Rosamond Gifford Zoo to Celebrate Holidays with the Animals Dec. 22

Dozens of animals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will unwrap their holiday gifts on Sunday, December 22 at the Holidays with the Animals enrichment event. Visitors are invited to watch an array of animal species – elephants, primates, and more – play with and/or eat the presents they receive throughout the day. The event is free with zoo admission.

Holidays with the Animals is one of many enrichment events the zoo holds throughout the year as part of its educational mission, demonstrating how daily enrichment keeps animals in human care active, healthy, and engaged in their natural behaviors.

“The animals we care for don’t have to hunt for their food or run from predators, so we work daily to stimulate their natural instincts, making their lives dynamic and enriching,” says Ted Fox, Executive Director of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. “We like to make enrichment a public event for various holidays, because the experience is as enjoyable for our guests as it is for our animals.”

Each year, the zoo team collects cardboard boxes and other recyclable containers, which are then gift wrapped in recyclable paper using non-toxic glue to resemble holiday presents. The animal care teams select presents for their animals, cut holes in them, and fill them with tasty treats: bamboo and craisins for red pandas; fruit, veggies, and mealworms for primates; and meat for carnivores such as leopards and wolves.

In addition, guests will have the opportunity to contribute to animal enrichment by choosing an item on the zoo’s Enrichment Tree and donating toward the selected enrichment item. Guests can find the Enrichment Tree in the entrance of the Curious Cub Gift Shop near the main lobby of the zoo. The Enrichment Tree is decorated with ornaments picturing various animals, their favorite enrichment gifts, and a suggested amount to donate.

Holidays with the Animals runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, December 22.

Schedule (subject to change):

10:30 a.m.       Siamang apes, Golden lion tamarins – Social Animals wing

10:45 a.m.       Amur leopard – Zalie and Bob Linn Amur Leopard Woodland

11:15 a.m.       Contact Barn & Outdoor birds – outdoor zoo

11:30 a.m.       Gray wolves – Wildlife Trail

11:45 a.m.       Takin & Markhor – Wildlife Trail

12:15 p.m.       Elephants (in the barn)

12:45 p.m.       Snow leopard – Wildlife Trail

1:00 p.m.         Red panda, Andean bear – Wildlife Trail

1:30 p.m.         Penguins – Penguin Coast

1:45 p.m.         North American river otters – Animal Adaptations     

2:00 p.m.         Hoffmann’s Two-toed sloths – Animal Adaptations

2:15 p.m.         Southern tamandua – Animal Adaptations

2:30 p.m.         River turtles – Tropical River Exhibit

3:00 p.m.         Komodo dragon – Social Animals wing

If You Go:

What: Holidays with the Animals enrichment day at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo

When: Sunday, December 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse, NY, 13204

Cost:  Free with zoo admission.