The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is a zoo located in Binghamton, New York, USA. The zoo was opened in 1875, making it the 5th oldest zoo in the nation.

The Ross Park Zoo is only open seasonally from April-November.

The 90 acre land was donated by Erastus Ross, a wealthy business man whose only instructions were to build a park that all the community could enjoy. The park electric run trolleys in the area allowed easy access to the park. Other features of the park included roller coasters, swings, a bear exhibit and a carousel.

Increased use of automobiles let people easily travel outside the city for recreation, this plus the two World Wars and the Great Depression led to the decline of the park. Eventually the USDA was threatening to close the park because of sub-standard exhibits. In 1966 concerned citizens formed the Southern Tier Zoolological Society in an attempt to upgrade the facilities.


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