If you aren't aware we have a wonderful zoo in the Hudson Valley that is open year-round. The Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park's mission is to connect and protect the plants and animals of the Hudson Highlands.

Founded in 1927 as a collaboration that included the American Museum of Nature History it set out to educate Bear Mountain State Park users about the natural and cultural history of the park. Closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas the Trailside Museums and Zoo are open every day at 10 AM.

How Does an Animal End Up at the Bear Mountain Zoo in Orange County New York

At the Trailside Zoo, you will find a variety of animals that were once injured or orphaned and who now call the zoo home. The Trailside Museums and Zoo pride itself on giving you unprecedented access to animals and plants native to our region.

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park
Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park via Facebook
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Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park Makes Improvements

Earlier this year the zoo announced the upgrade of three mammal exhibits that included a new bobcat, a red fox, and a porcupine. For some of us seeing these animals in the zoo's care may be the only way we witness them in person.

For 96 years, Trailside Museums & Zoo has been a place where children and families from all over have come to learn about our region's environment and history. Originally founded as a field station of the American Museum of Natural History, Trailside is a home for animals that cannot survive in the wild, an education and research facility, and supporter of conservation efforts across our parks. The new enclosures for our bobcat, fox, and porcupine represent Trailside's future as we continue the Zoo's educational mission .... Joshua Laird Executive Director of the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission via park.ny.gov pressrelease 5-15-2023)

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park via Facebook
Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park via Facebook
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The latest resident to arrive at the zoo was announced yesterday via Facebook. Meet Alfredo the Virginia Opossum whose mom was attacked by a dog while carrying Alfredo and other babies on her back. That is a common way for babies to travel with their mom. After being in the care of a licensed rehabber his friendly personality shined through making him the perfect Opossum for a non-releasable education program at the Bear Mountain Zoo.

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Animals You Will See at the Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park

Beavers in New York

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park - Beaver via Facebook
Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park - Beaver via Facebook
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Bears in New York

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park - Bear via Facebook
Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park - Bear via Facebook
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SEE Also: Bear Mountain Zoo Re-Open After Flash Floods

More Bears

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park via Facebook
Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park via Facebook
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Owls in New York

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park via Facebook
Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park via Facebook
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Vultures visiting the Bears in New York

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park via Facebook
Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park via Facebook
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SEE Also: Watch Bear Have Zoomies at Bear Mountain Zoo in New York

Wild Turkeys in New York

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear State Park via Facebook Wild Turkey via Facebook
Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear State Park via Facebook Wild Turkey via Facebook
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Weasels in New York

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear State Park via Facebook Weasel
Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear State Park via Facebook Weasel
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