Accessibility
Accessibility
Visitor Assistance
Accessible parking and restroom facilities are available. About 60% of zoo exhibits are indoors. Both indoor and outdoor pathways at the zoo are accessible. Push wheelchairs are available to rent at the membership desk on a first come, first served basis.
Family Bathroom
Our large family bathroom is located off the lobby at the main zoo entrance.
Quiet / Nursing Room:
In our Animal Health Center there is a quiet room for nursing with a comfortable chair and changing table. This room can also be used for a sensory break.
Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters have been graciously provided by the Jewish Federation of Central New York. Inquire at the membership desk for a no-charge rental during your visit
Download a social story that outlines the zoo experience before your arrival
Social stories help set the expectations for the event in a simple text and visual format. These stories are designed to benefit individuals who are neurodivergent but are also beneficial to anyone wanting to know more about what to expect at the zoo.
Service Animal Policy
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is dedicated to providing a safe, enriching environment for the animals in our care and all of our visitors. Service animals that are on-duty or in training are allowed in the zoo with the person they assist or the trainer, in compliance with the Onondaga County Title VI, ADA and LEP Plan. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered and under the control of their handler.
Please keep in mind that as an accredited (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) zoo, we are charged with caring for many critically endangered species, including individual animals that are extremely genetically valuable for survival of the species. As such, we are considered to be a quarantine facility that does not allow pets, comfort or emotional support animals, outside wildlife or even invasive plants to be brought into the zoo.
The majority of zoo exhibits are open and accessible to visitors with on-duty service animals. However, some indoor exhibits are restricted to any outside animal, including service animals, due to a history of animals housed in these areas responding fearfully or aggressively to the presence of an unfamiliar animal, or which could be perceived by the animals as prey or predator. In order to minimize distress to the animals, please note the following restricted areas: Diversity of Birds, Animal Adaptations and the Social Animals wing. We are happy to provide an escort to take visitors through these areas while another staff member waits outside the area with the service animal.
On arrival, guests with service dogs will be greeted by a senior animal staff member so any questions can be addressed prior to the zoo visit. Service animals are expected not to interact in any way with the animals that live at the zoo.
Please note: Therapy dogs and emotional support dogs are not covered by ADA regulations and are not allowed entry into the zoo. Service dogs in training are permitted with the same restrictions as listed above. If you wish, you can speak to our staff in advance of your visit by calling us at (315) 435-8511 x8512 and asking to speak to a Duty Officer.
