Animals & Zoos in New York State

Everyone loves animals, and New York State offers many opportunities to marvel at their cute little (or big!) faces at zoos, aquariums, farms, sanctuaries, and wildlife centers.

You'll find a zoo in most major cities, from Central Park Zoo and Bronx Zoo in New York City, to Buffalo Zoo, Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, Utica Zoo, and Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park in Syracuse. New York State Zoo at Thompson Park in the Thousand Islands focuses on New York State ecosystems and local animals like black bears, eagles, and grey wolves. Internet sensation April the Giraffe lives at Animal Adventure Park outside of Binghamton.

Aquarium of Niagara hosts penguin, seal, and shark feedings and special events (like a "Seaster" Egg Hunt and Putting for Penguins). Long Island Aquarium has a 120,000-gallon shark tank, touch tanks, sea lion shows, and more than 100 interactive exhibits.

The New York Times calls The Wild Center and Wild Walk “stunning!”—with its daily animal encounters, and more than 900 live Adirondack animals like otters, porcupines, owls, snakes, and fish. Don't miss the nature trails, some of which are higher than the trees to give you a bird's-eye view of the Adirondacks. Berkshire Bird Paradise is home to more than 2,000 birds of 150 species. Deep Hollow Ranch on Long Island, the oldest ranch in the United States, allows you to ride horses on the white sand beaches of Montauk.

Meet some new furry friends today!