Samaritan Medical Center Sponsors Phantoms of New York State at Zoo New York: Exclusively Featuring New York’s Only Wolverine

Watertown, N.Y. (October 21, 2024) – Zoo New York at Thompson Park is excited to announce a new  partnership with Samaritan Medical Center as the exclusive sponsor of its flagship exhibit, Phantoms of New  York State, featuring New York’s only wolverine, “Abisko”. This thrilling exhibit provides a rare opportunity  for the community and visitors to observe one of nature’s most tenacious and fearless predators, while  supporting wildlife education and conservation efforts.  

Abisko, a wolverine (Gulo gulo), arrived at Zoo New York earlier this summer, becoming the only wolverine in  the state. Wolverines are highly elusive, and only about ten zoos in North America are home to this species,  making this exhibit truly exceptional. Named after a national park in Sweden, Abisko has captured the hearts of  zoo staff and guests with his curious and engaging personality. He comes to Watertown from the Minnesota  Zoo, where he was part of an international breeding program aimed at conserving this remarkable species.  

The Phantoms of New York State exhibit is a centerpiece for the zoo’s 2024 season and its represents a pivotal  moment in the reactivation of the zoo's most anticipated habitat. It offers a unique, dynamic educational  experience for visitors, shedding light on the biology, behavior, and conservation of wolverines, as well as the  broader importance of preserving rare species.  

Samaritan Medical Center has a long history of supporting zoo events and recently hosted an employee  appreciation day, which drew over 250 employees and their family members to the zoo. The sponsorship of the  wolverine habitat will further bolster educational programs, promoting learning about wildlife conservation and  biology. "We are honored to collaborate with Zoo New York to enrich the numerous opportunities provided by  this exhibit to our community," stated Samaritan Medical Center spokesperson, Leslie DiStefano. "A visit to the  zoo offers various benefits, including exercise, exposure to fresh air, socialization, and more. This partnership  underscores our dedication to both community well-being and environmental stewardship."  

Zoo New York invites families, students, and wildlife enthusiasts from across the region to visit Watertown and  witness one of nature’s most elusive creatures up close – an opportunity not found elsewhere in the North East.