Utica Zoo

Address:	1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501, USA
Phone:	+1 315-738-0472
Site:	uticazoo.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–4:45PM 10AM–4:45PM 10AM–4:45PM 10AM–4:45PM 10AM–4:45PM 10AM–4:45PM 10AM–4:45PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 18

A Private User

My trip there was ruined when I made my final stop going around the "loop," looking down into a structure resembling a drained below-ground pool, and seeing a bear trapped inside. Dont get me wrong, I am not an animal rights activist or an extremist of any variety, but the conditions this bear lives in are deplorable. The bear has a TINY area with no view in which to spend his entire life, and he has apparently developed some kind of neurotic condition where he rocks back and forth all the time. The hair on his behind has worn off from this constant rocking motion. He is clearly distressed and living a miserable existence. It was intensely troubling to see. That bear needs to be euthanized, and they need to never bring in another to replace it. If they did, itd be humane to lobotomize it first. That bear would truly be better off dead. I thought the Utica Zoo was great up until I stumbled upon the tortured bear... at that moment I realized whoever runs this place really doesnt care about animals at all... what greed could drive a person to put an intelligent mammal in a circumstance that would shatter its mind, for our amusement?

A Private User

If you like small zoos that allow for a more personal experience with the animals and not a lot of annoying advertisements then this is the place for you! Being a self-professed zoo aficionado I have a special place in my heart for this zoo, which creates more of a natural atmosphere for its residents :) From the snowy owls that you can see on the nature hiking path (not something you find in the more commercialized, bigger zoos), to the peacocks that roam around the campus, to the signs on the trees denoting what species posted by the local boy scout troop, and to the friendly staff willing to help or answer any questions, one can really get a sense of community and caring. I would/have recommend(ed) the Utica Zoo to anyone who loves animals and isnt looking for the "big box" mindset when it comes to zoos. Have fun and enjoy! :)

Joseph Stacey

For the price this is a good deal but dont expect a lot if you have been to a big zoo before. Its good for 3-4 hours max for most families with kids. The animals appear well taken care of. This is the closest I have been to a lion and the facilities are mostly well kept. The landscaping has largely gone uncontrolled and the path ways are a bit rough, most are blacktop but the far trail is dirt and at times a steep path which they do warm you about. The pavilion is new and they allow you to bring in food which is a major plus but you have to exit out through a narrow gift shop.

A Private User

If you are touring North American zoos and have just been to San Diego, Toronto, Chicago and New York you may be disappointed. On the other hand, if you like seeing well maintained animals in a natural setting, enjoy interacting with more animals than people, and appreciate a lack of commercalism then this is the zoo for you. We took our 10 year old granddaughter and a picnic lunch last Friday to the zoo. We enjoyed hiking the trails and the exhibits with raised decks for an interesting look at the camels. It took about 2 hours to tour the zoo.

Private User

This zoo is awesome! My boyfriend and I did the red panda encounter and it was amazing! It was a fantastic experience for a very reasonable price. The staff is also very friendly and helpful (especially Beth the zoo keeper!). It is a small zoo but they have a good variety of animals whose exhibits you can get fairly close to, unlike at larger zoos I have been to. There is also a great view of the surrounding city from certain points in the zoo. Definitely recommend!

L A

"So much fun for everyone at the Utica Zoo" Big things are happening there these days! We Have been buying family memberships for the last couple years- definitely worth it! They do have VOSS at the zoo however they only except cash so keep that in mind. It would be nice if there were other food options in different locations throughout the zoo as they do have several seating areas. Cant wait to see all the upgrades!

Saku vrai

THEY DO NOT TAKE PROPER CARE OF THESE ANIMALS. This is INHUMANE TREATMENT!!! Monkeys kept in cages smaller than dog kennels witthout trees to climb on. A camel in a filthy shed with no grass to roam. Poor animals with no shelter from the rain. Staff clearly doesnt care at all about the animals. This place is disgusting and this inhumane treatment MUST BE STOPPED.

Stephen Piusz

Havent been to the Utica zoo since I was a kid, so I wasnt sure what to expect. The zoo May not have the best animal selection, but what they do have was very active. I think in general you can get closer to the animals here than in many other zoos. Part of the Utica zoo requires a bit of hiking. Nothing hard, but just something to be aware of.

A Private User

This is s wonderful, smaller zoo. The animals are very well cared for and you are able to get up close and personal with them. Staff is nearby, friendly and always willing to answer questions. The Zoo also offers summer kids programs and year round events to attend. I came here as a child and still love to come especially now that I have kids.

Mark Goho

Probably the most depressing zoo I have ever been to. Sickly animals looked starved for attention. Snow wasnt shoveled from the walkways. Doors to buildings wouldnt open because of poorly poured concrete. The only positive thing was that it only cost $5 to me and my 3 kids to get in.

Danielle Brunetti

Very inexpensive but wasnt worth it. There were few animals you could actually see. Most were asleep or "hiding", most looked very depressed. Saw a few with no water. Didnt look like there was much effort in upkeep either. Drove two hours for this. Disappointed. Really.

Yelena Panasyuk

It might be small but for Utica its good size, to go with little kids they dont need much but love all the animals there! The playground is fun for kids! Ive been to bigger zoos in different cities and by far the playground in the Utica zoo is the best!

Dennis Simmons

Had a great time today at the zoo with my family. Would also like to thank Melanie from the camels and all the the staff that were so accommodating to my son and his service dog. Will definitely recommend to all to come and support this great place.

Akshay sharma

...animals are all poorly kept, seemed like never bathed, barely fed, diseased...place is not maintained, weeds growing everywhere, cages have barely any comfort for any animal...came out more depressed than entered....didnt think that was possible

Robert Jubenville

I took my two granddaughter (9 and 5) for snowshoeing on North Trek and they had a great time. The cost for snowshoe rental is very reasonable and winter rates are reduced.

donna richmond

Utica zoo was the worst zoo I have ever been to. I felt so sorry for those poor animals having to live in those conditions. They need to upgrade the zoo or close it down.

Jacob Publicover

This is a pretty small zoo, but they have a good amount of exhibits to see and the entry fee is very minimal. But the gold star is that they have red pandas!!!

Ryan S

Absolutely love this zoo. It is small, but very intimate. I do not like big zoos as it becomes tiring and stressful to see everything. Quality over quantity!