When visiting Syracuse, New York, make sure to include the Rosamond Gifford Zoo as part of your itinerary. The Zoo, which is located next to Burnet Park on the city’s west side, has hundreds of animals on display, and offers a full schedule of events that sure to entertain the entire family.

During the summer, demonstrations are held every day, including an elephant demonstration, and the "In the Wings" bird show. Visitors to the zoo are given a map so that they can also wander through the outdoor trails and witness lions, tigers, bison, snow leopards, wolves, and other animals in their natural habitat.

In June 2005, the zoo unveiled its new "Penguin Coast Exhibit," one of the few of its kind in the U.S. The exhibit features 18 Humboldt penguins that live in their own 50,000-gallon penguin pool. The penguins have their own beach and island, and there are also nest borrows in a rocky wall that will allow the penguins a place to breed.

This exhibit has six different spots where the public can watch the penguins frolic. The entire exhibit was designed to emulate the penguins’ natural habitat.

Each year, the zoo hosts a variety of special events including a summer camp for kids, the Penguin Palooza – a daylong family event featuring games, activities, live music and more, the annual Brew at the Zoo fundraiser, and Breakfast with Santa.

The zoo has a gift shop and restaurant, and in warm weather, you can enjoy a relaxing lunch outdoors on the patio. The zoo can also be reserved for special events such as fundraisers, birthday parties, and weddings.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. every day. The zoo is open 362 days a year (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Years).