Zoos

Utica Zoo

Name: Utica Zoo
Address: 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501, Utica, NY, US
Telephone: (315) 738-0472
Rating: 4.4

★★★★☆ 4.4 (1952 reviews)

📍 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501

📞 (315) 738-0472

🌐 www.uticazoo.org

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Friday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Sunday	10 AM–4:30 PM

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About Utica Zoo

Year-round destination with 200+ animals. Small year-round zoo featuring over 200 animals plus guided tours & kids' programs. Utica Zoo operates 363 days per year, closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas, making it consistently accessible as a year-round destination. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,952 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Zoo
Best For: All ages
Highlights: Lions, zebras, camels, otters, animal encounters with feeding experiences
Admission: $11 adults, $8 children 2-12, free under 1
Visit Duration: 1.5-3 hours

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Utica Zoo operates 363 days per year, closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas, making it consistently accessible as a year-round destination
⭐The zoo features over 200 animals across diverse species including rare animals like Pallas's cats, leaf-tailed geckos, and red pandas, with interactive ambassador animal encounters including tortoise, porcupine, and camel interactions
⭐Birthday parties are held in a pavilion directly adjacent to the lion exhibit, offering a unique venue experience with animal presentations
⭐Red pandas are the most frequently mentioned animal in visitor reviews (30 mentions), though some reviews note display lighting challenges that impact visibility

💬 What Visitors Say

🕐Visit early morning to catch the lions roaring and enjoy the zoo with fewer crowds. The zoo opens at 10am and is generally not overcrowded, making it ideal for a peaceful experience.
💬Plan for 1.5-3 hours to see all exhibits. The zoo is compact and manageable, though terrain is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes and allow adequate time for animal viewing and special exhibits like the dinosaur exhibit.
💡Visit the concession stand during off-peak hours (avoid lunchtime) when lines are short and staffing is adequate. Alternatively, consider eating elsewhere if visiting during peak meal times.
💬Membership offers excellent value for frequent visitors. The zoo hosts special events throughout the year including trivia nights, wine tastings, brewery events, and guided night walks—benefits that quickly justify membership costs.
💡First-time visitors with children should use the check-off card activity system (used during special events like Trunk-or-Treat) to make the experience interactive. Red panda viewing can be challenging due to dark exhibit lighting, so allow extra time or visit when natural light is brightest.