The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is a unique and exciting venue for all your social events. Planning a wedding or other special celebration is simple: just pick a date and a menu, and collect your RSVP's. We will make sure that you have everything you need to make your special event fun and memorable.

Preparation is the key to success. Planning and preparation will ensure that your event runs smoothly. Please make sure to call one of our event coordinators five days prior to confirm the number of guests attending your event and to finalize the details.

For information or to make reservations contact:
Jim Mahler, Director of Catering, (315)435-8511, ext. 106

Parking is free at the Zoo. For directions and a site map visit our Web site at www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Banquet Room (225/round tables)

Conference Room (capacity 15)

Hiscock and Barclay Room

Upper Lobby

Welch Allyn Room (150/round tables)

Courtyard: After hours only, $150 per hour

Indoor Zoo: After hours only, $375; 5-8 p.m.

Entire Zoo: After hours only, $2,500

Lion Corridor: After hours only, $100 per hour, minimum of 2 hours.

Primate Building: After hours only, cocktail hour/max. of 50 guests, $225

Your rental fee includes private use of the facility, plus custodial and on-site event staff. A Zoo event host will greet your group and take an accurate count at the entrance. Charges will be based on the final guarantee number or the actual number in attendance, whichever is greater.

We can arrange for your audio-visual needs. Please note: there is a charge for the use of Zoo audio-visual equipment, based on your needs. Technicians are required for all extensive set-ups at an additional cost through Visual Technologies.

Coat room facilities are available upon request at $15 per coat check attendant, per hour. Ask your event coordinator for details.

If needed, Zoo security personnel will be on-site during your event. The Zoo does not assume responsibility for the damage or loss of any merchandise or articles brought into the Zoo, or for any item left unattended. Note: Smoking is only allowed in designated areas.

We can arrange for decorations, floral centerpieces and special linen rental. You may also provide your own decorations. Due to the of the sensitive nature of our exhibits and animals, and to safeguard the environment, no confetti, balloons, sand, live fish, sea shells or dried marine life, glitter, rice, bird seed, adhesive tape or Mylar ribbon are allowed in the Zoo. We require that nothing be posted, nailed, screwed, or otherwise attached to the walls, floors, exhibit graphics or other parts of the buildings, furnishings, or surroundings.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo requires that all food and beverage for special events be solely catered by Catering At The ZOO (CATZ). Substitutions due to dietary restrictions can always be arranged. Placement of food and beverage stations in the Zoo is based on lighting availability, exhibit restrictions and fire code requirements. Your catering contract will develop a floor plan that suits your needs.

It is policy that CATZ supply all liquor, wine, and/or beer. We consider it our responsibility to enforce all alcohol service laws of the state of New York. Charges for host or cash bar are $50 per bartender for four hours. If the bar receipts total $250 per bartender, the fee will be waived.

All band and entertainment personnel must supply their electrical, lighting and other requirements at least two weeks before the event. Any amplified music may be subject to volume control at the discretion of the event or security staff for the health of the animals.

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. Full payment is due the day of the event.

This minimum number of guests will be considered a guarantee for which you will be charged, even if fewer guests attend. To ensure your event is a success, your guest guarantee must be received five (5) business days prior to the event. An increase in the guaranteed attendance within the five days prior to the event will be accommodated to the best of our ability. Substitutions may be necessary. Once received, the guarantee may not be lowered. You will be charged the guarantee or the actual number of attendees, whichever is higher.

All food and beverage functions are subject to a 19% service charge and an 8% sales tax. All prices quoted are exclusive of service charge and tax. Sales tax is calculated on food, beverage, rentals and service charge. New York state law states that the service charge is subject to state tax. For tax-exempt organizations, a completed tax exemption form (ST-119) must be submitted two weeks prior to the function.

From the date of signed contract to one (1) year prior to event:
25% forfeit of deposit

3 months prior to event:
50% forfeit of deposit

Less than 3 months prior to event:
100% forfeit of deposit