United States, Watertown 
A Premier Destination for Wildlife Lovers in the Thousand Islands Region
Zoo New York stands as the second most visited attraction in the Thousand Islands Region, drawing nearly 50,000 visitors annually to its beautiful home in Watertown. Nestled within the expansive Thompson Park, this 32-acre zoo provides an unforgettable experience for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about New York’s incredible wildlife.
A Rich History Rooted in Conservation
The story of Zoo New York begins in 1920 when the Northern New York Trust Company donated two whitetail deer to Thompson Park. Most importantly, this humble gift sparked a vision to create a naturalistic exhibit celebrating indigenous animals. Therefore, what started as a simple donation evolved into a thriving institution. Because of growing community support—particularly from the Children’s Park Zoo Club—the zoo expanded its collection over the decades.
In 1992, the organization officially became a federal 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity, marking the beginning of rapid growth and modernization. As a result, Zoo New York transformed into a conservation-focused destination aligned with contemporary animal care standards.
Meet Amazing Animals in Natural Habitats
Visitors encounter a diverse collection of species across naturalistic exhibits. The zoo features abundant, threatened, and endangered animals, including wolverines, bears, eagles, and mountain lions. In addition to passive viewing, the facility offers guided tours led by knowledgeable educators who share fascinating details about animal residents and their habitats.
Keeper Chats happen daily between 11 AM and 2 PM, giving guests direct access to staff expertise. Besides that, the zoo highlights different animals each day, ensuring educational variety for repeat visitors.
Exclusive Interactive Experiences
Zoo New York stands apart through its premium animal encounter programs. The River Otter Experience offers one-on-one time with Ricky and Otis, including private zookeeper chats, behind-the-scenes tours, meet-and-greets, and tong feeding. Guests can even choose enrichment items or add an optional otter painting session where the animals create artwork to take home.
Similarly, the Mountain Lion Experience provides exclusive interaction with Ninja, combining educational content with hands-on engagement. Therefore, these experiences create lasting memories and deepen appreciation for wildlife.
Education and Community Impact
Zoo New York reaches nearly 10,000 people annually through educational programs. Most importantly, the institution’s mission focuses on inspiring conservation and family-oriented learning. Because of this commitment, the zoo hosts special events like Winter Wonderlights and Brew at the Zoo, plus birthday parties and guided field trips.
Plan Your Visit
The zoo opens daily from 11 AM to 3 PM. Membership benefits include year-round admission, gift shop discounts, café discounts, and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences. Whether you’re seeking a casual afternoon surrounded by nature or an immersive animal encounter, Zoo New York delivers memorable experiences rooted in conservation and education.
