UTICA- Fathers across America were treated by their families to their own unique Father’s Day. For some, it was a day at the lake, while others spent it at the Utica Zoo.

“I asked the girls what they want to do and they said let's go to the zoo,” said Alex Thomas, father of two daughters.

For the past 20 years, the Utica Zoo has been honoring fathers by granting them free admission on Father’s Day. On Sunday, dozens of dads from all over New York made their way to Utica for one thing.

“It’s a place we can all have some fun,” said Matthew Keller, a father of two. “It’s great to see some animals go around and see the alligators, the sea lion,s or what not it's a lot of fun."

Throughout the zoo ostriches, lions, foxes, zebras, camels, bald eagles and more were on display. Some may call it a coincidence so many were out and about, but one volunteer at the zoo said they knew what day it was.

“They seemed excited to share the zoo experience with their dads,” said Jessica Martin, a Utica Zoo volunteer. “You can tell the dads are loving all the attention."