For Sale: One Central New York Discovery Zoo

Is 'buy a zoo' on your bucket list? Here's your chance to make your dreams come true.

The Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in Rome, NY is for sale for just $900,000. Included in the asking price is a menagerie of animals and 25 acres of land.

According to the listing on bizbuysell.com:

"Interactive, hands on discovery zoo. Situated at the west end of the beautiful Mohawk Valley in Central New York. 45 years in business with an outstanding reputation for cleanliness, safety and wonderful family entertainment. A turn-key opportunity. Owners are ready to retire and are looking for just the right family to carry on the mission. Animal collection is primarily domestic animals with a selection of "easy keeper" exotics added for variety."

Finding a buyer for the unique attraction has been a challenge. Owner Leonard Cross recently described the ideal buyer on their website, saying "From the outset, we tried to make it clear that this operation is more a labor of love than a profit-driven business. The upfront investment is significant. The commitment is major and the financial returns are modest. New owners will need to have both a huge passion for this lifestyle as well as significant financial resources." As a result, Leonard says he and his wife, Bobbie - who are hoping to retire after running the zoo for 35 years - are considering making changes to the zoo to make it more palatable to potential buyers, including emphasizing play elements over the animals.

Fort Rickey has been a huge part of the Central New York landscape for decades. Let's hope a new buyer can continue the legacy of fun.