As the holiday season is upon us, we are filled with gratitude for the support that we have received throughout the year. Whether you’ve recently chosen to support us or have been a dedicated pillar of our cause for years, or even decades, your commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed.

We are proud to say that 2023 has been another successful year with many new projects and additions being completed at the Utica Zoo.

• Dooku, the unexpected but much-loved offspring of our White-handed gibbons Snowflake and Yoda, born on January 30th, has brought immense joy to both our staff and visitors.
• An extensive renovation of the 1927 primate building has begun for the African Crested Porcupine, removing the last of the archaic bars and small habitats from the building, and is slated to be complete by the end of this year.
• Briar and Lily, the North American River Otters, have been exploring their new habitat since early summer, and have quickly become a visitor favorite.
• The nearly 5000 sq. ft. Visitor and Revenue Center is complete, which has allowed us to expand our education programs and the gift shop’s ability to support our animal care fund.
• A $1 million campaign to build a new red panda habitat was announced in May, and we’ve already achieved approximately 10% of our goal. Meanwhile, Khairo, a male red panda, has joined Mei Lin while they await the new exhibit.

With our success comes challenges, and Upstate New York winters pose significant financial challenges for the Utica Zoo. During this season, our expenses surpass our incoming revenue, and this year, with escalating costs in food, utilities, labor, veterinary care, and more, we anticipate an even greater need for help.

With your gift, we’ll continue to plan for an amazing 2024, where we’ll complete our AZA Accreditation application process and continue to grow the Utica Zoo.

For now, what does it take to run the zoo all-year round? More than $7,500 a day. We need your help.

We hope you will consider a year-end, tax-deductible gift to the Utica Zoo. This season, our generous donor, Joan Sinnott, PhD, has offered a challenge: she will match each gift, regardless of the amount, up to $40,000 until January 31! Your donation today will be doubled!

Your contribution, no matter the amount, will help to ease the challenges of caring for our animals during the harsh winter months and offers hope to the world’s most extraordinary wildlife relying on us to survive — and thrive — each and every day.

Fill out the form below to make a contribution online, or you can mail your gift to:
1 Utica Zoo Way
Utica, NY 13501