Tributes, Memorials and Tree of Life

If you would like to remember a loved one, or pay tribute to someone special, consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. A contribution of any size makes a tremendous difference. Contributions will be recognized in Friends of the Zoo's annual report under the name of your honoree. Please include a note indicating how your contribution should be recognized and to whom an acknowledgement should be sent.

​Mail your tribute/memorial contribution payable to:

Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Attn:  Development Department
1 Conservation Place
Syracuse, NY 13204

​Or call (315) 435-8511 x8518 to make a contribution by credit card over the phone.

Tree of Life

For more information on Tree of Life please contact Director of Philanthropy at (315) 435-8511 x8534 or email Gina Rapasadi at [email protected].

Contributions can be made in amounts of $250-$2,500

Tree of Life contributions benefit our conservation efforts here at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.  Donors are acknowledged on a colored leaf on the Tree of Life located in the zoo’s café area.  For the leaf, your name, or in tribute or memory of someone of your choosing, will be displayed in recognition of your support. 

Donate a Memorial or Tribute Bench at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Honor a family member or friend.
Help beautify zoo grounds.
Provide a place for rest or reflection.
Mark a favorite or significant spot.
Place a park bench bearing your loved one’s name at the zoo!

Leave a lasting legacy at the zoo by donating a park bench commemorating a loved one at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. A memorial donor bench is the perfect way to honor a loved one who loved the zoo and support the zoo’s conservation mission in their memory.

A gift of $5,000 will place a bench at an available location of your choice on zoo grounds, including the new Animal Health Center’s beautifully landscaped courtyard, for the next 10 years. An inscribed plaque affixed to the top of the bench will dedicate it to your loved one with up to 200 characters of text.

Memorial bench contributions will also be recognized in the Friends of the Zoo’s annual report under the name of your honoree. All contributions will go to benefit the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

To arrange a memorial bench, please contact the zoo’s Development Department at (315) 435-8511 x8534 or email Gina Rapasadi at [email protected].