There is always something exciting happening at the Seneca Park Zoo! Rain or shine, the Zoo is open 364 days a year, offering you and your children educational and fun programming.
Since the 1890's, Rochesterians have come to Seneca Park Zoo to enjoy nature and wildlife. Originally located in the lower Seneca Park, the Zoo consisted of aviaries surrounded by lush gardens and a pond where a Swan Boat ferried passengers. More than 100 years later, the Seneca Park Zoo continues to be a choice destination for all kinds of families whose desire it is to spend quality time in a natural, relaxed setting.
The Animals
The Zoo is currently home to more than 275 animals, representing 139 species, including 15 that are endangered.The most high-profile animals to join the Seneca Park Zoo in 2007 were a mob of Meerkats and a white rhinoceros. Both the Meerkats and our two white rhinos live in the Main Building at the Zoo.
This spring, Phase II of Seneca Park Zoo's A Step Into Africa exhibit is opening and that means visitors will get a chance to see baboons back at the Zoo. The completion of Phase II also gives their two African elephants a 50,000-gallon splash pool to play in.
The Zoo is fortunate to have New York State’s only Bornean orangutans, African elephants and Arctic wolves.
Once you get there, don't forget to check out:
The cougar tunnel.
Kids can actually crawl through an underground tunnel that leads them into the cougar exhibit where they can get an up close and personal with the beautiful felines.
The Genesee Trail.
Three stunning bald eagles, most recognizable as the national bird and symbol of the United States of America, are the centerpiece of the Zoo's Genesee Trail.
The Rocky Coasts.
This is where the Zoo's polar bears, penguins and sea lions live. The great thing about this exhibit is that people can view the animals two ways – on land or underwater!
Zoo Events
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has designated 2008 the Year of the Frog and the Seneca Park Zoo is proud to be taking part. Year of the Frog is an international effort that hopes to educate the public about the global amphibian crisis. Throughout the year, the Zoo will be hosting frog-themed activities on the 29th of each month.
Our Fragile World - May 2 & 3:
This is the Zoo's 14th annual two-day environmental fair which was created to engage, inspire and empower citizens to act on behalf of wildlife, nature and our environment. The event features more than 30 local environmentally-conscious businesses, nature organizations and government agencies that are working to improve the health of our local environment.
Summer camps.
The Zoo offers half-day and full-day summer camps for kids in preschool (who are at least 3) through eighth grade. Zoo camps are held in June, July and August. Registration is already underway and all of their camps sold-out last year. For summer camp info, please call (585) 336-7213.
Jungle Jog - July 20.
Take part in the Zoo's 18th annual 5K Jungle Jog, which is part of the Rochester Runner of the Year series. The deadline for online and phone registration is Wednesday, July 16. Call (585) 336-7202 for details.
ZooBoo - October 18, 19, 25 & 26.
With more than 5,100 trick-or-treaters in 2007, every kind of princess, pirate and superhero was at the Zoo's annual ZooBoo. The event includes 10 trick-or-treat stations, live entertainment, crafts and more! Be sure to save the date for this spooktacular event.
Breakfast with Santa - December 6, 7, 13, 14 & 20.
In 2007, Breakfast with Santa sold out in record time so this year the Zoo has added a fifth day. People who attend this event get the opportunity to dine with the polar bears, sea lions and Santa in the Rocky Coasts underwater gallery.
The Zoo isn’t just for kids! Take some time for YOU with these adult-only zoo events!
ZooBrew.
Don't miss the wildest after-hours event in town! This 21-and-older event features a live band, raffles and barbeque and drinks to purchase. This season's first ZooBrew will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on May 23. Steve Grills & the Roadmasters will perform.
Zoobilation - June 7.
Mark your calendar. Enter the info into your palm pilot. Do whatever it is you have to do so that you don't miss the VIP charity event of the season. This 21-and-older event starts at 5:45 p.m. Purchase tickets online at
www.senecaparkzoo.org or call Patty Langdon at (585) 336-7217 for details.
