A Love Letter to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo: Caring for Our Animal Care Team

We love the Rosamond Gifford Zoo! Many of us at McClurg Remodeling have been visiting the Zoo at Burnet Park in Syracuse, New York since we were kids. We all have a favorite animal or exhibit that holds a special place in our memories. From the start of our partnership with the Zoo, we knew we wanted to show our appreciation in a meaningful way. One of the best ways we can give back is through remodeling—and kitchens just happen to be one of our specialties.

Many of us are long-time Zoo members and now have the joy of watching our own children create those same memories. As CNY residents and enthusiasts, we’ve had the privilege of watching the Rosamond Gifford Zoo grow and expand, branching out into our community through education, research, and conservation initiatives. From early childhood education programs to high school internships, the Zoo is shaping the next generation of conservationists.

The Zoo also leads groundbreaking animal research projects that extend beyond CNY and contribute to worldwide studies and conservation efforts.

“You can’t walk up to an elephant in the wild for a blood sample,” explains Executive Director Ted Fox, “but we can here at the Zoo. We can study the animals up close and report our findings to support worldwide research efforts on endangered animals such as the California Condors or the American Bison. All of this is made possible by the strong relationships between the animals and their caregivers—built on trust, expertise, and dedication. Because of this, it is not disruptive to the animals, and they love to participate in training and research.”

The animal care team and volunteers work in all weather conditions, staying late in storms and arriving early in freezing temperatures, ensuring every animal receives the best possible care. Because of the bond they create, the Animal Care Team can detect even the slightest change in behavior. They are in tune with the animals they care for and act as true advocates. Their extensive knowledge and dedication are what make the Rosamond Gifford Zoo such an impactful staple in our CNY community.

When we learned that the dedicated individuals of the Zoo’s Animal Care Team needed an upgraded kitchen space, we knew this was an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.

When we met with Executive Director Ted Fox, Director of Development Heidi Strong, and Friends of the Zoo Executive Director Carrie Large, it became clear how much this project meant to them.

“In all temperatures, our Animal Care Team is out there with the animals. If there is a storm, we are all staying late to be sure our animals are getting what they need. I have never seen a group of people with more dedication and passion. Creating a space for them gives us the opportunity to show some appreciation for the hard work that they do, and that’s really important.”

With that, our McClurg team got to work designing a functional, comfortable break space for their incredible team! Carpenters Dave Furness and Marty Crandall took on the transformation, replacing ceiling tiles, upgrading cabinets and countertops, and installing a new sink and hardware. To make the space even more efficient, Dave Furness built a custom multi-level shelf for microwaves, allowing for smoother meal prep during busy shifts.

This project was made possible by the generosity of our community partners:

• Home Depot– Donated the cabinets
• Busch– Provided the countertops
• Purcell’s– Supplied the paint

With McClurg Remodeling covering the rest, we were able to create a space that reflects the care and commitment of the Zoo’s team.

This isn’t the first time McClurg has partnered with the Zoo, and it won’t be the last. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of participating in Zoo Clean-Up Day, volunteering for meal prep programs, and bringing our McClurg Building Corner to Holiday Nights, where we transformed it into a gingerbread house for families to enjoy. Every experience has reinforced our appreciation for all that the Zoo contributes to our community.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To the volunteers and Animal Care Team at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo—thank you. Your work is invaluable. We hope this new kitchen space gives you a place to relax, recharge, and feel appreciated. You care for the animals, and it was our honor to care for you.

How to Get Involved

We encourage anyone interested in learning more about the incredible community efforts happening at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo to visit their website or, as Heidi Strong would say, “just stop by!”

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McClurg Remodeling is a design-build contractor proudly serving Syracuse and CNY homeowners for over 40 years. We take pride in our role within the communities we serve. Whether through casual conversations or large-scale events, we are committed to actively participating in the collective endeavor to strengthen and uplift our community members.