Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo to Host LGBTQ+ Family Day of Visibility Presented by Pride and Joy Families

Posted on April 25, 2024

The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo invite community members to the zoo to celebrate the beautiful diversity that makes up our community with the LGBTQ+ Day of Visibility on Sunday, May 5. The event will feature special creature chats, exhibitors, entertainment, activities and more.

“Hosting LGBTQ Family Visibility Day at the zoo is profound affirmation of our commitment to inclusivity and diversity." Said Friends of the Zoo Executive Director, Carrie Large. “Every family, regardless of its composition, deserves to feel welcomed, valued and celebrated in our community spaces. By dedicating a day to honoring LGBTQ families, we not only embrace the richness of human experiences but also foster a culture of acceptance and belonging for all.

Presenting sponsor Pride and Joy Families and other supporting sponsors will help host the event, while 20+ LGBTQ+ exhibitors will hold tables throughout the zoo grounds, offering activities, interactive entertainment, and educational opportunities. In addition, food trucks from Ji-Woo’s Korean Seoul Food and Baga Bowls On the Go will be set up on the zoo grounds to expand food offerings to eventgoers.

Animal Enrichment & Storytime Schedule:

10:30 a.m. Blue Cranes – Wildlife Trail
11 a.m. Primates – Primate Park
11:30 a.m. Storytime – Explorer’s Outpost
Noon Red Panda – Wildlife Trail
12:30 p.m. Meerkat/Cape Porcupine – Social Animals Building
1 p.m. Komodo Dragon – Social Animals Building
1:30 p.m. Andean Bear – Wildlife Trail
2 p.m. Asian Elephants – Helga Beck Asian Elephant Preserve
2:30 p.m. Markhor – Wildlife Trail
3 p.m. Storytime – Explorer’s Outpost
3:30 p.m. Pied Crow – Outdoor Birds Exhibit
*Schedule subject to change

CenterState CEO

Other Member News

2025 Central New York Real Estate Conference
October 21, 2025

2025 Central New York Real Estate Conference

This one-day event offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, lead generation, and brand visibility—whether through attending, tabling, or sponsoring.

October 20, 2025

Springbrook Expands in Central New York with New Syracuse Office

The expansion marks an exciting milestone in Springbrook’s ongoing mission to provide exceptional, person-centered support across the state.

Warm, hearty meals for casual friendly get-togethers
October 17, 2025

Fulton Dining and Activity Center Menu

Reservations are encouraged and bussing is available from participants homes to the center.

Oswego Jiu Jitsu & The Mix Women's Self-Defense Seminar
October 15, 2025

Oswego Jiu Jitsu & The Mix Women's Self-Defense Seminar

Find out more information and register here.

October 15, 2025

Join SUNY Oswego for A Showcase of Innovation, Collaboration and Impact!

RSVP to join us on October 23-24, 2025 at SUNY Oswego for any or all of the following four free events.

BCBS
October 14, 2025

Excellus BCBS 2026 Enrollment

Three simple steps to finding your new plan for 2026.

Shoulder Pain? Join SOS for a Virtual Community Talk on November 12 2025
October 14, 2025

SOS to Host Virtual Community Talk: “Your Shoulder Health: Exploring Arthritis Care and Surgical Advances”

The goal of the webinar is to empower patients and caregivers with evidence-based information, demystify the treatment process, and provide a forum for questions.

John Huhtala
October 7, 2025

Tompkins Community Bank Welcomes Commercial Banking Regional Manager

Huhtala, a 28-year industry veteran known for his leadership, mentorship and community engagement, will lead operations with the goal of driving growth and value for the bank’s clients.

shake shack pic
October 7, 2025

Shake Shack Grand Opening in DeWitt

We will be donating $1 from every burger and chicken sandwich purchased to the Food Bank of Central New York.