Rosamond Gifford Zoo Will Resume In-Person Classes in March

After nearly a year of virtual classes because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is bringing back in-person classes throughout the month of March.

While most indoor exhibits at the Syracuse zoo still remain closed to the public, these exclusive classes will provide participants the chance to experience some off-limits parts of the zoo and see animals they haven't been able to see since before the pandemic.

"With COVID numbers dropping and vaccinations on the rise, we are excited to offer our first indoor, in-person classes since the pandemic began," Education Director Kim Coons said in a press release from the zoo on Tuesday. "After a year of everything virtual, our March programs will be in person and include areas of the zoo that remain closed to the public. We will require masks and hold classes in large spaces with small groups, so slots are limited and we expect them to fill up fast."

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From frogs to flamingos, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo's March classes offer something for everyone.

Edventure Academy: Awesome Amphibians offers two classes early in the month to learn all about frogs, toads, and other amphibians, and even get up close and personal with some special creatures. This class is on March 6, with different time slots for children of different age groups. Children between 3 and 5 can attend the session from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Older children between 6 and 10 can attend from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and can either be accompanied by one adult or dropped off. The class is $20 for zoo members and $25 for non-members. Admission for each additional child is $15.

Couples can get in on the fun with a painting date with the zoo's flamingos. At Paired Painting Class: Tickled Pink, pairs will paint on canvases and learn about flamingos with a keeper chat at their exhibit. Participants will leave with two painted 11 x 14 canvases. This class takes place March 20 from 10 a.m. to noon, and costs $90 per pair for zoo members and $100 per pair for non-members.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is also offering spring break zoo camps for kids between 6 and 14. The interactive camps will give kids the opportunity to experience the zoo through tours, crafts, activities and animal interactions. Kids ages 6 to 10 will attend Animals in Action! zoo camp while kids 11 to 14 will attend The Creation Station camp, but both will run simultaneously from March 29 and April 2, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Both camps are $265 for zoo members and $285 for non-members.

Even though some events are going in-person in March, some events will remain virtual this spring. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo will offer a virtual learning event on March 10 to teach kids and families how they can help protect the planet for World Recycling Day and World Water Day.

After closing for a few months last year at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo was the first zoo in New York State to reopen in May, and still operates under a 750 person per day attendance limit and requires face masks and social distancing.