Watertown’s zoo remains open after community support

Oct 19, 2024 —

The operator of Zoo New York, Watertown’s zoo with native New York animals in Thompson Park, announced last October that the zoo would have to close.

Since then, strong community support has kept the doors open. City officials, an army of volunteers and the board of the Thompson Park Conservancy, which operates the zoo, have gone to great lengths to support Zoo New York.

The City Council approved $200,000 in funding for the zoo, which is the only zoo showcasing New York’s native animals.

The zoo also raised approximately $130,000 in sponsorships, donations and in-kind contributions.

And the zoo’s volunteer coordinator recruited about 500 volunteers who contributed more than 4,000 hours of work during the 2024 season. They worked in the garden, repaired the grounds and supervised events. The zoo’s education program was also revitalized and led by long-time volunteer teachers.

The zoo’s CEO told the Watertown Daily Times that the zoo couldn’t have stayed open this year without the bevy of volunteers and sponsors.

The zoo’s director said all of that help — and funding from the city — has enabled the organization to begin planning its 2025 season.