New York State Zoo

Native species dominate this zoo, the only one in the state (or world) to feature only creatures found in New York State

Wanna know how to get to the New York State Zoo? No, not practice (that’s Carnegie Hall) – you’ve got to be a species native to the state. In fact, this 32-acre zoo, which first opened in 1920, is the only one in the state to feature only species currently or once indigenous to New York. Animals include an American black bear, an elk, wolverines, golden eagles and several more.

At a glance

New at the zoo: river otter pups.
Home school families can take advantage of a special academy at the zoo on the fourth Friday every month.
Exhibits include a mountain lion, which the zoo says no longer exist in the state but if you’re looking for an argument plenty of people in the North Country might disagree.