, our Sulcata tortoise and (ironically) African penguins need to be housed indoors all winter, while our Arctic foxes and Snow leopard dislike the harsh summer heat!

Please be patient and understanding as we cater to the needs of our animals and provide them with the choice that makes them most comfortable.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept donated exotic pets or wildlife from individuals. At Ross Park Zoo, we adhere to strict guidelines and commitments, including several conservation initiatives. We cannot take orphaned pets due to our focus on maintaining the genetic diversity and sustainability of endangered species as outlined in our conservation programs.

We recommend contacting local animal rescue organizations, wildlife rehabilitators, or appropriate authorities who specialize in the care and rehoming of exotic pets or wildlife. They may be better equipped to address your specific needs and provide the necessary assistance.

While the Ross Park Zoo cannot directly assist with wild animals in distress due to legal constraints on animal acceptance, we can offer guidance. We align with the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) principle of “If You Care, Leave It There.” However, recognizing the compassionate nature of animal lovers, we acknowledge that the desire to help is sometimes irresistible. If you suspect the animal in question is injured, distressed, or orphaned, we recommend contacting one of the Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators in the area. These dedicated individuals are committed to aiding wildlife in need. Below, you’ll find a list of resources for wildlife rehabilitators:

New York State Rehabilitator Locator

• Select the county where you are located from the dropdown menu.
• Select the type of animal that requires assistance (i.e. “Small Mammal,” “Raptors,” etc.) 
• Click “Search” and you will find a list of relevant Rehabilitators and their contact information. 

Cornell University’s Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Health Center: (607) 253-3060

Animal Help Now

• Type your location’s Zip Code in the search bar.
• Click on “Wildlife Emergency: Assist injured, orphaned, distressed wildlife.”
• Read the warning pop-up and click “OK.”
• Click on one of the Rehabilitators that appear to get their contact information.

No. Pets of any kind are strictly prohibited on zoo grounds with the exception of service dogs. Please also be mindful of leaving pets in your vehicle while visiting the zoo. It is not permitted due to the danger of overheating, and we will ask you to leave.

At Ross Park Zoo, we are committed to providing exceptional service to all our visitors, including those accompanied by service animals. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is specifically defined as a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks or do work for a person with a disability. These tasks must be directly related to the individual’s disability and are intended to assist them in their daily life. Examples of such tasks include alerting a person with diabetes to their blood sugar levels, reminding someone with depression to take medication, assisting a person with epilepsy during a seizure, or aiding a person with a sensory impairment.

Yes, the zoo is fully walkable. However, please note that the terrain within the zoo - with its hilly and occasionally steep areas - may present challenges for those with limited mobility.

Unfortunately, we do not offer electric scooter rentals due to the steep terrain of our park, which may pose a challenge to scooter navigation.

However, we are committed to ensuring that all guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. To assist patrons with mobility challenges, we provide alternative options:

Tram Service: We offer a tram service that can transport guests with mobility issues. Please note that tram capacity is limited and service must be arranged in advance. 

Wheelchair Rental: We provide wheelchairs free of charge for guests who require assistance. It’s important to note that while wheelchairs can aid in mobility, someone must be physically capable of pushing the patron up the hill and controlling their movement on the way back down.

Our 9-passenger electric van (“tram”) has a wheelchair ramp, making it possible for individuals with mobility issues to enjoy time at the zoo. The tram is available April 1 - November 1.

To reserve a tram ride, please call our gift shop at least 24 hours in advance at (607) 724-5461 x300.

Yes! A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available upon request.

Strollers are available for your on-grounds visit and may be requested upon admission to the zoo.

Yes! Our Leopard Spot Snack Shack is our seasonal concession stand open weekends in April and May and every day June - August, offering hot dogs, nachos, soft drinks, and cool ice cream treats like Dippin’ Dots. The Leopard’s Spot is conveniently located across from the picnic tent and playground in the upper zoo.

First Aid kits and AEDs are available at the ticket booth and main office. Please refer to our zoo map for those locations.

No, there is no ATM at the zoo. However, we accept both cash and credit cards at the ticket booth, Leopard’s Spot Snack Shack, and Zoovenirs Gift Shop.