Zoo NY, Watertown In Watertown, you can find Zoo NY nestled among the trees at the top of Thompson Park. The zoo, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this August, features only animals that are currently or once were native to New York state. Zoo spokesman Josh Baughn said that education plays a central role to its mission. âWeâre not a traditional zoo,â he said. âWe donât consider ourselves to be a concrete jungle, as some zoos may seem to other folks. Our facility is very concerned with ensuring education happens, that weâre helping teach families and young kids about New Yorkâs wildlife.â