Our newest exhibit established June of 2026, becoming the second largest coral reef on the East coast, boasts vibrant hard and soft salt-water corals, captivating fish of numerous species, shrimp, crabs, an eel, and even more exciting aquatic
life! This indoor exhibit is centrally located next to our Scales & Tails Wildlife Hall and open 363 days a year from 10:00am to 4:30pm.
This new exhibit only furthers the Utica Zoo’s mission to inspire connections to wildlife through conservation education. A slideshow plays next to the coral reef exhibit offering related educational facts and statistics, along with important conservation messaging. We also have opportunities to utilize this new indoor space for events such as small parties, celebrations, or even community mixers after hours. Our Wellness Mornings with wildlife classes will be taking place inside the calming and picturesque Bull Reef during the colder months!
How it Began:
The Bull Reef at Utica Zoo would not be made possible without the professional expertise and generosity of Dr. Ronny Bull. Utica Zoo followed his guidance to create the second largest coral reef on the east coast, following the New York Aquarium and larger than the New England Aquarium. His wife, Jennifer Bull, says: “Dr. Bull’s passion for saltwater corals began 42 years ago when he was just six years old, tending to small fish tanks in his bedroom and reading books to learn how to care for them. In 2017, that childhood dream came to fruition with the launch of his coral farm, Bull Reef Aquaculture.
He manages every aspect of the farm with seemingly effortless attention to detail, meticulously overseeing the lighting, water temperatures, and the complex scientific and technological needs of the business. Beyond the farm, Dr. Bull generously shares his knowledge with the reefing world by speaking at shows and educating fellow hobbyists.
Over the last 10 years, he has also shared this passion with our children (Sam, Sophia, and Silas) by taking them to coral shows and teaching them how to care for these delicate living creatures. These trips have provided invaluable bonding time, inspiring our children to work hard, take responsibility, and learn the ins and outs of the family business.
Ronny’s expertise is evident in every corner of his beautiful, healthy aquaculture farm, which is maintained to the highest standards. May his wisdom continue to guide others and carry on his legacy of preserving these precious creatures for future generations.”
Bull Reef is also generously sponsored by Todd Usmail from Usmail Electric, who is responsible for the electrical infrastructure and visiting area in front of the tanks. Born and raised in New Hartford, Utica Zoo has always been a special place for Todd. He has been with the family-owned electrical business since 1981, and just recently opened Seas the Day Scuba last year after finding a newfound passion for scuba diving. His wife, Noreen Usmail, states that Todd believes Utica Zoo is “an incredibly important part of the community and wants nothing more than to see continued growth for future generations to share with their families.”
Additionally, the public side of this new habitat is made possible in part from a NYS grant through the Empire State Development Regional Council Capital Funds Program through the 2025 Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative.
Bull Reef opened publicly with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026.
Executive Director of Utica Zoo, Andria Heath states, “The zoo is incredibly grateful to all those who assisted with the opening of our new coral reef and we are thrilled to finally share this aquatic adventure with the public. We encourage anyone looking for something new to visit Bull Reef at Utica Zoo, as it will truly never be as mesmerizing as it is in person. Truly, the longer you stare, the more you will see!”
List of Aquatic Species:
Fish
- Yellowtail tang
- Combtooth blenny
- Sapphire damselfish
- Goldtail damselfish
- Flame angelfish
- Surgeon
- Orange clownfish
- Bluegreen chromis
- Pajama cardinalfish
- Twotone tang
- Sohal surgeonfish
- Dragonet
- Black axil chromis
- Tomato clownfish
- Sixline wrasse
- Chain moray eel
- Chromis
- Powderbrown tang
- Lamarck’s pygmy angelfish
- Spinecheek damselfish
- Falcon hawkfish
- Domino damselfish
- Sailfin tang
- Duskytailed rainbowfish
Soft Coral
Coming soon.
Hard Coral
Coming soon.
