The upcoming Winter Break from school February 17 through 25 will be a great week to visit the Rosamond Gifford Zoo! The zoo is offering a variety of special events to help kids enjoy their week off.
The week is bookended by two big events – Saturday’s Mad Hatter Tea Party and the following weekend’s Super Hero Weekend. In between, the zoo will hold its popular Teddy Bear Clinic and some special meet-and-greets with Moakler, the new elephant barn dog!
The zoo also is offering special Winter Break Zoo Camps for ages 3 to 12. Zoo Camps are available for ages 6 to 8 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Camps for ages 3-5 are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, morning or afternoon. Daylong Zoo Camps for ages 9-12 will be on Tuesday and Thursday. Information is at www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org/seasonal-camps.
Here is a list of the special events for Winter Break Week. The zoo’s reduced winter admission of $5 adults, $2 children and free for 2 and under applies through February.
- Mad Hatter Tea Party – Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
This Alice in Wonderland-themed event was a big hit last year. It’s a special tea party with fun and delicious treats, delightful games and activities, costumed characters including the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter, and of course, a visit to the zoo. This is a ticketed event; tickets are $18 for zoo members and $20 non-members. Info is at www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org/upcoming-events.
- Teddy Bear Clinic – Wednesday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Children are encouraged to bring their teddy bear or other stuffed animals to the zoo for a check-up by our “vets,” who will offer examinations and First Aid if needed. We’ll provide temporary tattoos for the kids and a fun accessory for their plush friends at this adorable event. Free to zoo members or with zoo admission.
- Meet Moakler – Tuesday and Thursday, Feb. 12 & 22, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Moakler the elephant barn dog is a 7-month-old Rottweiler puppy who is learning his job on the zoo’s elephant team. He serves as a companion to our elephants and their keepers, a training aide for the staff (who get to practice with him) and an ambassador for his breed, which sometimes gets a bad rap. Learn more about Moakler at his meet-and-greets!
- Super Hero Weekend – Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24 & 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero to attend this fun event featuring our Super Hero Training Camp and a festive atmosphere that includes face-painting, animal ambassadors and, of course, a visit to the zoo! Free to zoo members or with zoo admission.
The zoo also will hold daily Keeper Chats every day of the Winter Break – check the zoo’s Facebook for that day’s chats at www.facebook.com/syracusezoo.
Stay up-to-date on zoo events at the zoo website, rosamondgiffordzoo.org.
