© 2025 Hunter Caparelli
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — With tails wagging and fur freshly fluffed, rescue and shelter dogs are taking over Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
Canine Champions for Conservation is a program that will showcase the talents of rescues while highlighting the vital role they play in wildlife conservation. By using their keen sense of smell, rescue dogs can help detect illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered animals.
The event, which is taking place at Rosamond Gifford for the first time, debuted on Thursday, July 17. The dogs will perform twice a day at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from Thursday to Monday, and the shows will continue to run until Monday, August 11.
Carrie Large, Executive Director of the Friends of the Zoo team, explained how the dogs’ sense of smell helps conservationists in the wild.
“These dogs are phenomenal,” she said. “They’re sniffers, can help things that are happening in the wild, and they can actually detect if someone’s trying to traffic animals.”
Large also hopes they can provide a memorable experience for the guests that will foster a deeper appreciation for the bond between people and animals.
“Really the Zoo mission is to connect people to animals, and connect people to care,” she said. “And we just want people to respect animals, respect our planet because we only have one left.”
Wendy Faircloth, one of the dog trainers from Stunt Dog Productions, hopes their show will encourage guests to adopt from shelters.
“I hope they take away that even rescue dogs, even though they’re not perfect, they can still do cool things,” she said. “So, go out and rescue a dog.”
Friends of the Zoo Director of Development Heidi Strong, who led the effort in planning and organizing this program, says guests can interact with the dogs and their trainers at the end of each show to learn more about helping wildlife in Central New York, as well as hearing tips on responsible pet ownership and adoption.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: Canine Champions for Conservation Dog Show kicking off at Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Sound of dogs barking.
Reporter Hunter Caparelli: “Canine Champions for Conservation is a dog show that debuted Thursday at Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Wendy Faircloth, one of the dog trainers, hopes their program encourages guests to adopt from shelters.”
Dog Trainer Wendy Faircloth: “I hope they take away that even rescue dogs, even though they’re not perfect, they can still do cool things. So, go out and rescue a dog.”
Reporter Hunter Caparelli: “Carrie Large, head of the Friends of the Zoo, explains how dogs’ sense of smell helps conservationists find endangered wildlife.”
Executive Director Carrie Large: “These dogs are phenomenal. They’re sniffers, can help things that are happening in the wild, and they can actually detect if someone’s trying to traffic animals.”
Reporter Hunter Caparelli: “Large says guests have until August 11th to learn how rescue dogs are playing a vital role in conservation efforts in Central New York. Hunter Caparelli, N-C-C News.”