New York State Zoo at Thompson Park
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Thompson Park in the Early 1900's

Brief Zoo History

The Thompson Park Zoo was established in 1920 when the Northern New York Trust Company donated two whitetail deer to Thompson Park and the City of Watertown to create a naturalistic exhibit that would offer all visitors an opportunity to enjoy the grace and beauty of these indigenous animals. 

Since 1920, Watertown’s Zoo has been home to a diverse collection of wildlife from the exotic to the indigenous. The first animals were purchased with funds raised by the children’s Park Zoo Club. The club, under the leadership of a twelve-year old boy, was formed as a support organization to provide a source of funding to feed the animals and construct small habitats for animals like porcupines, raccoons and other small carnivores. 

After years of prosperity the Zoo suffered a period of decline from 1960-1980.

After a period of decline, in 1988, a new generation of leadership established the Thompson Park Conservancy and Zoo. In 1992 the Zoo was turned over to the Conservancy (from the City of Watertown) and on April 1, 1997 the Conservancy unveiled its Thompson Park 2000 plan, which began a period of rapid growth and expansion developing a “new Zoo”.  A $2.2 million capital campaign successfully raised funds to establish an endowment and add new exhibits.

The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park prides itself as being the only zoo in the world to exhibit species native to New York State.  Abundant, threatened or endangered animals, including wolverines, bears, eagles, mountain lions and more make their home at our 32-acre Zoo.

Our Zoo is now the second most visited attraction in the Thousand Islands Region.  It attracts nearly 50,000 visitors per year and is supported by over 1,700 member households and reaches nearly 24,000 people through education programs. 

The New York State Zoo continues to move forward inspiring conservation, education and family oriented programs.

Facts at a Glance

  • The NYS Zoo is the second largest man-made destination for tourism in Jefferson County attracting over 100,000 visitors a year.
  • The NYS Zoo reaches nearly 24,000 people a year through education outreach programs.
  • The NYS Zoo is supported by over 1,700 member households.
  • The NYS Zoo is one of the least subsidized zoos in North America.  Only 3% of its budget comes from subsidized funds, versus a national average of 48.5%.
  • The NYS Zoo is one of only a few leading zoos in the country offering courses in captive wildlife management leading to an Associate Degree in Animal Management from Jefferson Community College in Watertown, New York.
  • The NYS Zoo supports the conservation and study of native animals, with an emphasis on ecosystem preservation and biodiversity.
  • The NYS Zoo is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) entity.  All donations are tax deductible to the full extent provided by law.
  • Renowned Boston landscape architectural office of Frederick Law Olmsted designed Thompson Park.  Of 122 American cities with Olmsted-designed parks, Watertown is the smallest.
  • Thompson Park covers 365 acres, with the Thompson Park Conservancy occupying and operating the Zoo on 32 acres.
  • The NYS Zoo is a one of a kind indigenous species zoo and currently exhibits 87 species of NY’s abundant, threatened, or endangered animals.

 



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