Binghamton Zoo to open for the 2018 season

The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is opening the gate for its 143rd season on Saturday, April 21st. Until then, the zoo will be open this Saturday and Sunday only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This opening weekend will allow a chance for community members to come in and see the exhibit upgrades, projects, and animals born / acquired in the off-season. 

Exhibit upgrades include the arctic fox, dwarf caiman, Wolf Woods, new visitor barriers and more. Ongoing projects for the season include Nature Play areas, a new ticket booth and paving projects. 

Visitors will also see their “babies” from last season – Rowan the red panda, Spike the prehensile-tailed porcupine and Magnus and Riley, the coyotes.

Join the Binghamton Zoo on Grand Opening day for a community rock painting session. Visitors who come on April 21 can paint a rock that will be placed in the zoo. Come back in the season and see if it’s still on grounds! 

Visitors can also bring their own rocks. Paint, supplies and rocks will be provided starting at 10 a.m. and until supplies run out. 

Pictures will be posted on the Broome County Rocks Facebook page. 

Are you a Binghamton Zoo member? Join them for Members Only Night on Saturday, April 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. A special behind the scenes opportunity will take place in the Commissary, as well as at the Animal Care Facility. 

See where animal diets are prepared on a daily basis, as well as the building that houses the ambassador animals featured in educational programs like the ZooMobile. 

Want to become a member or renew your membership? Purchase online at binghamtonzoo.formstack.com/forms/membership. 

Plan your visit to the Binghamton Zoo on a conservation weekend and help support their Global Conservation Fund. One dollar from every zoo admission on conservation weekends is added to the total for this year. 

Conservation weekends also include additional education at the zoo with kids crafts and/or activities focused on that particular weekends’ topic. This year they are offering Amphibian Days April 28 – 29, Ocean and Climate Days June 9 – 10, and Pollinator Days Aug. 11 – 12.

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