Category: Education

March 12, 2019

At Seneca Park Zoo, we have a unique opportunity to teach because our subject matter is inherently fascinating. Animals provide a lens through which we can learn so much. We can learn about their behavior, senses, and diets. We can learn about their adaptations from nails to tails and everything in between. We can learn about the habitats they call home and the resources they need to survive. We can also learn about the threats they face in natural range and what we can do to help save them from extinction.The Zoo is one giant classroom, and during our Homeschool ZooClass series we take full advantage of that. To provide a deeper learning experience for the students, Homeschool ZooClass is offered one day a week over the course of four weeks. This spring, we’ll be studying the Web of Life in our 6-8-year-old class and Animal Classification in our 9-12-year-old class. In each class, we try to incorporate as many different learning styles as possible through educational games, crafts, animal artifacts, ambassador animals, and of course, observing animals at the Zoo. For many of the activities, we encourage teamwork and socialization with their peers. By observing animals and participating in expeditionary learning, students form a connection with the animals and care more about their counterparts living in natural range. This newfound thirst for knowledge about animals and habitats around the world is amazing to witness.It is with this passion and connection to the animals that the students approach their series-long creative projects. These creative projects are one of my favorite parts of the homeschool program because they’re individualized and allow for many different modes of learning. Students learn research and presentation skills and can include artwork, animal artifacts, or other visuals to help them. The students are also able to choose what animal, habitat, or conservation topic interests them most and research that as part of their series-long project.

With the Homeschool ZooClass series there is a lot of flexibility for us to tailor the program to whatever the students are most passionate about. Apart from the students being able to select their own project topic, there are opportunities to shift the focus of the class to better suit the students’ interests.

I love finding new ways to teach and learn at the Zoo, and I’m lucky to be able to share this passion with students of all ages. At the Zoo, we all have something to learn from these amazing ambassadors. If you’re unable to join us at our next Homeschool ZooClass this spring, be on the lookout for another four-class series in the fall!

– Tricia Chapman, Family Programs CoordinatorRegister for our next Homeschool ZooClass

September 26, 2018

School is back in session, fall is upon us, and teachers are back for another year of inspiring children. Here at the Zoo, I am preparing for two of my favorite things—fall field trips and Teacher Appreciation Day.

The Zoo is a beautiful place to visit in the fall. The cooler weather means that many of the animals are more active. We have many deciduous trees on grounds that turn amazing colors and provide a stunning backdrop for observing the animals. I especially enjoy an afternoon stroll through the Zoo where I can hear the male African lion, Chester, defend his territory, successfully as always.We have several schools that always plan their field trips to the Zoo for the fall. I love that we get to help teachers kick off their students’ learning in such a unique way. Many of these schools enhance their visit to the Zoo by booking an Expedition or Animal Presentation. Both programs are taught by Zoo staff and meet Next Gen and New York State science learning standards. We use an inquiry-based approach during these programs, so the students are actively participating in learning about animals and conservation.On Monday, October 8th (Columbus Day) we will host our second-annual Teacher Appreciation Day. This is a special event where we showcase all the ways that teachers can use the Zoo as an outdoor classroom. Teachers receive free admission to the Zoo and a poster that highlights our formal education programs. They will have an opportunity to meet Zoo educators and see what it would be like for their students to experience the Zoo in a new way.

Fall is an exciting time of year full of new beginnings for teachers, students, and Seneca Park Zoo. Enjoy new experiences and spark your students’ curiosity by planning a trip to the Zoo.

– Gretchen Spencer, School and Group Programs CoordinatorExplore Education Programs

August 16, 2018

Hi! Our names are Emily and Gillian and we’ve been members of the ZooTeen program for the last four years, and ZooTeen Leaders for the last two. Anyone entering grades 8 through 12 with an interest in animals, ecology, or conservation can apply for the ZooTeen program. The ZooTeen program runs through the summer season, while the ZooTeen Leaders program is year-long. ZooTeen Leaders serve as mentors for those in the ZooTeen program, helping to develop training and content for the summer stations. In addition to acting as role models for our peers, we also get more involved in our community, and further develop our public speaking and leadership skills.

If you’ve visited the Zoo this summer, you’ve likely seen or spoken with a ZooTeen. Throughout the day, we are educating guests on how important it is to protect, conserve, and understand the environment we live in. Our time spent interacting with the public is most important, as we strive to get them to care for the natural world around them.Each day we break into groups of two or three that we’ll stay with for the day, and sometimes it’s with ZooTeens we may not know very well. Each group rotates to stations around the Zoo, each with a different topic. These topics include animals, threats to the environment, and conservation methods.

Our time as ZooTeens has taught us about working cohesively with others to convey a common message. Working with others has proven to be a challenge, but this program has successfully given us the tools to communicate and educate effectively. The ZooTeen program has expanded our knowledge of wildlife and nature and encouraged us to step outside our comfort zones!

We think there’s no better way to spend your summer than with like-minded peers educating Zoo guests about the importance of conserving wildlife and wild places.When the summer program ends, a ZooTeen can decide to continue their experience at the Zoo and join the ZooTeen Leaders program. Participating in both programs has been an amazing experience and we encourage anyone who is thinking about joining to apply for the program next spring, so we can grow our group of conservationists!

Emily wants to become an elementary school teacher while Gillian is interested in studying environmental science and sustainability. For more information about the ZooTeen program, visit the link below!ZooTeens & ZooTeen Leaders

June 18, 2018

Summer break is right around the corner, which means the ZooCamp staff here at Seneca Park Zoo are preparing for months of non-stop fun for hundreds of ZooCampers! From helping zoo keepers and up-close animal encounters, to new, hands-on activities every day. How else would you want to spend a summer?

As a Camp Coordinator, it’s my job to make sure that counselors have everything they need to provide campers with an immersive and memorable week at the Zoo. This starts by cleaning the camp spaces and stocking them with craft materials, snacks, first aid kits, and plenty of games. A seemingly small task, but it makes a huge difference once the hustle and bustle of camp is in full swing. Putting together the daily schedules and making sure the campers have plenty of activities during their time at camp is also a big part of getting ready for the summer.After sitting in classrooms for a majority of the year, we know that kids are ready to get outside, meet new friends, and just have fun. ZooCamp allows kids to do exactly that while learning about new themes and subjects at the same time. Instead of teaching about conservation issues in a classroom, like climate change or habitat loss, we have the ability to give campers hands-on experiences with real-world conservation projects like testing how clean the local water is or making a mural out of recycled plastic. When discussing a theme such as animal poaching, the campers can look into the eyes of one of the four beautiful African elephants at the Zoo and see for themselves that this animal’s life is worth much more than what you could sell their ivory for.My favorite part about leading ZooCamp is being able to connect with the kids over a shared love of animals and the environment. To watch campers of all ages engage with some of their favorite animals up close and get excited about discovering ways that they can help conservation efforts from their own home is incredible. I believe it’s important for the younger generation to witness first-hand adults, young and old, who are excited about nature and animals just as much as they are. Being able to share my passion for conservation with young minds is so important to me; everyone can make a positive change in the world, no matter how old they are.

If you have a child that is curious about animals and nature, is interested in working at a zoo one day, or even just loves to be outside, then ZooCamp is the right choice. While talking to your child about their day at camp, you may even learn something new yourself!– Heidi Van Buskirk, Camp CoordinatorView Summer ZooCamp Options

January 11, 2018

Have you ever wanted to wake up next to a sea lion? Every time I lead an overnight program at Seneca Park Zoo, I continue to be amazed that this is something I get to do as part of my job. And the best part is, I get to share the experience with groups equally as excited to be at the Zoo as I am. 

Overnights are one of my favorite programs to lead. It’s such a privilege to be at the Zoo when it’s closed to the public and it’s just you and the animals. You feel more deeply connected to the animals and want to help their counterparts living in their natural ranges.During an overnight, you will be the only people at the Zoo. It’s so different from the busy summer days most people think of when they picture a trip to the Zoo. You don’t have to worry about crowds or any animals seeking shade from the sun. Many animals prefer the cooler nighttime weather and the quiet after everyone has gone home. Animals that are primarily nocturnal, like the wolves, tigers, lynx, and snow leopards, are usually more visible to groups staying overnight than they might be during the day. The sea lions are also usually outside, since they only really sleep for about 20 minutes at a time, and that is especially neat for groups to see when the overnight is in Rocky Coasts Gallery, right next to the sea lion habitat.Throughout the private Zoo tour, educators like me provide groups with interesting facts about the animals. We share information appropriate for all levels and leave plenty of time for questions so everyone in the group can get the most out of their overnight stay. This is also an opportunity for us to share what makes the animals so interesting from our perspective with the hopes that others can connect to these animals like we have. We also choose hands-on projects for the night that adults and kids can work on together, because the program should be as much about the people you are with as the animals you get to visit.

It’s so special to wake up, look out the window, and realize there is a sea lion swimming right next to you. If you are lucky, you may even see the polar bear exploring in the morning because that time of day seems to be her favorite. I can’t think of a better way to start the day.

– Tricia Chapman, Family Programs Coordinator

Interested in spending a night at the Zoo? Learn more:

UPCOMING FAMILY SLEEPOVERSBUNK WITH BEASTS FOR SCOUTS

November 16, 2017

There is a special look that a child gets when they experience something for the first time. Their eyes get wide, eyebrows flick up in surprise. Some get quiet, others let out a shout. It is a unique privilege to introduce students to wildlife and nature, and I feel lucky that this is part of my job with the Seneca Park Zoo Society.

As the School and Group Programs Coordinator, I develop and lead students on a wide variety of expeditions throughout the Zoo and Seneca Park. Expeditions are engaging, interactive lessons that use the Zoo as an outdoor classroom. We have expeditions designed for students in grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.

Our expeditions all have a conservation message, whether we are inspiring our youngest learners to conserve water or encouraging older students to be stewards of biodiversity. I work with local teachers to make sure each expedition is tailored to meet the needs of their group. All expeditions are aligned to meet NextGen and New York State Science Standards. We use an inquiry-based approach to learning where students are experiencing science through hands-on activities.One of my favorite expeditions to lead is A Long Walk to Water. This program is for middle school students and is based on the book with the same name. As part of the expedition, students take turns caring a 2.5-gallon jug of water as we walk to Trout Lake in Seneca Park. One of the characters in the book makes daily treks to gather water for her family, so hopefully this helps students realize what a luxury it is to have water available on tap.When we arrive at the pond the students conduct water quality tests. They are so excited to use the scientific equipment, whether it is conducting a pH test or using a net to sample macroinvertebrates. The students take such pride in their results, and it is fun to watch them compete to see who can find the most macroinvertebrates.

At the conclusion of each expedition, I always reiterate our conservation message. I hope that the students have made a personal connection to the animals at the Zoo and care about the fate of those species in their natural range. This quote by Jane Goodall sums up the purpose of expeditions at Seneca Park Zoo: “Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved.”– Gretchen Spencer, School and Group Programs Coordinator

Interested in scheduling an Expedition for your next field trip?

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September 29, 2017

How and when did you get involved with ZooTeens?

I have been a part of the ZooTeen program for five years now. Growing up, I lived only 10 minutes from the Zoo and my parents always brought my siblings and I to visit. So in eighth grade when my mom discovered the ZooTeen program, I was more than thrilled to apply.I joined the ZooTeen program the summer before eighth grade. I had participated in summer camps around Rochester before, but I was interested in the zoological field so I applied for ZooTeens and the rest is history.

What does it mean to be a ZooTeen Leader?

The ZooTeen Leader program means a lot to me. It represents young people who want to make a change in their community, in their lives, and for the general welfare of animals. Becoming a ZooTeen Leader is one of my greatest accomplishments. The program is a great example of the dedication and love that people from all different walks of life can have for our environment and the animals that coexist on this Earth with us.The ZooTeen leader program adds supplemental learning for ZooTeens that carries over into the following summers. The program also comes with additional responsibilities. The 2016-17 season especially challenged me to step up and take on a larger role within the program, and even came with the opportunity to speak at the Rochester Teen Summit.

Describe the skills you’ve developed.

The ZooTeen Leader program has helped me improve my communication skills and understanding of the world and people around me. Being a ZooTeen has challenged me creatively and has introduced me to different educational perspectives.

After five years of this program and 17 years of being a patron of the Zoo, I’m still growing and learning about the animals, conservation programs, and the community. The Zoo is truly an amazing place to learn and grow as a person and I have been extremely thankful to be a ZooTeen.The ZooTeen and ZooTeen Leader programs are incubators for people looking to better themselves. I came into the program in 2012 quite timid. However, as I gained a better understanding of the stations, my overall confidence and knowledge grew. With each ZooTeen season came new skills and a greater sense of maturity.

I would potentially speak with hundreds of people a day from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. I learned how to speak in various situations and still deliver our message in a fun and engaging manner. The program also helped me find out the best ways to mix professionalism with a healthy dose of humor.

Does being a ZooTeen take you out of your comfort zone?

I was accepted into the ZooTeen Leader program right before my freshman year of High School, becoming one of the youngest ZooTeen Leaders at the Zoo. This required me to step up and help my fellow ZooTeens the same way past leaders had helped me.

ZooTeens is a very welcoming program with so many kind and friendly people who have opened my eyes to new ways of thinking. I am so lucky to have formed friendships with such a diverse group of teens that will long transcend past this program. I have friendships with teens from other schools and districts that in any other circumstance I would unfortunately never get the chance to meet.Absolutely. I broke out of my shell because I didn’t want to let my groupmates down and I also just wanted to better myself. In my first year, we received progress reports indicating what we did or didn’t do well. My report wasn’t quite where I wanted it to be, so I decided to keep working.

The program forced me to improve my social skills. By working with people I didn’t know well, all with different backgrounds, I discovered how to find common ground and make conservation. I can now say I’m an outgoing person because of the ZooTeen program.

What do you hope to do with all the knowledge and experience you’ve gained?

I hope to apply all the wonderful knowledge and experiences I have gained to my future studies. After I graduate, I plan on going to college for veterinarian medicine and hopefully can come back and work at the Zoo! I’d also like to travel and work with underdeveloped countries to build a stronger bridge between their people and ecosystems, creating a pathway to a brighter future for humans and animals alike.I think it’s a very important thing to gain bankable skills before entering college or the work force, and ZooTeens helped me do just that. The program also helped me see more potential for myself. This fall, I’m studying film at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. I’m interested in acting, directing, and writing. This industry is honestly terrifying and hard to find success in, but ZooTeens has helped me grow into a more well-rounded and outgoing person. I believe I can succeed because of the skills I’ve learned and developed through the program.

No matter how much or how little you know about animals, apply for ZooTeens! This program will help you learn and grow in ways you could’ve never imagined!

-Mya Santiago

Learn more about ZooTeens

ZooTeen Leader applications are now open and will be accepted until October 1st, while applications for the 2018 ZooTeen Program will open Spring 2018.

September 14, 2017

Elephant Day returns to Seneca Park Zoo this Saturday, September 16th, and we’re gearing up for the event by sharing some fun facts about African elephants and the four that call the Zoo home.

On Saturday, guests will have the opportunity to see the elephants receive special enrichment items, get a bath or health check, go through a training session, and even participate in a watermelon eating contest against younger Zoo visitors! Learn about each individual elephant at the Zoo, and chat with our dedicated keepers to find out how they are cared for. We hope that when you leave, you will have a greater appreciation for all elephants and be inspired to act on behalf of their conservation.Did you know…• Seneca Park Zoo is the only zoo in New York to have African elephants – their names are Moki, Chana, Genny C and Lilac.

• All of the elephants respond to, and understand, over 50 verbal commands.

• Elephants can sleep standing up or lying down. An elephant is napping if they have their trunks resting on the ground and their eyes closed. Elephants do need to lay down to sleep and to take that enormous amount of weight off their legs. They will lie down at night.

• Elephants communicate through smells, touch, body posture, and sounds, some that we can’t even hear. They can detect vibrations from other elephants nearby through their feet. As you observe the elephants, notice how often they touch each other with their trunks.

• With four elephants, the exhibit is always active. If you watch each elephant closely, you will notice each displays unique body language, whether raising their head or flaring their ears.

• The elephants’ favorite foods are watermelons, pumpkins, and bagels!MokiBorn in Zimbabwe in 1982
Came to Seneca Park Zoo in 2015
Weight: 8,802 lbs.

• Moki is a thinker and a problem solver during training sessions.
• She thrives on routine.
• She enjoys swimming in the pool and sometimes even brings a tire in with her!ChanaBorn in Zimbabwe in 1982
Came to Seneca Park Zoo in 2015
Weight: 8,952 lbs.

• Chana enjoys watching the world go by.
• She is a sweet, laid-back elephant who is never in rush.
• She likes to let out trumpets when greeting the other elephants.Genny CBorn in South Africa in 1977
Came to Seneca Park Zoo in 1979
Weight: 8,302 lbs

• Genny C is a very animated elephant. She will shake her head or body to get her handlers’ attention, and she can be quite goofy. She loves her training sessions and food.
• She always has something to say, so guests will often hear her make some sort of noise.LilacBorn in South Africa in 1978
Came to Seneca Park Zoo in 1979
Weight: 7,242 lbs.

• Lilac is an energetic elephant that loves to play. She’ll even stir up the other elephants to get them to play with her.
• She really enjoys touching her handlers with her trunk.

August 28, 2017Enriching the lives of the animals at Seneca Park Zoo is a key focus of keeper staff here at the Zoo. It is a crucial part of our day to make sure that all the animals in our care are stimulated and encouraged to interact with their environment. Enrichment can be anything that the animal experiences that is out of the normal daily routine. It can provide them with a new scent, a new object to investigate, or an opportunity to engage in their natural behaviors.

For example, orangutans are forage feeders, so they spend their days searching around for food to eat in their natural range. By giving the orangutans at the Zoo different food items that they have to search for, we encourage them to exhibit the natural behavior of foraging. Similarly, hiding food treats for the tigers encourages them to sniff out their food. We offer new enrichment items to our animals daily and try to challenge them every day.Seneca Park Zoo animal care staff are very excited to share the search for new enrichment items with all of the Zoo’s guests! With Animal Enrichment Weekend set for September 2-4, we are giving all of you an opportunity to help us provide enrichment to your favorite animals. Any guest that brings in an animal enrichment item from our wishlist will receive $2 OFF for each person in their group. There will also be an enrichment line hung in the Zoo that will be loaded with tags, each bearing an animal’s name and an item that would make a great enrichment piece. If you are interested in giving an animal an item, take a tag and return to the Zoo with the item listed!

Our animals love having new enrichment items to explore, and we are looking forward to a weekend of exploration and fun!– Robin English, Vet TechnicianView Enrichment Wishlist

For educators, being able to share one’s love of a subject with new learners is exhilarating. From the first curious glance to the last presentation, conservation education can be such an enriching experience. We’ve been hard at work as the ZooTeen season is in full swing here at the Seneca Park Zoo, from designing new stations to face painting, or even helping out with ZooCamp!

When we recruit for the ZooTeen Program, we look for the best and brightest middle- and high-school students in the Rochester area. Though our interview process might seem daunting, we’re simply looking for students who are passionate about animal conservation, and can easily talk with guests about it.

This is, at its core, what ZooTeens do: educate guests on how the Seneca Park Zoo and zoos worldwide help to save species from extinction, and what guests can do to help. Each teen is committed to at least 2 days a week. Along the way, ZooTeens grow and strengthen their public speaking skills.

After their time with the program, our ZooTeens go on to become conservation advocates in their own communities, and in their own ways. Brenden John, one of our graduating ZooTeen Leaders, will be studying to become a naturalist filmmaker in college. Several of our own Zoo staff members are ZooTeen alumni!This year’s ZooTeens are especially representative of the diversity in the greater Rochester area. Nearly half of all ZooTeens live within 30 minutes of the city. One quarter of ZooTeens live in the city proper, and another quarter live in nearby Irondequoit or Greece. Some ZooTeens even drive over an hour to come volunteer.

At 116 ZooTeens, it’s one of our biggest seasons yet. Though nearly half of our staff are new recruits, you’d be hard pressed to notice; many new ZooTeens are as outgoing as our returners. In addition to engaging in some public outreach programs throughout the school year, this year’s ZooTeen Leaders were able to design some new station materials for the program.

Many of these newly-designed stations are smash hits, including: ‘A Wake Up Call’, which educates guests on the effects of microplastics from common household products. These new arrivals join perennial favorites such as our African Elephant station, which educates guests on how we partner with conservation organizations like the International Elephant Foundation (IEF) to best help our cared-for species. Whether through using BioFacts or hands-on activity, these stations offer engaging materials to draw guests in, and teach through play and experience, to help our guests to understand conservation care.

Please feel free to reach out to either of us at [email protected] if you have any questions about the program. If you are an environmentally-conscious teen in the Rochester area, and would like to help out at the Zoo, we will soon be accepting applications for the 2017-2018 ZooTeen Leader Program. Additionally, information for the 2018 ZooTeen Program will be available during the first quarter of 2018.

Alex Baer & Kristi Frey
2017 ZooTeen Coordinator Team

Interested in the ZooTeen Program?

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