FAQs

Do you have someone that can help me plan my event?

How far in advance do I need to reserve my event with you?

May I bring my own decorations, such as balloons, candles, flowers, etc.?

Am I allowed to make changes to the menu?

Do you offer tastings?

Do you accommodate vegetarian or other dietary restrctions?

Can my group bring food into the banquet facilities?

May I supply my own alcohol at my event?

May we provide our own musical entertainment?

Do you offer a discount for children who are guests at my event?

Is admission to the zoo included with my event fee?

May we meet and mingle with the animals during our event?

What is a "Guest Guarantee"?

Will I have to pay a Room Charge?

Is a deposit required to book an event?

When is final payment due?

What if I have to cancel my event?

What is a "Service Charge"? Is it the same as a gratuity or tip?

Is there a sales tax on the service charge?

What is a "Catering Contract"?

Do you have someone that can help me plan my event?
Our highly experienced staff are here to help you plan every aspect of your important event and will attend to every detail to ensure that it is a success. 
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How far in advance do I need to reserve my event with you?
Space is limited and events book quickly. We recommend that you reserve your date as soon as possible with CATZ. Event details can be arranged as the date approaches.
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May I bring my own decorations, such as balloons, candles, flowers, etc.?
You may provide your own decorations or they can be purchased from one of our recommended vendors. Due to the sensitive nature of our exhibits and animals, and to safeguard the environment, the following items are not allowed in the Zoo: confetti, balloons, sand, glitter, adhesive tape, Mylar ribbon, live fish, sea shells, dried marine life, rice, and bird seed. Balloons are only allowed in the banquet room.
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Am I allowed to make changes to the menu?
Our menus are simply suggestions. We would enjoy meeting with you and creating the ideal menu for your event using ideas from a variety of sources including old family recipes, your favorite magazine and our gourmet menus.
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Do you offer tastings?
We invite you to attend one of our open house tastings, offered at various times throughout the year. Please contact the Events Coordinator for information on dates and times.
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Do you accommodate vegetarian or other dietary restrictions?
We offer a variety of vegetarian options and make every effort to accommodate the special dietary requirements of our guests. This requires advanced notice and your most accurate approximation of the number of vegetarians expected.
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Can my group bring food into the banquet facilities?
We provide all catering needs for your event. However, cakes for special occasions such as weddings, corporate grand openings, birthday celebrations, etc. are permitted. Complimentary cake cutting is available.
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May I supply my own alcohol at my event?
The New York State Liquor Authority does not allow alcoholic beverages to be brought into our facility. CATZ can supply all of your beverage needs.
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May we provide our own musical entertainment?
All entertainment selections must be approved by the Zoo in advance. Band and entertainment personnel must inform us of their electrical, lighting and other requirements at least two weeks before the event. Amplified music may be subject to volume control at our discretion for the health of the animals.
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Do you offer a discount for children who are guests at my event?
We offer a 50% discount on food for children between the ages of three to 11. Children under the age of three are free.
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Is admission to the Zoo included in my event fee?
Admission to the Zoo is not included with events but we will gladly make arrangements for a reduced rate for those who use our catering services. Please contact the Events Coordinator for rates.
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May we meet and mingle with the animals during our event?
Select birds, outreach animals and small creatures are available for demonstration during your function making it unique and memorable. Demonstrations are $75 per 20 minutes. Elephants are also available for demonstration outside in the elephant exhibit yard (weather permitting) for a $375 fee.
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What is a "Guest Guarantee"?
A guest guarantee is the final number of guests that will attend your event. You will need to confirm this number by phone five (5) business days prior your event. If the number of guests increases, every effort will be made to serve the additional guests with the appropriate price adjustment. You will be billed for the guaranteed number of guests plus any additional guests served, all at the previously arranged price.
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Will I have to pay a Room Charge?
There is a $50 room charge for any event that includes a full breakfast, lunch or dinner. Additional room charges will be required for coffee breaks or for receptions not followed by a meal.
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Is a deposit required to book an event?
Dates can be held for a maximum of two weeks without a deposit. Once a contract is generated, a $250 deposit will be required.
All deposits will be applied to the final bill.
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When is final payment due?
Full payment is due day of event.
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What if I have to cancel my event?
Once you've signed a contract, if you must cancel your event than you will automatically forfeit a portion of your deposit, as follows: From the date of signed contract to one (1) year prior to event, you will forfeit 25% of your deposi. From one year to 3 months prior to the event, you will forfeit 50% of your deposit. If you cancel less than 3 months prior to the event, you forfeit 100% of your deposit.
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What is a "Service Charge"? Is it the same as a gratuity or tip?
The service charge covers our wait staff's hourly rate. It is not a gratuity. Tips or gratuity for the staff are left to your discretion.
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Is there a sales tax on the Service Charge?
New York state sales tax is added to all events, including the service charge.
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What is a "Catering Contract"?
A catering contract is a binding agreement between you and CATZ that specifies the date, time and location of the event, menu, cost per person, estimated number of guests, mode of service and payment.  
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