Oneida County allocates $300,000 to help Utica Zoo achieve accreditation

UTICA, N.Y. — The Utica Zoo will receive $300,000 from Oneida County over the next two years to help it achieve accreditation, according to Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr.

“The Utica Zoo has been serving the region for more than 100 years, educating the children of our county and bringing joy to families near and far,” Picente said in a release. “The zoo has made unprecedented strides to correct its financial situation and put itself on a path of growth that will benefit the entire Mohawk Valley. In order to take the next step in its aggressive master plan, it needs our help to supplement the cost of more than 20 years of deferred maintenance to secure its long-sought accreditation.”

The special funding will be split in disbursements of $150,000 over the next two years and is derived from unanticipated revenue in the county’s appropriated fund balance, according to the release.

Picente requested the supplemental appropriation last month, and the county Board of Legislators approved the measure May 9.

The Utica Zoo submitted its accreditation application to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in February. The association will conduct a physical inspection of the facility this summer. The zoo must complete its maintenance and rehabilitation efforts prior to inspection to secure accreditation, according to the release.

Contact McChesney at cmcchesney@cnybj.com