Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo, Rome

About Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo

Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in Rome, New York is a family-owned petting zoo where visitors interact closely with animals rather than viewing them from a distance. The property spans over 20 acres and features native and exotic animals, many presented during daily hands-on educational programs. Guests can feed and mingle with tame deer in a scenic enclosure, visit the Maternity Ward to hold baby pygmy goats, and attend scheduled presentations including snake shows, sloth feedings, capybara and wallaby demonstrations, and otter feedings. The Wild Creatures Playland offers a two-story soft play structure with a speed slide, ball crawl, bouncing stations, and other activities. Additional attractions include the Jumbo Jumper pillow bounce, Water Wars water balloon slingshot game, and Downpour Derby water bucket game. The petting area operates throughout the day, and visitors typically spend one to two hours exploring the park. A concession stand and picnic grove are available on-site.