Train ride opening at the Binghamton Zoo

The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is excited to announce a new attraction opening this weekend. The Binghamton Zoo Express, a trackless train ride, was made possible through a Community Foundation grant that was awarded to the zoo as part of its Entrance Revitalization Project.

From 1963 to 1986, the Ross Park Special was a popular train ride attraction for children and visitors to the zoo. The Cannonball Express preceded that, and both rides offered pleasant memories for members of the local community.

The Binghamton Zoo Express comes to the zoo from a local operator. The ride has received a complete makeover courtesy of the OCM BOCES automotive department, and eye-catching graphics on each of the three cars thanks to Hackerthreads.

The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is grateful for the work the City of Binghamton Parks and Recreation Department and Department of Public Works has done creating the trackless train path in the lower zoo area.

“We are excited to bring a train ride back to Ross Park and are very appreciative for the collaborations with the City of Binghamton in preparing our Children’s Zoo area for expansion,” said Zoo Executive Director Steven Contento.

Valley Dental Pediatrics has generously agreed to sponsor the new train ride at the Binghamton Zoo. The Binghamton Zoo Express presented by Valley Dental Pediatrics will offer adults and children alike an added adventure at the zoo.

The Community Foundation for South Central New York and Lowe’s of Vestal has also helped tremendously in contributing to the expansion of the Binghamton Zoo’s Children’s Zoo area. Visitors to the zoo will now be able to pet the miniature horses and donkey in their new exhibits.

The Binghamton Zoo Express will begin operation on Saturday, Sept. 17 for the weekends leading up to Oct. 9. The train ride will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ride tickets are available at the zoo’s ticket booth for $3.00 per person. Train memorabilia will also be available in the zoo’s gift shop.

The Binghamton Zoo is located at 60 Morgan Rd. in Binghamton, N.Y. For information, call (607) 724-5461 or visit the zoo website at rossparkzoo.com.