Staten Island Zoo

Staten Island Zoo New York's Biggest Little Zoo
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Flashback Friday to a few weekends ago at the Staten Island Bio-Blitz at Clove Lakes Park!Our team joined more than 200 ...
05/30/2026

Flashback Friday to a few weekends ago at the Staten Island Bio-Blitz at Clove Lakes Park!

Our team joined more than 200 nature lovers, students, scientists, and curious explorers for 24 hours of discovery celebrating the incredible biodiversity found right here on Staten Island. Together, citizen scientists logged 680 wildlife observations and identified 269 species — a reminder that nature is all around us when we take the time to slow down and look a little closer.

From birding and bug discoveries to frog watches, bee walks, and forest-floor finds, every observation helped tell the story of Staten Island’s wild side and inspired a deeper appreciation for local wildlife.

Thank you to the amazing partners, volunteers, and community members who helped make this event possible and turn curiosity into conservation. Because sometimes the biggest discoveries happen when you stop and look under a log. 💚

We recently looked back at some of the unforgettable animals who helped shape Staten Island Zoo memories through the yea...
05/29/2026

We recently looked back at some of the unforgettable animals who helped shape Staten Island Zoo memories through the years — now, as we build toward our 90th anniversary, we’re celebrating some of the incredible people whose passion, care, and dedication helped make the Zoo what it is today.

1️⃣ William Summerville – Joined as a reptile keeper and became General Curator just ten years later, helping guide animal care and collections.
2️⃣ Jim McNeish – A volunteer who became a zookeeper and later the Zoo’s maintenance superintendent, retiring in 2001 after decades of service.
3️⃣ Carl Kauffeld – A legendary reptile curator whose work helped establish the Zoo’s reputation and inspired generations of animal lovers.
4️⃣ Dr. Patricia O’Connor – A pioneering veterinarian and educator whose dedication helped shape the Zoo’s animal care and legacy.
5️⃣ Ric Marcelo – An exhibit designer whose creative work helped connect visitors to the natural world in lasting ways.
6️⃣ Lucy DePeppo – A longtime volunteer and docent who helped welcome and inspire generations of Zoo visitors.
7️⃣ Ken Kawata – A curator and historian who helped preserve and share the Zoo’s history for future generations.
8️⃣ Walter Levendosky – Known lovingly as “Wally,” he worked across nearly every area of the Zoo, beginning in the Children’s Center and later caring for the aquarium.
9️⃣ Jim Reeves – A longtime horticulturist who still cares for the Zoo grounds for, helping create its beautiful, welcoming landscape.
🔟 Dr. Sarrah Kaye – One of our amazing veterinarians and history-maker, becoming the Zoo’s first female curator after more than 80 years.
1️⃣1️⃣ John Ponzio – A beloved Children’s Center manager who left a lasting impression on staff, guests, and animals alike.

And now we want to hear from you: Who’s someone you met or knew from the Staten Island Zoo that left an impression on you? Share your stories below ❤️

Happy World Otter Day from Ivy — our newest resident river otter! 🦦💦Born on January 28, 2025 at the Seneca Park Zoo, Ivy...
05/27/2026

Happy World Otter Day from Ivy — our newest resident river otter! 🦦💦

Born on January 28, 2025 at the Seneca Park Zoo, Ivy has already made herself right at home. Whether she’s chasing hose spray, splashing through sprinklers, or dramatically launching herself straight into the pool, this goofy girl keeps everyone entertained. She also loves gathering up bedding to build herself the perfect cozy nest inside her hides. When she’s not swimming laps with her companion Lewis, Ivy can usually be found enjoying some capelin.

In the wild, otters spend much of their time foraging, exploring, and using their incredible problem-solving skills to find food and navigate their environment — so play behaviors like Ivy’s splashing and collecting are important ways she stays active and engaged.

River otters also help remind us of the importance of protecting healthy waterways and wetland habitats for wildlife. As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, Ivy represents a larger cooperative conservation effort between accredited zoos to help maintain healthy, genetically diverse animal populations for the future.

Be sure to stop by and welcome Ivy on your next visit!

As the Staten Island Zoo celebrates 90 years of memories, we’re taking a walk down memory lane with some of our most ico...
05/27/2026

As the Staten Island Zoo celebrates 90 years of memories, we’re taking a walk down memory lane with some of our most iconic animal residents. We’ve loved them all through the years, but we bet many of you will recognize these familiar faces:

🐵 Judy – A chimpanzee who arrived at the Zoo in 1953, Judy reigned as queen of the primates and raised five offspring during her time here.

🐻 Ursala – A beloved black bear who called the Children’s Center home, where Dunkin the sloth and Harriet the crow now reside.

🐢 Jalopy – A Galápagos tortoise who delighted generations of Staten Islanders from 1937 until her passing in 1983.

🐮 Ginger – Our beloved Scottish Highland cow, best known for her sweet personality and friendship with Earl Sasso.

🐒 Jonni – A male mandrill who made his home in the Africa Wing in the early 2000s.

🐡 Puffy – A fan-favorite porcupine puffer fish who charmed guests in the Zoo’s original aquarium “bubble” tanks.

👴 Grandpa – A beloved black-handed spider monkey and longtime Zoo resident who passed away just weeks shy of his 52nd birthday, making him one of the oldest spider monkeys in human care.

🐑 Earl – Our first resident “panda” lamb, whose unique wool pattern made him an internet sensation.

🐆 Ussuri – The Zoo’s first leopard cub, born on Easter to mom Liski and dad Kolya.

😎 Staten Island Chuck – A groundhog who needs no introduction!

Now we want to hear from you: Who was your favorite Staten Island Zoo animal through the years? Share your favorite memories in the comments! 🐾

As many gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, we take a moment to reflect on the meaning of today. We honor ...
05/25/2026

As many gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, we take a moment to reflect on the meaning of today. We honor and remember those who gave their lives while serving our country and recognize the sacrifice made by so many. We are also grateful to all who have served, past and present, for their dedication and commitment.

Amid today’s barbecues, time outdoors, and moments together, may we pause to remember those whose sacrifice helped make those moments possible 🦅🇺🇸

We recently welcomed the incredible team from Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) — opening soon in New Dorp — for a hands-...
05/23/2026

We recently welcomed the incredible team from Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) — opening soon in New Dorp — for a hands-on RECOVER training session with our animal care staff. Similar to human CPR, RECOVER provides certification and evidence based guidelines on how to respond to an emergency. From mastering chest compressions to perfecting breathing techniques across all shapes and sizes of animals, our team drilled emergency response protocols that matter when every second counts.

In return, Julia, our veterinary technician, presented to the VEG staff the basics of exotic triage and emergency stabilization. VEG is an 24/7 emergency room that treats exotic companion animals along with dogs and cats. We’re proud to invest in the learning of our staff as well as building relationships with the amazing veterinary professionals joining our community 🩺

Tomorrow, the Staten Island Zoo is shell-ebrating World Turtle Day with a fun-filled day dedicated to some of our favor...
05/22/2026

Tomorrow, the Staten Island Zoo is shell-ebrating World Turtle Day with a fun-filled day dedicated to some of our favorite reptiles. Join us for our annual March of the Tortoises through the Reptile Wing, keeper talks, arts & crafts, scavenger activities, and more. Plus, don’t miss special tortoise size & weight demonstrations as part of routine health checks! 🐢🌎

Guests can also learn about the Zoo’s Staten Island Terrapin Project and our efforts to help protect native diamondback terrapins right here on Staten Island.

📍 Saturday, May 23, 2026
⏰ Activities begin at 11 AM

World Turtle Day at the Staten Island Zoo is proudly sponsored by Phillips 66.

When you tell a pony a Knock, Knock joke 🐴
05/20/2026

When you tell a pony a Knock, Knock joke 🐴

⛳️ Don’t miss your chance to join us for GOLFARI 2026 — registration closes May 29th!Spend Friday, June 5th on the cours...
05/18/2026

⛳️ Don’t miss your chance to join us for GOLFARI 2026 — registration closes May 29th!

Spend Friday, June 5th on the course at Silver Lake Golf Course before heading to the Staten Island Zoo for an unforgettable reception featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and an incredible dinner. You may even get the chance to meet one of our ambassador animals during the reception… maybe even Dunkin the sloth! 🦥

Not a golfer? Reception-only tickets are also available, so you can still be part of the evening festivities while supporting the Zoo’s mission of conservation and education.

We’re also looking for sponsors to help make this event a success. Sponsorships directly support the Staten Island Zoo while giving businesses and community partners a chance to be part of one of our most exciting fundraising events of the year.
📅 Friday, June 5, 2026
⏰ Golf registration begins at 7:00AM
⚠️ Registration deadline: May 29, 2026
Reserve your spot, purchase reception tickets, or become a sponsor today:
https://www.givsum.com/opportunities/golfari-2026-64cc6d25c

You may have heard of the show Dirty Jobs… so we decided to make it zoo edition. Welcome to Dirty Jobs with Jenny G (and...
05/17/2026

You may have heard of the show Dirty Jobs… so we decided to make it zoo edition. Welcome to Dirty Jobs with Jenny G (and friends)!

When people think about zookeepers, they usually picture us playing with animals and feeding them all day long. While those moments definitely happen, they’re actually a pretty small part of the job. Join zookeeper Jen in our new series as we highlight some of the not-so-glamorous — but still incredibly important — jobs that help keep the zoo running every day, including the ones visitors may not always think about or even realize happen behind the scenes.

Today’s feature: deep cleaning the North American river otter pool. Otters are… well, messy. They carry and eat food in the water, knock enrichment into the pool, drag substrate with them as they dive in, and yes… use it as a bathroom too. Even with a strong filtration system, the pool still needs a full deep clean every few weeks. And when there’s a dirty job, there’s a Jenny G on duty.

With some help from her friends, Jen scrubbed and deep cleaned every inch of the otter pool so it’s fresh, clean, and ready for the otters to enjoy. Lewis gave his approval so we knew the job was done right.

Hey — how do you think she did?

Address

614 Broadway
Staten Island, NY
10310

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4:45pm
Tuesday 10am - 4:45pm
Wednesday 10am - 4:45pm
Thursday 10am - 4:45pm
Friday 10am - 4:45pm
Saturday 10am - 4:45pm
Sunday 10am - 4:45pm

Telephone

(718) 442-3100

Website

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