User:Kfowlow0415/NYS Thompson Park Zoo

The NYS Zoo at Thompson Park

The NYS Zoo at Thompson Park is located in Watertown, Ny. It is the only Zoo in the world that only caters to local, indigenous animals. It is open to the public year round and provides a variety of on and off site educational programs throughout the year. Birthday party rentals are available every weekend, year round.

Admission prices are $7 for adults, $5 for Seniors, $4 for children (4-12), and Children 3 and under free.

The hours for the Zoo vary throughout the year as follows: March - October: Open 7 days a week 10am - 5pm November: Open 7 days a week 10am - 4pm December - February: Open Saturdays & Sundays 10am - 4pm

Mission Statement

The mission of the New York State Zoo is to promote the conservation of wildlife and wild places by helping community members build positive sustainable relationships with nature, empowering them to take action on behalf of the environment and inspiring fascination with the rich heritage of New York’s native flora and fauna. These goals are reached through the display of native animals in naturalistic environments and provision of interactive educational experiences for diverse audiences (New York State Zoo at Thompson Park).

History

The Zoo was established in 1920 with the help of the Northern New York Trust Company, which donated the first two animals. A small club was started by a 12 year old boy who saw the importance of having a new Zoo for city to enjoy. This club collected and raised funds to purchase new animals and provide for their care. Between 1960 and 1980s, the Zoo fell upon rough times and came close to closing its doors(New York State Zoo at Thompson Park). In 1991 there was a turn around; local volunteers created a nonprofit organization to help take care of the zoo. The Thompson Park Conservancy was finalized in 1992. By 1988, the last of the non-indigenous animals, including the lions, monkeys, kinkajous, porcupines, and a macaw were moved to a Zoo in Texas. Volunteers began construction on new exhibits, sheds, fences, and other necessities. In 1994, 70,000 people came to visit the Thompson Park Zoo. That same year, the Zoo was awarded the Seaway Trail National Trails Day Award for becoming a premier regional attraction (Dunn 21). To this day the Zoo continues to be a source of enjoyment and education for the people of Watertown, NY and all who visit it.