LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Rosa-
mond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those outstanding institutions within our midst that strive to enhance
the quality of life in their communities, by promoting wildlife conser-
vation and science and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park,
located in Syracuse, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, formerly known as
Burnet Park Zoo, was founded in 1914; it originally opened as a red barn
on a four-acre site in Burnet Park, managed by the City of Syracuse
Parks and Recreation Department; and
WHEREAS, In 1916, capital construction began on the Rosamond Gifford
Zoo at Burnet Park with the building of stone exhibits for bears and a
waterfowl pond; and
WHEREAS, After a loss in financial support during the 1960s, the
Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo was founded in 1970 to provide
support to the zoo through funds dedicated to the welfare of animals,
educational programs and family-friendly facilities; the organization
also provides special benefits for its members, including free admission
to the zoo; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, Onondaga County took over management of the Rosamond
Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park and prepared a master plan for major zoo
renovations; the new Rosamond Gifford Zoo opened its doors to the public
on August 2, 1986; and
WHEREAS, One year later, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park
received its initial accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquar-
iums, a distinction earned by fewer than 220 institutions, guaranteeing
that the zoo meets the highest standards of animal care and guest expe-
rience; and
WHEREAS, Since then, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park has
continued to expand through projects which include, but are not limited
to, the opening of Primate Park on July 15, 2010, featuring the siam-
angs, and the grand opening of the Northwestern Mutual Animal Encounter
on June 5, 2013, which would become a premier new show yard and meet and
greet area for the elephants and other animals; and
WHEREAS, The Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park has also designed a
new and improved Asian Elephant Preserve which exceeds the Association
of Zoos & Aquariums requirements for elephant breeding, giving the zoo
the distinction of having one of the top five Asian elephant programs in
the United States; and
WHEREAS, Once a four-acre facility, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet
Park is now home to approximately 700 animals on 43 acres, and contin-
uous improvements are being made to the zoo's infrastructure and animal
exhibits; and
WHEREAS, For the past 100 years, the dedicated staff of the Rosamond
Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park has connected people to the natural world and
provided engaging guest experiences, excellent animal care, and excep-
tional conservation education; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of the current Director Ted
Fox, past directors and the dedicated staff members and volunteers of
the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park each has added to the success of
the zoo and work to enrich the lives of the animals and help to educate
the community at-large; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to
those trained and devoted individuals, who keep the Rosamond Gifford Zoo
at Burnet Park operating every day; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
proudly commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at
Burnet Park; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ted Fox, Director, Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park.