LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Utica
Zoo

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the continuing
welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched and
reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of those organizations
committed to the preservation of the natural world, the enrichment of
knowledge of local and global wildlife, and the promotion of environ-
mental citizenship; and
WHEREAS, It is also the belief of this Legislative Body that the qual-
ity and character of life of the citizens of New York State are greatly
enriched by the availability of exceptional cultural, educational, and
recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Utica Zoo; this extraordinary mile-
stone will be feted with a full calendar of centennial events and
special exhibits, as well as a community Birthday Celebration to be held
on Sunday, July 20, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Utica Zoo opened in 1914 and, over the last 100 years, it
has grown from its small beginning of three fallow deer gifted by the
Bronx Zoo to its present collection of more than 200 animals; and
WHEREAS, Located at One Utica Zoo Way in Utica's Roscoe-Conkling Park,
the Utica Zoo is part of a recreational complex made possible by the
donation of land by Thomas R. and Maria W. Proctor in 1909, who had a
dream that a park could do as much for South Utica as Central Park was
doing for New York City; of the 80 acres of land set aside for the zoo's
use, 40 are currently developed; and
WHEREAS, The zoo property is owned by the City of Utica; the Utica Zoo
was operated by the city's Parks Department until 1964 when the Utica
Zoological Society assumed full management in order to ensure the zoo's
continued existence; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Utica Zoo is to foster public understand-
ing and appreciation of wildlife species and their ecosystems through
education, conservation and recreation; and
WHEREAS, The Utica Zoo's major exhibits include a primate collection,
the Lion exhibit and the California Sea Lion exhibit; visitors can
observe a red panda, an ostrich, a whooper crane, water fowl, a Chinese
alligator, a Bactrian camel, a Nigerian dwarf goat, bald eagle, African
Lion, snowy owl, Canadian Lynx and many others; there is also a chil-
dren's zoo, play area, picnic area, amphitheater, and a gift shop and
concession stand; and
WHEREAS, Open year-round, the Utica Zoo also offers a variety of
educational and recreational programming; the Zoomobile visits schools,
daycare centers, libraries, nursing homes and senior citizen centers,
and other community organizations and events, while on-site programs
such as Zoo Adventures Story Time, zoo camps, preschool programs, and
home school classes are available; the Utica Zoo also provides excep-
tional educational resources for teachers; and
WHEREAS, Ably led by Executive Director Andria Heath, the Utica Zoo is
a sparkling gem for the people of Utica and the Mohawk Valley; for 100
years it has been a destination of choice appreciated by residents and
visitors who seek the cultural, educational, and recreational resources
of the area and is a well-deserved source of pride; and
WHEREAS, It is the conviction of this Legislative Body that those
organizations which enhance well-being and vitality in their community
and demonstrate a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly

have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Utica Zoo, and to commend all
those, past and present, who have worked assiduously for its growth and
success; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Utica Zoo.