User:Cheesebox/Sandbox/Zoo

The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is a zoo located in Binghamton, New York, USA. The zoo was opened in 1875, making it the 5th oldest zoo in the nation. The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is only open seasonally from April-November. The 90 acres of land was donated by Erastus Ross, a wealthy business man whose only instructions were to build a park that all the community could enjoy. The park electric run trolleys in the area allowed easy access to the park. Other features of the park included roller coasters, swings, a bear exhibit and a carousel.

Increased use of automobiles let people easily travel outside the city for recreation, this plus the two World Wars and the Great Depression led to the decline of the park. Eventually the USDA was threatening to close the park because of sub-standard exhibits. In 1966, concerned citizens formed the Southern Tier Zoological Society in an attempt to upgrade the facilities.

Mr. Ross donated the zoo enough money to run it for many years. He intended it to be free for all guests as well as the carousel that is on the outskirts of the entrance to the zoo. However, the zoo now costs money for entrance. The carousel still remains free of charge to ride to this day. The zoo also contains, outside the entrance of the zoo, a pavilion with areas for barbecuing, a small park, and a Manley's Mighty Mart. The Manley's Mighty Mart is freshly built and is bringing more visitors. The new Manley's Mighty Mart is actually built where the old lions cage was in years before, with seating in the cage. The zoo also holds many annual events and activities. This events include 'Boo at the Zoo' (a few weeks before Halloween) and 'Feast With the Beasts' (which occurs more frequently, but at somewhat random intervals). Though the zoo has gone through some rough times recently, with the help of local charities and schools it is starting to come back around.

The zoo currently contains a growing number of animal exhibits, including grey wolves, an aviary, penguins, and many other animals. It is set in a wooded environment. Compared to other zoos, the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park could use some improvement in all areas, however overall is a charming little zoo with a wealth of history.

The zoo is also a neighbor to the Discovery Center which is a hands on children's museum.