Rosamond Gifford Zoo Hosts "Novelis Party for the Planet"

Posted on April 8, 2026

SYRACUSE, NY – The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is evolving its annual Earth Day tradition into a high-impact season of conservation. This year, the zoo continues it’s celebration beyond one-day to lead a region-wide effort focused on cleaning, creating, and connecting to protect the planet we all call home.

By partnering with local schools, neighborhood organizations, and environmental experts, the zoo is spearheading a movement to restore local habitats and protect North American Songbirds and Monarch Butterflies, two high-priority species currently facing extreme pressure in the wild.

The public is invited to join the zoo for two major events:

Earth Day Community Clean-Up: Wednesday, April 22 (Starting at 9 a.m.)

Representing one of the largest green spaces in the City of Syracuse. Volunteers are invited to help maintain our zoo grounds by assisting with weeding, raking, and trash removal.

Take Action: In addition to the on-site cleanup, residents are encouraged to clean their own neighborhoods or local parks.

Sign Up: If you are interested in volunteering to help with our Earth Day clean-up Contact Lauren Wiener (315) 435-8511 x8528

Novelis Party for the Planet: Saturday, April 25 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

This isn't just a party; it’s a conservation celebration. The zoo will host dozens of eco-partners and exhibitors to teach guests how to turn their own backyards into wildlife sanctuaries.

To ensure the impact lasts beyond the zoo gates, guests will receive a tree sapling and seed packets to plant at home  (while supplies last) courtesy of Bartlett Tree Expert.

Event Schedule

11 a.m. – Marco Polo Argali Creature Chat

11:30 a.m. – Outreach – Decomposers Talk 

Noon – Red Wolf Creature Chat

1 p.m. – Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Creature Chat

1:30 p.m. – Pollinator Garden Chat

2 p.m. – Elephant Twins Creature Chat

3 p.m. – Black & Rufous Elephant Shrew Creature Chat

This event is FREE for zoo members or included with zoo admission.

For more information:                                                                                                  

Andrew Brazill

Director of Marketing and Communications

Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo

abrazill@rosamondgiffordzoo.org

(315) 435-8511 x8562

CenterState CEO

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