Utica Zoo is pleased to offer family friendly activities on Mother’s Day weekend on Saturday, May 9 th and Sunday, May 10 th . Utica Zoo has notoriously offered free admission for all moms each Mother’s Day, and this year it is generously sponsored by High Street Insurance & Financial Services.
Sunday, May 10 th at Utica Zoo will also feature keeper talks about the zoo’s most recent moms, such as the domestic Yak or White- handed Gibbon. The Yak’s newest male is yet to be named by his animal care team, but details will be shared with the public once he is.
The White-handed Gibbon family welcomed Artoo in December, who is nearly 5 months old now. Since Artoo is slowly growing hair, the family is outside on exhibit on mostly dry days over 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The zoo will be holding a baby shower on May 30 th to
celebrate the birth of this endangered species.
Polly’s Concessions at Utica Zoo will also be offering a raspberry
wine sorbet on Mother’s Day only! New this year, Utica Zoo is offering a ‘Mommy &
Me PAINT PARTY’ on Saturday, May 9 th from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Mother or guardian and child can work together to create a masterpiece of our current White-handed Gibbon family that they’ll remember forever! One ticket includes both the adult and child’s participation, where they will receive all painting materials and professional instruction from a local, professional artist, along with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, kid-friendly foods, and zoo admission! Artists are recommended to be above 5 years of age.
The zoo will also be hosting a ‘Paint & Sip’ on Saturday, May 9 th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. This adult session includes all painting materials (paint a stunning peacock on a faux wood pallet) and professional instruction from a local, professional artist, delicious snacks, alcoholic refreshments, and zoo admission. An afternoon of relaxation surrounded by wildlife could be the perfect gift for mom.
‘Mommy & Me PAINT PARTY’ can be booked at:
https://pos.uticazoo.org/uticazoo/checkout/default/addtocart/add/1817?
‘Paint & Sip’ can be booked at:
https://pos.uticazoo.org/uticazoo/checkout/default/addtocart/add/1661?
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!
