02/25/2021
Never mind lions and lambs. At the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, March is coming in like a poison dart frog and going out like a jellyfish via in-person classes featuring animals whose exhibits have been closed for the past year.
While most indoor exhibits remain off limits due to COVID, the zoo is taking its first steps to resume on-site education activities with a March lineup of classes that include areas of the zoo not yet open to the public.
The in-person offerings include “Awesome Amphibians,” a March 6 program for ages 3-5 and 6-10, a March 20 couples’ paint date focused on flamingos, and on-site Spring Break Week Zoo Camp for ages 6-10 during the school break week, March 29 to April 2.
“With COVID numbers dropping and vaccinations on the rise, we are excited to offer our first indoor, in-person classes since the pandemic began,” said Education Director Kim Coons.
“After a year of everything virtual, our March programs will be in person and include areas of the zoo that remain closed to the public,” she said. “We will require masks and hold classes in large spaces with small groups, so slots are limited and we expect them to fill up fast.”
Here is a list of upcoming education events at the zoo
Edventure Academy: Awesome Amphibians
Saturday, March 6
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Ages 3-5 (Parent/caregiver must attend)
1:30 – 3 p.m. Ages 6-10 (Child can be dropped off or 1 adult can attend)
Hop on into the zoo for this absolutely “ribbeting” class on why frogs (and other amphibians) are so amazing. You will learn the difference between fabulous frogs and totally awesome toads, as well as the unique characteristics of amphibians and why they are in trouble in the wild. You will even meet some special amphibians up close and personal!
Cost: $20 zoo members/$25 non-members; $15 each additional child.
Register: syracusezooevents.org/education
Paired Painting Class: Tickled Pink
Saturday, March 20
10 a.m. – noon
Here’s a great Saturday activity with a date or a friend! Flock to the zoo for this fabulous flamingo event! Paint with flair as a pair and learn about our new flamboyance of flamingos with a keeper chat at their exhibit. You’ll fly away with two finished 11 x 14 canvases per ticket.
Cost: $90 per pair zoo members/$100 per pair non-members.
Register: syracusezooevents.org/education
Spring Break Zoo Camp, Ages 6-10 – Animals in Action!
March 29 – April 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily
Get ready for an energetic and enthusiastic program sure to keep you on your feet! Explore animal behavior through tours, crafts, activities and animal interactions. Bonus: Be the first to see areas of the zoo that are not yet re-opened to the public.
Cost: $265 zoo members, $285 non-members
Register: syracusezooevents.org/seasonal-zoo-camps
Spring Break Zoo Camp, Ages 11-14 – The Creation Station
March 29 – April 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily
Are you a budding artist looking for a creative outlet? Do animals ignite your imagination? Then let the Rosamond Gifford Zoo animals inspire you to draw, paint, sculpt and take photos* of animals, including some you haven’t seen in a while!
*Requires bringing a digital device with camera.
Cost: $265 zoo members, $285 non-members
Register: syracusezooevents.org/seasonal-zoo-camps
Education programs are a crucial part of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s mission as an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). In addition to world class animal care, AZA member institutions are required to support global conservation and educate the public about wildlife and saving species.
When COVID-19 hit last year, the zoo was among many facilities that closed in March and began offering “Learn at Home” opportunities via its website and social media. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo became the first zoo in New York State to reopen last May, and continues to operate with a reservations system, 750-person per day attendance cap and mask and social distance requirements.
The zoo is still offering virtual learning events, including a March 10 Learn at Home event on how you can help protect our planet for World Recycling Day and World Water Day in March.
Learn more about this and other virtual zoo events at https://www.syracusezooevents.org/family-learning-adventures
For info on how to make a reservation to visit the zoo, please visit www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org.
