Staten Island Zoo

What started as a classroom project is now making a difference for animals at the Staten Island Zoo!

We recently welcomed students from Tottenville High School to see the incredible impact of their hard work firsthand. After designing and 3D printing enrichment items at school—including pinecones, coconuts, pitcher plants, and durian fruit—they got to watch those creations being enjoyed by some of our animal residents.

During their visit, the students watched one of our Amur leopards participate in a training session, helped provide enrichment for our otters, and even spent some time hanging out with a few of our favorite “kids!” It was a fun opportunity to see how enrichment supports animal care and to experience the Zoo from a new perspective.

Turning their designs into animal-safe enrichment was a true team effort. Our animal care staff learned how to sand, paint, and seal each piece to ensure it was durable, natural-looking, and safe before it made its way into our habitats.

We’re so proud of these students for using their creativity and STEM skills to create something that has a lasting impact on the animals in our care. This partnership is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when education, conservation, and community come together to inspire future conservationists and create meaningful opportunities for both people and wildlife

I’ve got a text... 📲♥️🏝️

A new bombshell has entered the Zoo! Everyone, meet Tonka, our new Kunekune pig! 🐷

Originally from New Zealand, Kunekune (pronounced cooney cooney) are known for their calm, social personalities and distinctive little wattles that dangle beneath their chins called “piri piri.” Unlike many other pig breeds, their short snouts make them excellent grazers, so they’re more likely to be found happily munching on grass than digging up the ground.

Tonka has already been busy making connections with his keepers, winning everyone over with his love of belly rubs, socializing, and, of course, snacks. We’d say he’s already coupled up with food.

He’s here for all the right reasons... to steal hearts, make new friends, and become the Zoo’s newest fan favorite. Come by and give Tonka a warm welcome!

This weather got us like 😴