Mission:

The mission of the Utica Zoo is to foster public understanding and appreciation of wildlife species and their ecosystems through education, conservation and recreation.

Vision:

The Utica Zoo will be a place that inspires an understanding of and appreciation for animals and nature to the level that we move people to care.

 

Staff:

Executive Director: Andria Heath

Communications Director: Daniee Hurlbert

Administrative Assistant: Nikki Sheehan

Gift Shop:

Amy Hoffman

Melissa Ellis

John Schillner

Nicolette Joaquin

Education Curator: Mary Hall

Kathleen Mallory

Stephanie Chard

Justin Horender

Animal Curator: Mike Bates

Beth Ricci

Jackie Gregory

Dr. Ellen Hilton

Alexandra Gemelli

Mandie Koenig

Amy Augustine

Liz Haskins

Jen Penas

Sarah Cory

Buildings and Grounds Superintendent: Gary Mundschenk

Chris Donahue

Mikhail Naryvonchyk

 

Board of Trustees

Board President: Joseph DeTraglia, Esq.

William Winsman

Mark Barbato

John Sullivan, M.D.

Scott Fluty

 Patricia Fox

Philomena Sosso

 Robert Jubenville, PhD

Jim Viggiano

Joan Sinnott, PhD

Zoo Rules & General Information

GUEST RELATIONS – Located at the entrance of the Utica Zoo at the main gate for services such as admission & membership purchases, change for feed machines separated guest assistance and information for guests with disabilities.

MINOR GUESTS IN ZOO:  For the safety of all visitors and the animals, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied at all times by an adult 18 years of age or older.

FIRST AID – First Aid kits are strategically placed and marked throughout the zoo and are intentioned to be self-administered.  Please ask employees for locations.

CREDIT CARDS AND BANKING SERVICES – VISA, MASTERCARD and DISCOVER are accepted for zoo admission, membership, special event ticket sales & gift shop. Concession stand sales are CASH ONLY with ATM located within zoo grounds.

BABY CHANGING – Changing facilities are in restrooms.

SMOKING – Smoking is permitted OUTSIDE THE ZOO GATES in designated areas only. Failure to comply will be cause for removal from the zoo. Your cooperation is appreciated.

LOST AND FOUND – All items are kept for 30 days.  After 30 days all items are discarded. The Utica Zoo will not mail items and is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

LOST CHILDREN – Please report lost children to any staff member. We will respond and initiate protocols. If you are separated from your child, experience has shown most are found in the same area where the child was lost in minutes. The Zoo is prepared to involve law enforcement whenever the situation dictates.

LOST PERSONS – If you are separated from someone, please ask an employee for assistance.

PETS – Dogs or other animals of any kind are prohibited on grounds with the exception of service dogs. Please be mindful of the danger of leaving pets in your vehicle while visiting our park and is not permitted. Anyone found to have left an animal in their car will be asked to leave.

AREA CLOSINGS – Due to mechanical, health, weather or other safety conditions, we may have to close certain areas or attractions. We will do everything we can to re-open as soon as safely possible.

GUEST WITH DISABILITIES – Information for guests with disabilities is available at the main gate. Wheelchair service is also available on a first come, first serve basis or with reservation.

STROLLERS – Are available for rent at the main gate.

FOOD/BEVERAGE POLICY – Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted within zoo ground. Please do not feed the animals due to possible health hazards.

REFUNDS – Rain checks and refunds will not be issued.

PHOTOGRAPHY – You are welcome to take photos and/or video for personal use only; commercial photography requires permission from the Public Relations department. On occasion we will photograph or take video of visitors for educational or promotional purposes. Entry to the zoo grants permission for use of these images.

WEAPONS POLICY – No firearms, knives, or other weapons are permitted on zoo property.

LASER POINTERS – For the safety of our guests, animals and employees, laser pointers are prohibited on zoo grounds unless used inside by event facility for meeting purposes.