New York State Zoo - Watertown, New York - large zoo with a number of special events for guests

The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park is located in Watertown, New York. The zoo was founded in 1920 when two whitetail deer were donated by the New York Trust Company. The 32-acre zoo is now home to hundreds of animals, and garners more than 50,000 visits each year. The zoo, through educational programs and events, reaches nearly 35,000 people a year. While the New York State Zoo offers a variety of animals, it also boasts itself as being the "only zoo in the world to exhibit species native to New York State.'' From wolverines, to bears, to eagles, to bobcats and elk, the New York State zoo offers a number of creatures to entertain and educate the whole family for hours.

The zoo offers a number of educational programs, such as "Animals Throughout the World'', "Animal Senses'', "Endangered Animals'', "Native New York Species'', and "Predator/Prey Relationships''. The "Winter Survival'' program shows how animal survive in the colder months of the year, while the "Food Webs/Chains'' program educates patrons on the hierarchy of the animal food chain.

The zoo is home to a number of special events for guests. In August, 2009, the New York State Zoo will be holding the first ever "Bobcats, Bears, & Brews'', an event where patrons can take part in a day of beer and wine tasting. The zoo also supports the "Zoopendous Golf Tournament'', which in 2009 will be held at the Watertown Golf Club. All proceeds from the event go on to support the zoo and its animals. In October, the zoo celebrates Halloween with its "Boo at the Zoo!'' event. While not intended to terrify, it instead offers fun and games the whole family can enjoy. Summer Zoofaris are also held, offering zoo attendees a chance to view the animals while participating in other games, activities, and craft-making.

The New York State Zoo also offers "Junior Keeper'' and "Become a Keeper'' programs that allow people to get a taste of what it's like to work in a zoo. Participants have the opportunity to work with the animals up close, spending the morning working as a zookeeper, feeding them and assisting in their care.

For those interested, the zoo offers sponsors the option to adopt an animal. The donation, in turn, goes on to assist in caring for the animal for one year. This serves as a wonderful act of charity, or even a unique gift idea for the animal-loving friend or family member in your life. Parts of the zoo can be rented out for personal events, such as family reunions, business gatherings, parties, and other get togethers. The zoo is also willing to host birthday parties, offering catered "birthday bash'' events as well.

The New York State Zoo is open for most of the year, and is open seven days a week from March through November. It is closed on New Year's, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Group rates are offered for group educational programs and school field trips. Admission runs at $7 for an adult, with a discounted $5 for senior citizens and $4 for children ages four to twelve.