The Rosamond Gifford Zoo will begin offering a limited schedule of in-person classes beginning Saturday, March 6.

For almost a year, the Syracuse zoo has been limited to conducting virtual classes online because of the pandemic.

What You Need To Know

  • The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is excited to once again offer in-person classes and programs

  • Over the last year, the zoo has offered numerous virtual programs which continue to be popular. Still, zoo officials said in-person classes offer more hands on experiences

The zoo will begin its in-person schedule with will offer a few "Awesome Amphibian" classes for kids. There are also plans to offer Spring Break Day Camp later this month.

While many of the in-person classes are for kids, the adults can also get into the fun with a Paired Painting class on March 20. All classes will be limited in size with social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing.

However, organizers said it feels good to offer the community in-person education to support the zoo.

"It's just awesome to start this back up again, and welcome people back to the Zoo and they're really excited about it too," said Rosamond Gifford Zoo Executive Director Ted Fox.

"We want to educate the youth for their tomorrow. Because, they will learn how to take care of the animals and they will become caring human beings for the future. So, it's really important for them to come here on the grounds and really get to engage," said Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo Executive Director Carrie Large.

Zoo officials said not to worry if you’re not interested in an in-person class, as virtual classes won't be going away. In fact, they have been extremely popular. Aside from classes, they are anticipating more people will be eager to visit the zoo with the weather improving.

Remember, it is important to make an online reservation first. To do that, or to find a full list of the in-person and virtual programming, you're encouraged to visit www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org​.