Pachyderm Awareness Weekend

September 20 & September 21

Name: Pachyderm Weekend 2025
Start: 2025-09-20T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-09-21T23:59:59-04:00
Location: At The Zoo

There will be interactive experiences, Naturalist talks, keeper chats, and more!

It's Pachyderm Weekend!

They’re big, they’re beautiful, and they’re in a class of their own. Pachyderm Weekend shines a spotlight on some of the zoo’s most iconic animals, our African elephants and white rhino. As the only place in New York State where you can see these species, we invite you to spend the weekend learning more about their behaviors and how you can help protect them!

Saturday, September 20

Saturday of Pachyderm Weekend is full of opportunities to learn more about the zoo’s largest residents. Create enrichment for our animals, connect with our conservation team, and explore educational activities focused on protecting elephants and rhinos in their natural ranges.

11:45 a.m.

Rhino Enrichment Experience A Step Into Africa

2:30 p.m.

Elephant Enrichment Experience

Sunday, September 21

End your weekend with an elephant-sized celebration! Sunday’s highlights include the watermelon-eating contest, interactive enrichment for our white rhino, and engaging conservation activities for the whole family.

12:00 p.m.

Elephant Watermelon Eating Contest

2:30 p.m.

Rhino Enrichment Experience

All Day Activities

Nature Cart: Elephant tooth & Rhino horn

Coins for Conservation: Supporting white rhino & African elephant conservation efforts
Docent Station: Learn more about the fascinating roles elephants and rhinos play in shaping their environments

Pachyderm Conservation

The African elephant is endangered. The white rhino is near threatened. Both deserve a future, and your support helps make that possible through hands-on care here and conservation work worldwide.

Membership

Donate

Tickets

Membership

Donate

Tickets

Pachyderm Awareness Weekend

September 20 & September 21

There will be interactive experiences, Naturalist talks, keeper chats, and more!

It's Pachyderm Weekend!

Saturday, September 20

Saturday of Pachyderm Weekend is full of opportunities to learn more about the zoo’s largest residents. Create enrichment for our animals, connect with our conservation team, and explore educational activities focused on protecting elephants and rhinos in their natural ranges.

11:45 a.m.

Rhino Enrichment Experience A Step Into Africa

2:30 p.m.

Elephant Enrichment Experience

Sunday, September 21

End your weekend with an elephant-sized celebration! Sunday’s highlights include the watermelon-eating contest, interactive enrichment for our white rhino, and engaging conservation activities for the whole family.

12:00 p.m.

Elephant Watermelon Eating Contest

2:30 p.m.

Rhino Enrichment Experience

All Day Activities

Pachyderm Conservation