Utica Zoo

While definitely smaller than most zoos, this zoo still has enough to make it a fun day for small children! There are the usual sights--tigers, monkeys, bear, alligator, camel...along with some of the popular favorites--the California sea lions (with their daily performance show), the python, the screeching gibbons--fun, fun! A feature of this zoo that does make it especially fun, though, are the special programming it offers for children at various times of the year--zoo camps for as young as preschool age up through elementary that offer interesting and fun zoo-related activities, a docent program, seasonal events (such as an Easter egg hunt and a Halloween fest) to name a few. Admission is very reasonable and parking is plentiful--an enjoyable day especially for smaller ones! more

This zoo has been around for nearly a century and houses about 200 animals. Unlike the major metropolitan zoos, there are not a lot of exotic animals here; rather, the basic range of zoo animals. There are many types of birds and primates, as well as reptiles. There are many programs offered for children, so it makes a great place to take kids for a relaxing day. The zoo is not overly crowded either, so you can really enjoy the different exhibits. Cost is reasonable as well. The zoo has had to downsize (especially on wildlife rehabilitation) due to the City of Utica no longer funding its activities. It is now reliant on donations. more

We visited the zoo last weekend. I'm so proud that we actually have a zoo in such a small city, but the zoo itself is so disappointing. To their credit, they have dire financial difficulties which explains the shortcomings. The good: Admission is pretty cheap. $5 for adults and children under 3 are free. They have annual memberships that are very cheap. The staff is very friendly. The not so good: They are woefully lacking in the actual animal department. There were many empty exihibits and many of the animals we did see, we can see in the wild if we drive 20 minutes outside the city. The sea lions are still fun to watch. The few monkeys were cute. I didn't understand why calves were now inhabiting what used to be the goat's pen in the children's petting zoo. The brown bear looked so depressed. Probably because he knows everyone wishes the polar bear were back in his enclosure insead of him. The overlook where there were supposed to be camels and sopmething else looked barren. The grass wasn't even trampled so I think the camels went back home. For us adults, it was disappointing. We brought our 1 year old who really didn't care one way or another. There were many other children who looked to be having a blast. So, take your kids to this zoo. They need your money. Don't expect much for yourself, but it'll be exciting to your kids just the same. more