Zoo New York considers year-round hours in Watertown
The Thompson Park Conservancy is considering keeping Zoo New York open throughout the year instead of limiting winter hours to weekends.
By Jessica Hale, ClickNNY North Country Desk
Zoo New York in Watertown could move to year-round hours as the Thompson Park Conservancy considers whether the change is feasible. The zoo has operated with winter hours limited to weekends for several years.
The potential schedule change comes after the zoo closed in October 2023 because of financial issues. It reopened on a limited basis in February 2024 with weekend hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with operations during the February school break week.
The conservancy sought $685,000 from Jefferson County for 2025 and $750,000 annually after that. A June 2025 Watertown City Council agenda also listed a $20,000 request from the organization. The zoo operates in Thompson Park under a public-benefit agreement approved by the City Council in April 2024.
A 2025-2029 business plan developed with help from a Small Business Development Center projected up to $389,000 in net revenue over four years. The zoo's possible year-round schedule could affect winter visitors and school groups, as well as local governments that have been asked to provide financial support.
The conservancy runs Zoo New York at 1 Thompson Park in Watertown. Visitors can contact the zoo at 315-782-6180 or through its contact page to verify current hours and learn about updates.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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