Utica Zoo

10/23/2026

Our waters bring us together. Our national marine sanctuaries tell our stories. Celebrate these stories with us today on !

It takes people power to make a national marine sanctuary, and it takes people power to sustain it.

You can support marine sanctuaries with a cleanup to remove trash from your local beach or waterways, or sharing this information with friends and family to spread awareness. When we work together, we can protect these vital habitats and preserve future generations.

Thanks for learning! And thanks to our Admin Intern, Hayley, for working hard on creating this video for you! Keep up the great work, Hayley.

10/22/2026

We have a red panda brother on the move you should know about! 👇

Bao and Momo were born on June 29th, 2025 at Utica Zoo and we have had the pleasure of watching them grow and play together for over a year now! These two certainly have a special place in our hearts, and we know you feel the same. ❤️

As you may already know, the red panda species is Endangered. The Utica Zoo has been actively working with the SSP (Species Survival Plan) to help support red panda populations, and the time has come for both Bao and Momo to try and breed.

Momo will be venturing to his new home at an accredited facility early next week. We encourage you to stop by and wish him well before the weekend is over (October 24th and 25th). Once there, he will be meeting a new friend with the hope of starting his own family!

Bao will be patiently waiting for his gal pal to arrive to Utica Zoo! Don't worry, we'll keep you updated about all of that when the time comes.

A new red panda habitat is still in our strategic plan! Our hope is to build an entirely new facility in our Asian Realm, that will allow for premium indoor and outdoor viewing. Generous donations like that from the Peter Corigliano IV Memorial Fund help us reach our goal and bring you closer to our red pandas. They hope their contribution inspires others.

Ashley Corigliano, Peter's mother, says: "Peter’s life was filled with a love for animals, a sense of wonder about the world, and a special place in his heart for the Utica Zoo—especially the red pandas. Through the Peter Corigliano IV Memorial Fund, we are honored to donate $20,000 to support the zoo’s planned renovations and its vision for a future red panda exhibit.

We hope this contribution will help move these plans forward and create a beautiful, lasting space where families can connect with wildlife, children can learn, and Peter’s love for animals can continue to inspire others.

Our hope is that Peter’s legacy will live on through this project, bringing joy, education, and meaningful experiences to generations of children and families who visit the zoo."

Thank you, Ashley and Peter. And good luck, Momo!!! ❤️

10/21/2026

We know veterinary technicians are so much more than their title...they are the backbone of every veterinary department and have an impressively long list of medical capabilities.

This Vet Tech Week, don't forget to show your appreciation for the techs at your local animal hospital, or even zoo!

Please like or share this post to spread awareness about this incredible profession, or comment your appreciation below!

If you're a licensed technician looking for a career caring for exotic animals, we are hiring for a Veterinary Programs & Records Manager right now! You can see more information about this senior role at uticazoo.org/careers

10/20/2026

If you love your local accredited zoo, you should love their veterinary technicians, too! Please join us as we show our appreciation for the individuals in this profession during Veterinary Technician Week!

Vet techs are highly qualified medical professionals who have completed the necessary education to attain a college degree, passed the difficult state licensure exam, and even must complete required continuing education credits every few years.

Technicians working at zoos require even more knowledge about exotic animal health. At our small zoo alone, our technicians care for over 200 different animals ranging from reptiles, amphibians, hoof-stock, carnivores, birds, and more!

Veterinary technicians have been trained on countless duties they are expected to perform in addition to restraining animals safely for physical exams with the veterinarian.

Vet techs are trained to draw blood, place IV catheters, perform diagnostic imaging, assist with anesthetizing, monitor surgeries, and even fill prescriptions! To list the true extent of their duties would be endless, and this video certainly doesn’t show all of it!

Like or share this post, or leave a comment below to let our technicians know how valued they truly are!

Our zoo would not thrive without these hard working individuals! 💚

10/20/2026

You're cordially invited to Utica Zoo's Cubs Cotillion, a magical parent-child dance where you can fundraise for your favorite local zoo 💜

If you love your local accredited zoo and support our mission in providing conservation education to all, we urge you to attend!

Twirl and dance the night away on Saturday, November 14th from 4-7pm at Utica Zoo. We'll even have some royal guests you can meet!

For more information about this magical night and how you can fundraise to WIN A FREE FAMILY MEMBERSHIP, please head to our website at: uticazoo.org/events

10/18/2026

10/16/2026

Every animal has a superpower! 🌟 Don't let that cute face fool ya! North American river otters can hold their breaths for about 8 minutes underwater! 💦 They can even dive down to depths of 60 feet and swim up to 7 miles per hour!

You can learn more about animal superpowers at our ZOOperhero Training Academy on Sunday, November 1st from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Our Zooperhero Academy will also allow you to:

🕸️Meet & greet with Spiderhero and Spiderheroine at our Hero Headquarters
💪Train at the hero activity stations throughout the zoo
✅Stamp your passport at each station and submit for a prize
✏️Complete an animal superpower scavenger hunt
😈Find the villain on grounds
🪄Dress up as your own favorite superhero
🌭Enjoy local food trucks

ZOOperhero Training Academy is free with regular zoo admission and no prior registration is required to attend.

Thank you to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for sponsoring this event!

10/15/2026

Save $5 today on pre-sale tickets for BOOZE at the Utica Zoo that each include two free drinks to start the night! 🍻🍸

Don't miss your opportunity to savor the spooky season with this boozy costume party in the heart of our zoo on October 24th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Dance the night away with DJ tunes provided by Amos Donnell & D King Events.

See more information about this after-hours party at our zoo and get tickets on pre-sale NOW by heading to: uticazoo.org/events

Special thanks to MARCH Associates Architects & Planners for sponsoring this evening.

10/13/2026

What will your family dress up as this weekend during our 40th annual SPOOKTACULAR Harvest Festival!?

You read that right; we're celebrating 4 decades of spooky family fun at the zoo! 🎃This Saturday, October 17th and Sunday, October 18th, the whole family can enjoy:

👻A decked-out zoo with all the spooky (and fun) decorations for Halloween

🍭13 treat stations around the zoo for children to visit that include candy pick-ups, games, and other prize opportunities! Just $5 treat cards with zoo admission to play! Get yours on our website below

🎶Music and entertainment throughout the zoo’s grounds

💃Live dance performances

🛍️Local vendors to peruse and shop from

🗣️Keeper talks throughout the day

🍺Polly’s Concessions open for lunch, a snack, alcoholic beverage, or a sweet treat!

🌭Food trucks

For more details about SPOOKTACULAR activities and free shuttle services, see uticazoo.org/events