Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park

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Coordinates: 42°04′33″N 75°54′30″W / 42.075801, -75.908444

The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is a zoo located in Binghamton, New York, USA. The zoo was opened in 1875, making it the 5th oldest zoo in the nation. The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is only open seasonally from April through October. The 90 acres (360,000 m²) of land was donated by Erastus Ross, a wealthy businessman whose only instructions were to build a park that all the community could enjoy. The electric trolleys in the area allowed easy access to the park. Other features of the park included roller coasters, swings, a bear exhibit and a carousel. Band concerts were a frequent summer event.

Increased use of automobiles let people easily travel outside the city for recreation, this plus the two World Wars and the Great Depression led to the decline of the park. Eventually the USDA was threatening to close the park because of sub-standard exhibits. In 1966, concerned citizens formed the Southern Tier Zoological Society in an attempt to upgrade the facilities.

Mr. Ross donated the zoo enough money to run it for many years. He intended it to be free for all guests as well as the carousel that is on the outskirts of the entrance to the zoo. However, the zoo now has a nominal entrance fee. The carousel still remains free of charge to ride. The zoo also contains, outside the entrance of the zoo, a pavilion with areas for barbecuing, a small park, and rest rooms. The old lions den has been freshly renovated and is being used for educational programs with seating "behind bars". The zoo also holds many annual events and activities. These events include 'Boo at the Zoo' (a few weeks before Halloween) and the annual 'Feast With the Beasts'. Though the zoo has gone through some rough times having lost accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), with new leadership and with the help of local citizens, foundations and schools, it is starting to come back around.

Spectacled Bear

The zoo currently contains a growing number of animal exhibits, including binturong, grey wolves, tigers, leopards, an aviary, penguins, reindeer, several species of tamarins and many other animals. It is set in a lushly wooded environment. Overall it is a charming little zoo with a wealth of history.

The zoo is also a neighbor to the Discovery Center which is a hands-on children's museum.

[edit] External links

• Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park Official Website

42°03′46″N 75°54′40″W / 42.062644, -75.910978

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