The Seneca Park Zoo was first opened in 1894 and has been a family favorite in Rochester. The park has undergone many facelifts over the years, but it has always maintained the highest level of animal care and conservation awareness.
Exhibits at the Seneca Park Zoo
Seneca Park Zoo is in the process of getting a massive update and expansion. The already 15.5-acre zoo will soon be home to new exhibits and animals. Their current exhibits are:
Tropics Adventure Zone
This is a brand new giant wooden playground. This playground will eventually be replaced by the Tropics Zone Complex, currently in the planning stages. This building will eventually be the new home to gorillas, orangutans, and lemurs.
Eco Center
On your way to the Eco Center, take some time to appreciate the Genesee Trail, which has a collection of rescued Bald Eagles. The Eco Center has various animals, including playful otters, fish, snakes, and some amphibians.
Zot Zone
This is an interactive play center for the zoologist of the future. This allows kids to pretend to be zoo veterinarians and zoologists and take care of the stuffed animal “animals” in the Zot Zone.
Veterinary Hospital
This is one of the coolest places to visit in the zoo, especially if your child desires to become a zoo veterinarian. Visitors can observe the resident zoo veterinarian treating the animals.
Rocky Coast
The Rocky Coast is an arctic exhibit, and it has some great animals that visitors can get an up-close viewing of. The polar bears and sea lions have underwater viewing areas and can frequently be seen swimming and interacting with the guest through the glass. Penguins, grey wolves, hyenas, sandhill cranes, Canadian lynx, and Amur tigers can also be viewed on the way to the exhibit.
Step into Africa
This is the most updated part of the zoo to date. This area has been designed to make visitors feel like they are truly stepping into Africa. This area is complete with a Masai Village that has 3 resident goats. This exhibit is also home to lions, baboons, and elephants.
Animals of the Savannah Expansion
The newest section of the Step into Africa features many new animals, such as the Masai Giraffe and Plains Zebra. The three new giraffes are named Iggy, Kipenzi, and Parker, and guests can enjoy feeding these gentle giants for $5/person on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday.
Times: 11:45 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Savanna Outpost.
There is also a new habitat for the Zoo’s beloved white rhino, Bill. Several smaller animal species have also joined the Seneca Park Zoo family, Rock Hyrax, Naked Mole Rats, and Lake Malawi Cichlids.
Cold Asia
The newest portion of the zoo opened to the public in the summer of 2018. The zoo’s beautiful snow leopards, Kaba and Timila, are enjoying their new habitat that has been carefully constructed to mimic their natural home environment of Central Asia.
The zoo also welcomed two new animals to the Cold Asia exhibit, a pair of red pandas named Blaze and Starlight. Their habitat gives them lots of room to run and climb like they would in the wild. These two playful characters are fun for families to observe as they frolic and play. They even look cute sleeping in their tree hammock. Unfortunately, these adorable animals are on the Endangered Species list.
Other Experiences at the Zoo
Seneca Park Zoo has unique opportunities for those who love animals.
Animal Encounters
Elephant Encounter – Tour the Elephant enclosure and then meet the African Elephants. Learn about their unique personalities and their care. The tour includes photo opportunities and a Q&A with the Elephant keepers.
Sea Lion Encounter – Enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with the Zoo’s playful sea lions. Your experience includes a Q&A with their keepers, a chance to go behind the scenes of the Rocky Coast habitat, unique photo opportunities, and learning about the enrichment and care seas lions require.
Giraffe Feedings – Ever dreamed of coming face to face with a giraffe? How about feeding one? Well, guess what… you can do both at the Seneca Park Zoo. This is a seasonal encounter, running from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
ZooTeen
I normally don’t add things like this to my articles, but this program is near and dear to my heart, as well as a fantastic opportunity for teens. Both my kids were ZooTeens, and it was an incredible experience for both of them. They both loved their time volunteering at the Zoo. If you have a teen in your home, this is an amazing program and looks great on those college transcripts!
Zoo Tram
The Zoo Tram runs daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Ticket Information
Adults: $2
Seniors (63+): $1
Youth (ages 3-11): $1
Children 2 and younger are free, but must have a ticket to ride the tram.
Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be reprinted.
Tickets can be purchased at these locations: Admissions Gate, Member Gate, ZooShop, and Savanna Outpost.
Food and Snack Services at the Seneca Park Zoo
Two food venues at the Seneca Park Zoo offer various foods that range from food off the grill to light snacks like popcorn, soft pretzels, and ice cream. There are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available for those with dietary restrictions.
Eagle’s Landing Cafe
Located next to the white rhino enclosure and across from the bald eagle area.
MENU
April 1 through October 31:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
November 1 through March 31:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Crater Canteen
Located next to the Masai Village in the Step Into Africa exhibit.
MENU
April 1 through Memorial Day:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Monday through Friday
Memorial Day through Labor Day:
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open Daily.
Labor Day through October 31:
11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Monday through Friday.
November 1 through April 1:
Closed for the season.
Hours and Admission
Hours:
April 1 – October 31
10 am – 4 pm (Grounds are open until 5 pm)
November 1 – March 31
10 am – 3 pm (Grounds are open until 4 pm)