Utica Zoo’s Executive Director, Andria Heath, is the first person to receive National Society
of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s The Flag of the United States of America
Committee’s Certificate Award for Proper Use, Correct Display and Patriotic Presentation of
the Flag. The zoo’s flag is prominently and elegantly located before their Visitor Center, in their ‘Flag Garden’, which was sponsored in 2019 by Raytheon Technologies’ Pratt and Whitney HMI in Clayville, NY. This plaque states it is “dedicated to those who answer the most NOBLE call of our Country, and stand for our Flag in the USA, and in foreign lands.”
Andria Heath, Executive Director of Utica Zoo, says “we are pleased to be awarded this
recognition by the esteemed DAR. We will continually strive as an organization to honor our
flag and, as a community organization, will always remember those who courageously served our country.” The Utica Zoo will remain open from 10:00am to 4:30pm on Memorial Day.
The certificate was delivered by Oneida Chapter Regent, Leslie Raney. This certificate is
given in honor of America’s 250 th Anniversary and in advance of the 250 th Anniversary of the resolution by the Second Continental Congress of the official design of the American flag after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. If you, your family or business would like to receive a certificate, please email your flag photo to – darleslier@gmail.com. Please include your family or business name and contact information.
The Utica Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is the Best of
Mohawk Valley Community Choice Award Winner for 2025. It is a regional destination that
inspires and promotes the appreciation of wildlife through education, conservation, and
recreation. Situated in the heart of Central New York, the zoo features a diverse collection of animals from around the world and offers various educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. It is home to approximately 200 exotic and domestic animals, welcoming nearly 100,000 visitors annually and is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm 363 days a year, with only the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more information on this, and all things Utica Zoo, visit UticaZoo.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
