Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo Unveils Dragons Reign! Exhibit for Summer and Fall Seasons

Posted on May 17, 2024

Dragons’ Reign! brings massive, animatronic dragons to the zoo for nearly half the year, from May 17 through October 31. Visitors to the zoo will encounter 11 new “species” on exhibit as they explore the zoo. These dragon installations vary in size from 5-20 feet tall.

Some of the dragons are inspired by different cultures or regions; a Chinese Dragon pays homage to the Zodiac calendar, a pterodactyl-like species called a Quetzalcoatl references the feathered-serpent god of Mesoamerican mythos and folklore, and a Manticore dragon draws on Persian legends. A Wyvern represents the monsters of Anglo-French folklore, while the Western Dragon epitomizes the iconic, classic dragon prominent in Western media.

The fun doesn’t simply stop with the animatronic dragons, though; a series of special, dragon-themed events and quests will give guests even more chances to experience these one-of-a-kind exhibits. The zoo will also host a Dungeons and Dragons where our 20-foot-tall Chinese dragon stands among gaming tables. “DnD” instructors will be present to teach newcomers how to play. There will also be Pokemon and Lorcana card game themed events throughout the season.

“A project of this stature is the only way to follow up on all the fun that Koala Outpost brought us last year,” Friends Executive Director Carrie Large said. “Dragons’ Reign! offers our community a unique chance to explore the intersections of culture and conservation, all while marveling at physical manifestations of some of the creatures that have commanded humanity’s collective imagination for as long as we have been telling stories.”

Guests can explore the dragon exhibits throughout the Rosamond Gifford Zoo from May 17 through Halloween!

CenterState CEO

Other Member News

Warm, hearty meals for casual friendly get-togethers
October 3, 2025

Fulton Dining & Activity Center Serves Lunch

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

Oswego YMCA Comedy With A Cause
October 2, 2025

Fulton Farmers' Market Halloween Bash

Join us for a fun-filled day at the last Fulton Farmers Market! 

NBT Bank Welcomes Michael Pujia as Private Banking Relationship Manager
October 2, 2025

NBT Bank Welcomes Michael Pujia as Private Banking Relationship Manager

Based in Syracuse, Pujia brings a strong background of fiduciary management, financial planning and analytical skills to support the company’s high net worth private banking clients.

CenterState CEO Chair Stephen Fournier of KeyBank Featured in Oswego County Business Profile
October 2, 2025

CenterState CEO Chair Stephen Fournier of KeyBank Featured in Oswego County Business Profile

Earlier this year, CenterState CEO announced Fournier’s unanimous election as board chair.

logo
October 2, 2025

Destiny USA Job Fair Looking For Vendors

View the PDF here to learn more about the Destiny USA Job Fair!

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Excellence Logos
October 1, 2025

Specialists' One-Day Surgery Center Recognized Nationally for Higher Quality and Cost-Effective Spine Surgery and Hip & Knee Replacements

This program identifies hospitals and ambulatory care centers (ASCs) that demonstrate expertise in delivering improved patient safety, better health outcomes, and are more cost-effective.

Wicked
October 1, 2025

Wicked to Return to Landmark Theatre Dec. 3–14, 2025

Winner of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED has been performed in over 100 cities in 16 countries around the world.

new partners graphic
October 1, 2025

New Partners-CEO Insights October 2025

Please join us in welcoming new CenterState CEO Partner-level members.   

member news graphic
September 30, 2025

Member Essentials-CEO Insights October 2025

Below is a snapshot of the latest news and top headlines from our members. We want to hear from you!