August 13, 2009 - Joel Sartore visits Zoo to photograph native animals!

On August 13 Joel Saratore, photographer, was at the Zoo photographing many of the animals in our collection. One of his goals during his visit was to add to his portfolio of the federally listed species in the United States.

Rick West, Master Falconer, was here with birds from his collection to help Joel complete his photography goals. 

April 16, 2009 - The Fishers are back on Exhibit!!

The Zoo's 3 fishers were rereleased into their exhibit today (4-16) after 5 months of staying in off exhibit holding. The fishers are the first of our animals to be able to relocate back to their home after the extensive snow in October and November of last year. Admission into the Zoo will remain half off until all of the exhibits are complete. Thank you for supporting the New York State Zoo!

February 14, 2009- "NYS Zoo Passes Annual USDA Surprise Visit", Watertown Daily Times

 The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park passed its annual unannounced inspection from the U.S. Department of agriculture on Wednesday with no violations. "It's like getting your report card and seeing you're on the honor roll," said John Scott Foster, the Zoo's Director. "It's reaffirming that we are doing things very well here."

January 22, 2009- "Carthage Savings & Loan Donates $32,000 for Otters", Watertown Daily Times       

"We are thrilled to have Carthage Federal Savings and Loan as our presenting sponsor and pleased to be able to recognize their ongoing support and generosity," Executive Director John Scott Foster said.

January 14, 2009- "Zoos Facing Budget Woes" Associated Press, Watertown Daily Times   

As part of his plan to help New York Address a potential $15.4 billion budget shortfall, Gov. David A. Patterson has called for cutting funding for the Zoo, Botanical Garden, and Aquarium Program from $9million to $4million in the state's 2009 budget and for eliminating funding in 2010. Watertown's New York State Zoo at Thompson Park receives $25,000 a year from the state. If the suggested cuts remain in place, the Zoo would see a $12,500 reduction in 2009 and no money in 2010.

January 2, 2009- "Two New Wolves Welcomed at Zoo" By Joanna Richards, Watertown Daily Times   

 Two new wolves greeted the new year with howls Thursday morning at the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park. Kenai, a male time wolf with a striking black coat, and Kaja, a white-furred female Arctic wolf, are feeling territorial because they're newcomers to the Zoo. They arrived Sunday and are being held in quarantine in an off-exhibit pen for now. Later this month they will be moved to the wolf exhibit area, where patrons can visit them.

December 14, 2008- NYS Zoo in National Geographic: Watertown Daily Times"     

There were just a couple of facilities in the country that had this species, and only one that had an animal that would be tame enough to pose for me on a background," said National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore, who spent two days photographing Abbott and his pal, Costello, another male woodland caribou, and other animals at the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park in September of 2007.

December 2, 2008- "Repairing Zoo Exhibits after Storms to take time" By Joanna Richards, Watertown Daily Times   

 It will take time for the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park to recover after three exhibits were severely damaged in last week's snowstorm. The bobcat, fisher and snowy owl exhibits were left "totally uninhabitable," said Susan M Sabik, the Zoo's General Curator. "..the fortunate thing was that no animals were hurt and no staff were hurt," The animals from the damaged exhibits are being kept in behind-the-scenes holding areas for now, Ms. Sabik said. This recent damage came on the heels of damage to two other exhibits, the eagle and turkey vulture enclosures, during October's unusually early heavy snowfall, Ms. Sabik Said

February 2, 2008- "Aviary 300 Multimedia Presentation" Watertown Daily Times