1 / 3Rosamond Gifford Zoo
📍 Far Westside, NY
Combined indoor and outdoor zoo in Syracuse featuring elephants including a twin-birth pair, Amur leopards, and extensive invertebrate exhibits. Free parking and full wheelchair access make it practical for all seasons.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families who want a manageable, all-weather zoo experience. The indoor exhibits mean a cold or snowy day doesn't cut the visit short. Fall and winter visits reward with more active animals and thinner crowds. The twin elephant exhibit is a genuine drawcard for children of all ages.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →6,479 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Tiffany Deno
7 months ago
“This place is AMAZING!! It is completely wheelchair friendly!! They have so many indoor exhibits, as well as outdoor! We were lucky to see the new elephant mom, dad, and TWIN babies!! They have a special elephant preserve for all of them! We were able to see so many animals. The staff were all great! We got to see them giving all the turtles check ups, and they were so good with them! I LOVE SHOPPING, and they have a great gift shop!! They have gifts, and souvenirs for people of all ages! I got a Fahlo sloth tracking bracelet that I love!! I also got my nieces and nephew each a pet to adopt! They each came with a stuffed animal (I got a penquin, otter, and flamingo) an adoption certificate, and more! You won't be disappointed! We will be going again sometime this summer!”
Ashley Otremba
11 months ago
“Went the day after Halloween when the zoo feeds the leftover pumpkins to the animals and it was wonderful! But even going when there isn't an event us a great experience. Personally I prefer going in the Fall/Winter because the animals are so lively and energetic - plus far fewer crowds than Sping/Summer. It's not terribly big, but kids will stay engaged for a good 1.5 hours. Definitely visit!”
Tam Jam
9 months ago
“Oh this place was amazing, plenty of animals out there to watch and see, I have never heard a lion roar until I got there, it was amazing, I am a big girl so the walking was not that much, it was delightful actually when your walking and got things to look at so not too bad. It's a must to go here at least once😊”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Rosamond Gifford Zoo spans indoor and outdoor habitats, with standout exhibits for elephants - including the zoo's celebrated twin elephant births - Amur leopards, lions, and a detailed invertebrate hall with sea stars, tarantulas, and coral. The small cafe provides warm options during winter visits. Seasonal events include post-Halloween pumpkin feeding. Outdoor walkways are maintained through snow season.
