History

ZOO ORIGINS
A Brief History of the Zoo

In August 1933 the Staten Island Zoological Society was organized to create and administer a zoo located in Clarence T. Barrett Park on Staten Island. The formal goals of the Society articulated in the first bulletin in December 1934 have been adhered to throughout its history and are as follows:

     • To disseminate a knowledge of zoology and an appreciation of animal life
     • To maintain a zoological garden where small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and
          tropical fish will be on display for observation and study
     • Through local facilities, accessible to all of Staten Island, instill in children an
          understanding and appreciation of living creatures
     • To provide lectures and facilities for group meetings devoted to the study of natural
          history

Zoo construction commenced in 1933 as part of the Federal Government’s works program on an eight-acre estate willed to New York City. It was opened on June 10, 1936, the first zoo in the U. S. specifically devoted to an educational mandate. The Staten Island Zoological Society was the first zoo in the country to specifically dedicate itself to fulfilling an educational mission. The Society has remained steadfast in its concentration on this goal, which is still a vital part of the Society’s current mission.

The Staten Island Zoo was also the first zoo anywhere to exhibit all the 32 varieties of rattlesnake’s known to occur in the United States. In the late 1960’s the Zoo maintained the most complete rattlesnake collection in the world with 39 varieties. Since it’s opening in 1936, the Staten Island Zoo has been synonymous with snakes. This is due in great part to Carl Frederick Kauffeld, former Curator of Reptiles and Director. It was his focus on “herps” (reptiles and amphibians) and particularly rattlesnakes that brought international status to our reptile collection. Harold J. O’Connell, the organizer of the Staten Island Zoological Society and Carol Stryker, the first Director of the Zoo, shared Kauffeld’s passion for herps. O’Connell and Stryker were pivotal in establishing our reptile collection and were instrumental in raising the public’s consciousness of reptiles.

The Staten Island Zoo was also the first in the American zoo community to have a full time woman veterinarian on staff. In 1942 Dr. Patricia O’Connor, was hired as the Zoo’s veterinarian - a historic event. Dr. O’Connor was also co-founder and first President of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians and the first to serve two non-consecutive terms as President of the Association for Women Veterinarians.

Since the Zoo’s opening, its human and physical resources have created this exemplary educational and recreational facility. Over the years New York City’s “biggest little Zoo” evolved to accommodate the collection and serve the visiting public. The small one-building style Zoo originally designed in the 1930’s had its first major renovation in 1969 when a Children’s Center was constructed. A focus group of children determined what kind of center they wanted including what kind of the animals. Designed as a farmyard, this facility focused on hands on activities for small children. After its completion the Zoo experienced a sizable increase in visitation especially among families with small children.
In the 1980’s the Board of Trustees made a commitment to renovate its physical plant to reflect the new focus on environmental conservation and education. A thirty-page publication, “Developments in the 1980’s,” served as the blueprint for the redevelopment of the physical plant, which took place over the next twenty years. The Society spent over $16 million to upgrade, modernize and transform 90% of the exhibits and public and staff facilities. Concurrently the educational staff was expanded and specific formal and informal curricula were developed for the education of preschool to seniors.

In 1988 the Zoo received accreditation by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums. Paramount in developing new exhibits is the goal of providing a naturalistic setting conducive to the needs of the living collection. The objective was to provide the visitor with a simulation of how the animals live and interact in the wild. Construction of animal exhibits and visitor amenities continues into the new millennium as the Zoo expands to better serve and educate its growing visitor ship.

Through effective wildlife exhibitions, promotion of species conservation, educational programs and community outreach the Society has become a powerful instrument for influencing and informing the public about the beauty, value and vulnerability of nature.

Staten Island Zoo Objectives

The main objective of the Staten Island Zoo has, and continues to be, to disseminate knowledge of zoology and appreciation of animal life. Through our exhibitory and educational programs we strive to increase awareness and valuation of plant and animal life. Our zoological park creates an attractive arena for both educating the visiting public and satisfying their recreational needs. Employees play a major role not only in the maintenance of our living collection, but also in the success of this mission.

Statement of Commitment

Management is committed to provide a work environment and leadership, which unites employees to generate enthusiasm for the Zoo and its service to the public. Management understands the importance of the employee’s role in the Zoo’s success in providing the visiting public with quality education in a safe recreational environment. Therefore, management supports employee training and provides opportunities for advancement. It is also the SIZS commitment to provide an open door policy for any employee to discuss job related problems. We recognize that management-employee communication provides for a better work environment.




Admission and Rules

Admission is $7.00 for adults (15 and over), $5.00 for Seniors (60 and over), $4.00 for children (3-14) and free for children under 3 years of age and for all members. The Zoo will not accept one-hundred dollar bills, and ABSOLUTELY no pets are allowed in the Zoo. Donation Day is on Wednesday after 2 PM. Parking is free every day. For information and travel directions, call the zoo, at (718) 442-3100 or Click Here

Parking is free every day, with the exception of Special Events.

The Staten Island Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and does not accept donated animals of any kind from the public. If you wish to find a home for an unwanted animal, try these links. www.scarnyc.org or www.socialteez.com . These links are provided as a service and do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations by the Staten Island Zoo.