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Outreach Animals

$75 per 20 minutes Egyptian Fruit bats (for small groups only) Ferrets Lizards: skink, gecko, bearded dragon Radiated tortoise Snakes: milksnake, sand boa, ball python

Outreach Animals

$75 per 20 minutes Egyptian Fruit bats (for small groups only) Ferrets Lizards: skink, gecko, bearded dragon Radiated tortoise Snakes: milksnake, sand boa, ball python

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Guidelines for Event Planners & Event Details

Before mailing invitations, please fax a copy to our Food & Beverage Manager at (315) 435-8517.

In order to identify your guests at the door, please use invitations, wrist bands, tickets or name tags. Please fax or mail a sample to the Food & Beverage Manager. This ensures that only invited guests gain admittance to your event.

Organize a committee to help greet your guests and distribute name tags and programs. They should arrive one-half hour before the guests. A master list of invited guests should be available to one of the committee in case a guest forgets his or her ticket.

Prepare a one-page program containing the following:

• Location of food and bar stations.
• Location and time of any special attractions such as guest speakers,
  music, animal demonstrations, etc.
• The Rosamond Gifford Zoo Banquet Facility is a smoke-free environment.

Parking
Free parking is available at the Zoo.

Audio Visuals
We can arrange for your audio-visual needs. Please note: there is a charge for the use of Zoo audio-visual equipment, based on your needs. Technicians are required for all extensive set-ups at an extra cost through Visual Technologies.

Security
If needed , Zoo security personnel will be on-site during your event. The Zoo does not assume responsibility for the damage or loss of any merchandise or articles brought into the Zoo, or for any item left unattended.

Coat Check
Coat room facilities are available upon request at $15.00 per coat check attendant, per hour. Ask your catering representative for details.

Elegant Additions

Iced Artistry–Have Your Logo or Design cut into Ice and Displayed with Lights The Animal Spot–A choice of items to accent your event available to meet anyone’s budget Customization–Your company name, logo, event, or theme.

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Catering Information

Rental Fee
Your rental fee includes private use of the facility, plus custodial and on-site event staff.
A Zoo event host will greet your group and take an accurate count at the entrance. Rental charges will be based on the final guarantee number or the actual number in attendance, whichever is greater.

Food and Beverage
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo requires that all food and beverage for special events be
catered by Jungle Catering. We are unable to allow outside caterers.

Menu selection should take place two months prior to your event date. Substitutions due to dietary restrictions can always be arranged.

Placement of food and beverage stations in the Zoo is based on lighting availability, exhibit restrictions and fire code requirements. Your catering contract will develop a floor plan that fits your needs.

Decorations
We can arrange for decorations, floral centerpieces and special linen rental. All décor and vendors must be approved in advance by the Zoo (handling fees may apply).

Because of the sensitivity of our exhibits and the environment, no confetti, balloons, sand, live fish, sea shells or dried marine life, glitter, rice, bird seed, adhesive tape or mylar ribbon are allowed in the Zoo.

We require that nothing be posted, nailed, screwed, or otherwise attached to the walls, floors, exhibit graphics or other parts of the buildings, furnishings, or surroundings.

Music and Entertainment
All entertainment selections must be approved by the Zoo in advance. All band and entertainment personnel must supply their electrical, lighting and other needs/requirements at least two weeks before the event.

Any amplified music may be subject to volume control at the discretion of the event or security staff for the health of the animals.

Deposits and Payments
The Zoo requires an initial deposit for rental charges, based on the number of people in your group. A second deposit of 50% of all estimated costs is due 14 days prior to the event. The balance of all charges is due the day of event.

Cancellation Policy
Should a cancellation occur three months prior to your reserved date, 50% of your deposit will be refunded. There is no refund on rental fees for events cancelled less than three months before the reserved date.

Reservations
For more information or to make reservations, please e-mail jmahler@syracusezoo.org or call (315) 435-8511 x106.

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Policies and Procedures

Guarantees
We need your assistance in making your event a success. Your guarantee must be received three business days prior to your event. This minimum number of guests will be considered a guarantee for which you will be charged, even if fewer guests attend. An increase in the guaranteed attendance will be accepted up to 48 hours prior to the function (72 hours on weekends). Once received, the guarantee may not be lowered. You will be charged the guarantee or the actual number of attendees, whichever is higher.

Beverage
It is policy that we supply all liquor, wine, and/or beer. We consider it our responsibility to enforce all alcohol service laws of the state of New York. Charges for host or cash bar are $50.00 per bartender for four hours. If the bar receipts total $250.00 per bartender, the fee will be waived.

Liability
We reserve the right to inspect, control, or revoke all private functions in accordance with the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s policy and the law. The zoo cannot assume responsibility for personal property and equipment brought onto the premises. The zoo may require extra security be hired for your function. It is a Zoo policy that for health reasons, in addition to liability, we shall not give any “left-over” food and/or beverage to take out after any function. Liability for any damage to the premises will be charged accordingly.

Service Charge and Tax
On all food and beverage functions, there will be a 19% service charge and a 8% sales tax applied. All prices are quoted are exclusive of service charge and tax. Sales tax is calculated on food, beverage, rentals and service charge. New York state law states that service charge is subject to state tax. For tax-exempt organizations, a completed tax exemption form (ST-119) must be submitted two weeks prior to the function.

Deposits
An advance deposit of 50% of the estimated food and beverage cost will be due two weeks prior to the function. The remaining actual food and beverage costs will be due and payable at the event date. Final payments can be made by cash, credit card and checks; any greater than $500.00 will require bank certified funds. Deposits are not refundable if event cancels within five business days from the date of the function.