The Utica Zoo is the most unique event venue in town! Whether you are throwing a wedding, corporate event, or just need a spot for your gathering, the Utica Zoo offers numerous pavilion options to suit any size party.
*Please note, the Utica Zoo is not able to host fundraisers for outside organizations*
Please utilize the form below as a starting point to help us a get a better idea of the type of event you would like to host. This will allow us to create exactly what you were looking for on your special day. When you are ready, fill out the form on the bottom of this page to contact our Events Team.
For birthday party packages, please visit our birthday party page.
A Certificate of Liability Insurance that names the Utica Zoological Society as additionally insured must be provided 2 weeks before the rental. Insurance coverage must be minimally in the amount of $1,000,000.
This may be easier than you think, reach out to your insurance company for more information.
A 25% deposit of the estimated fee must accompany your rental contract within 10 days of stamp date. This deposit will be applied toward the final balance after facility inspection.
The Utica Zoo will not assume responsibility for personal property and equipment brought to the premises. Liability for damages to the premises will be charged accordingly. You, your affiliates, and your subsidiaries, agree to be responsible for, and to defend, hold harmless, and indemnify, Utica Zoo and their affiliated companies and their agents, servants, officers, including reasonable attorney’s fees, of liability whether by reason or injury (including death) to the person or property of another or otherwise arising in connection with this agreement, excepting only claims based upon Utica Zoo’s sole negligent or intentional acts.
Less than a 3-month notice of cancellation will result in the forfeiture of the deposit.
95% of the deposit will be returned if rental is cancelled at least 12 months in advance.
50% of the deposit will be returned if rental is cancelled 6 months in advance.
25% of the deposit will be returned if rental is cancelled 3 months in advance.
For COVID cancellations/restrictions, all applied deposits and payments will be applied in the event NYS requires a postponed date.
Rentals are held rain or shine. Rescheduling may be available based on availability but may incur additional charges.
All animal-related activities are dependent on weather, animal availability, and animal cooperation. For the safety and well-being of the animals, the Utica Zoo reserves the right to make adjustments to rental packages at any time leading up to and including the day of the rental. Our keepers and educators are experts in determining what is appropriate and doable based off the animal’s behavior that day.
All outside vendor arrangements must be authorized by the Utica Zoo. Arrangements for vendors who require delivery or set-up must be made in advance with Zoo staff. Outside vendors may be required to meet with zoo staff prior to the event to discuss potential needs. The Utica Zoo will provide electricity where available.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed after zoo hours only.
•Our preferred caterer, ORB Food and Beverage, possesses a NYS Liquor License and is the only entity that can supply and serve alcohol. Any other alcohol providers are not allowed on zoo grounds.
•A Certificate of Liability Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 (minimum), naming the Utica Zoo as additionally insured, must be provided to the Utica Zoo by the Caterer/Restaurant/Liquor Liability Insurance Policy Named Insured.
•The Renter is responsible for the conduct and supervision of alcohol-consuming guests but zoo staff reserves the right to intervene or ask guests to leave zoo grounds.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. There should be 1 adult per every 5 children. An adult is at least 18 years old.
The Zoo is a SMOKE FREE facility. Guests may exit the admission gate and smoke in the parking lot.
Balloons, glitter and confetti are NOT allowed. They are a danger to our animals.
Renters may have access to decorate the pavilion up to 2 hours before the start time on the day of the rental. Decorations must be removed at the end of the event.
If you intend to provide amplified music, it shall be at a volume that does not upset or disturb the zoo animals. Utica Zoo employees reserve the right to supervise acceptable volume and expect full cooperation from the renter.
Prior permission must be granted to enter the zoo with a vehicle to drop off or pick up supplies. The Zoo limits access to before 10am and after 3pm.
Utica Zoo is proud to be a Recycle One Certified facility where conservation is a fundamental facet of our mission (Education, Conservation, Recreation). We encourage you to purchase eco-friendly utensils and plates, when possible, for your event.
Styrofoam is not permitted because it is neither biodegradable nor eco-friendly.
We have had success with purchases from patraliving.com and thynkartanddesign.com.
We will provide bins for recycling, and “directly to the landfill” trash.
All rentals shall incur a refundable, clean-up fee of 10% in your contract. If trash or debris is found after your event from items you, your vendors, or the zoo provide to your guests, we will take care of the clean-up so future guests can enjoy the zoo.
If there is no clean-up required, we will refund this fee.
Not sure? Have questions? Fill out the form below to contact our Events Team and we will get back to you shortly! Or email our Director of Administrative Operations at kyla.jacobs@uticazoo.org
*for groups of 10 or more, ask our ticket window about our discounted “group rate”*