Seneca Park Zoo

"Trash Talk" Community Cleanup with the Rochester Amerks!
2023-08-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Turning Point Park, 260 Boxart Street, Rochester, NY, 14612, United States
Join your Zoo and the Rochester Amerks for the second annual Trash Talk – Help us clean the community around the ice! You are invited to participate in this year’s event, where they’ll also learn about invasive species, sort out what plastics are found, and learn about what pollutions are negatively impacting the Genesee River.
When: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 @ 10 a.m.
Where: Outside front entrance of Blue Cross Arena
Attire: Please plan to wear comfortable clothing and footwear you don’t mind getting dirty
Register here

Member Appreciation Week 2023
2023-08-05 09:30 - 2023-08-11 17:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
This week we’re celebrating our amazing community of members! Members are the heart of Seneca Park Zoo – they understand the importance of saving wildlife and wild places and share a love of their Zoo. Every day will feature an extra special member perk or activity to enhance your visit.

Become a Member

Saturday, August 5: Member Pin Launch DayToday is the first day the exclusive 2023 member pin will be available. The pin will be introduced today, but you can pick yours up any day this week.
(Available while supplies last)
Sunday, August 6: Popcorn DayPick up a complimentary box of buttery delicious popcorn whenyou check in today!
Monday, August 7: Prize-A-PaloozaAll day long we’ll be having member drawings and surprise giveaways. All members will be entered to win, and visiting today will get you an extra chance in the drawings.
Tuesday, August 8: Bring-A-Guest DayShare your Zoo visit with a guest of your choice! Oneadditional guest per membership.
Wednesday, August 9: Member-Created Baboon Enrichment
In the morning, head to the baboon plaza to create and decorate snack bags. In the afternoon, our keepers will place your creations inside the habitat, where the baboons will enjoy them as part of their enrichment for the day.
Thursday, August 10: ZooMobile at the Zoo1.p.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet some of our ambassador animals that you would not typically see on your Zoo visit with a ZooMobile presentation right here at your Zoo.
Friday, August 11: Member T-Shirt DayWear a Zoo member t-shirt today and get a reward at the Member Entrance! Save $2 when you purchase a member t-shirt today.
BONUS: Wear a Zoo member t-shirt to tonight’s ZooBrew for access to the VIP express entrance.

Genesee Trail Awareness Weekend
2023-08-03 09:30 - 2023-08-06 17:00 | New York
Join us as we celebrate some of the awesome animals you can find right in our own backyard as part of our Genesee Trail Awareness Weekend! From sturgeon to river otters, snakes, and more there will be something for everyone to get excited about. We will have animal enrichments experiences live on-site all weekend long!
Please note: all animal programming is always subject to change/cancellation without notice due to animal health, cooperation etc. Thanks for your understanding!
This weekend’s fundraiser will go to The River Otter Ecology Project, a great conservation organization that works in the field to support and protect river otters and the overall health of the watersheds they call home. For every $5 donated you will be entered to win either an otter-made painting or a a behind the scenes tour of the otter area with one of their keepers!

Support Otter Conservation

Schedule of Events:
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Thursday
9:30 a.m. – *Members Only* Animal Meet & Greet
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Enrichment & Keeper Chat
10:30 a.m. – Red Panda Experience
11:15 a.m. – Polar Bear Enrichment
11:30 a.m. – Weigh sturgeon in the Zoo pond (on trail right before otter) **
11:45 a.m. – Giraffe Feeding ($)
12:00 p.m. – Naked Mole Rat Keeper Chat
1:30 p.m. – Otter Enrichment **
2:45 p.m. – Giraffe Feeding ($)
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Enrichment & Keeper Chat
3:30 p.m. – Baboon Enrichment
** – indicates Genesee Trail Awareness focused program (others are normal summer programming schedule)
Friday
9:30 a.m. – *Members Only* Animal Meet & Greet
10:30 a.m. – Vet Chat in the Animal Hospital (follow path past red panda to the right)
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed & Keeper Chat
11:00 a.m. – Feeding the Pond Animals & Keeper Chat!**
11:15 a.m. – Snow Leopard Experience
11:45 a.m. – Giraffe Feeding ($)
12:00 p.m. – Sea Lion Enrichment
1:30 p.m. – Cichlid Keeper Chat (Animals of the Savanna building)
2:00 p.m. – Otter Enrichment **
2:30 p.m. – Snowy Owl Conservation Chat **
2:45 p.m. – Giraffe Feeding ($)
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience & Keeper Chat
3:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Enrichment
** – indicates Genesee Trail Awareness focused program (others are normal summer programming schedule)
Saturday
9:30 a.m. – *Members Only* Animal Meet & Greet
10:30 a.m. – Hellbender Experience (Creatures from the River’s Edge building) keepers will have hellbender out of their tank to get a great up-close look at! **
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed & Keeper Chat
11:15 a.m. – Sea Lion Experience
11:45 a.m. – Giraffe Feeding ($)
12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience
1:30 p.m. – White Rhino Experience
2:30 p.m. – Otter Enrichment **
2:45 p.m. – Giraffe Feeding ($)
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience & Keeper Chat
3:30 p.m. – Wolf Keeper Chat
** – indicates Genesee Trail Awareness focused program (others are normal summer programming schedule)
Sunday
9:30 a.m. – *Members Only* Animal Meet & Greet
10:30 a.m. – Red Panda Enrichment
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed & Keeper Chat
11:15 a.m. – Polar Bear Experience
11:45 a.m. – Giraffe Feeding ($)
12:00 p.m. – Red-Tailed Hawk Feed & Keeper Chat
1:30 p.m. – Sandhill Crane Conservation Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – River’s Edge Conservation Chat
2:45 p.m. – Giraffe Feeding ($)
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience & Keeper Chat
3:30 p.m. – River Otter Enrichment
** – indicates Genesee Trail Awareness focused program (others are normal summer programming schedule)
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor for Conservation Days:

Trivia Safari with Seneca Park Zoo at Radio Social
2023-07-26 18:00 - 21:00 | New York

S.A.F.E. Awareness Weekend
2023-07-20 10:00 - 2023-07-23 16:00 | New York
Join us on Thursday, July 20 – Sunday July 23 for SAFE Awareness Weekend here at the Zoo! Seneca Park Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) SAFE Program for various species including African penguins, red panda, snow leopard African lion, and giraffe. SAFE, or Saving Animals from Extinction, seeks to save the most vulnerable wildlife species for future generations. SAFE focuses the collective expertise within AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and leverages their massive audiences to save species. Learn more about this inspiring program and how we participate by coming out and talking to keeper staff, docents, and ZooTeens who will all be onsite throughout the Weekend!
Donate to our Facebook Fundraiser to support African penguin, lion and giraffe conservation. For every $5 donated you will be entered to win a painting made by one of these species of animals in our care!
This event is FREE with Zoo admission.
Schedule of Events:
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Thursday
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Enrichment & Keeper Chat
10:30 a.m. – Lion Experience & Training
11:15 a.m. – Polar Bear Enrichment
11:45 a.m. – Giraffe Feeding ($)
12:00 p.m. – Naked Mole Rat Keeper Chat
1:30 p.m. – White Rhino Experience
2:45 p.m. – Giraffe Feeding ($)
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Enrichment & Keeper Chat
3:30 p.m. – Baboon Enrichment
Friday
9:30 a.m. – *Members Only* Animal Meet & Greet
10:30 a.m. – Vet Chat in the Animal Hospital (follow path past red panda to the right)
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed & Keeper Chat
11:15 a.m. – Lion Experience & Training
11:30 a.m. – Giraffe Keeper Chat followed by Giraffe Feeding ($)
12:00 p.m. – Sea Lion Enrichment
1:30 p.m. – Cichlid Keeper Chat (Animals of the Savanna building)
2:30 p.m. – Giraffe Keeper Chat followed by Giraffe Feeding ($)
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience & Keeper Chat
3:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Enrichment
Saturday
9:30 a.m. – *Members Only* Animal Meet & Greet
10:30 a.m. – Reptile Keeper Chat (Creatures from the River’s Edge)
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed & Keeper Chat
11:15 a.m. – Sea Lion Experience
11:30 a.m. – Giraffe Keeper Chat
11:45 a.m. – Giraffe Feeding ($)
12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience
1:30 p.m. – Penguin Meet & Greet in the Rocky Coast Gallery
2:30 p.m. – Giraffe Keeper Chat followed by Giraffe Feeding ($)
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience & Keeper Chat
3:30 p.m. – Wolf Keeper Chat
Sunday
9:30 a.m. – *Members Only* Animal Meet & Greet
10:30 a.m. – Red Panda Enrichment
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed & Keeper Chat
11:15 a.m. – Polar Bear Experience
11:30 a.m. – Giraffe Keeper Chat followed by Giraffe Feeding ($)
12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience
1:30 p.m. – Crane Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – River’s Edge Conservation Chat
2:30 p.m. – Giraffe Keeper Chat followed by Giraffe Feeding ($)
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience & Keeper Chat
3:30 p.m. – River Otter Enrichment
All Day – Tables with activities, info etc.
Activities & Material for Home:

Penguin activities and info packet
Waddle Relay Challenge – Balance an egg on your feet and see how far you can waddle without breaking the egg! Take a video and share on social media using the hashtags:– #WaddleWeDoWithoutPenguins– #WaddleRelayChallenge– #AZASAFE
Which Of The SPZ Penguins Are You? Take this Buzzfeed quiz made by Zoo Keeper Brenna to find out!
Keeper Connection: In the Field – Saving endangered African penguins in South Africa

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor for Conservation Days:

African Penguin Cap Night at the Red Wings
2023-07-18 18:45 - 21:00 | Frontier Field, 333 Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Join us on Tuesday, July 18th for African Penguin Cap Night at the Rochester Red Wings game. The Red Wings play the Durham Bulls at 6:45 p.m., but you’ll want to get there extra early because the first 1,000 fans will get a special African penguin-themed hat!
When: July 18th @ 6:45 PM
Tickets: Order online or call 423-WING
Get Tickets

Jungle Jog 2023 5k Run and Walk
2023-07-16 08:00 - 12:00 | New York
Sunday, July 16, 2023, Seneca Park, 2222 St. Paul Street Rochester NY – 8 a.m.
Join us for our annual Jungle Jog 5k, the 2nd of a three-race series celebrating the transformation of the Seneca Park Zoo. This year’s medal will interlock with 2022 brining together another piece of the puzzle as we move one step closer to new experiences coming to the Zoo. Don’t miss the chance to continue your collection!
This year’s race is featured in Rochester Runner of the Year Series for 2023!

Community Cleanup - Maplewood Rose Garden 7/15
2023-07-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Maplewood Rose Garden, 250 Maplewood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14613, United States
Join like-minded neighbors to help clean-up our local green spaces. You’ll be amazed at the impact a focused group can make in just a couple hours. Help us make Rochester a cleaner, greener city! Please dress for the weather and bring water to stay hydrated. Tools, bags, and gloves will be provided and all ages are welcome to attend.
When: Saturday, July 15, 2023 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Maplewood Rose Garden – we will meet at the parking lot here:
https://goo.gl/maps/cXmHaV669bNDYo2n8

Register here
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor for Community Cleanups:

ZooBrew July 2023
2023-07-14 17:30 - 21:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
At the Zoo – July 14 / 5:30 pm
** ZooBrew Season is Here – July is ’70s Throwback Night!! **
Spend an evening outdoors at the Zoo with a drink in hand at ZooBrew! Enjoy great live music, delicious food and drink, and animal experiences at this after-hours event exclusively for adults 21+.
ZooBrew supports elephant conservation with a portion of each ticket sold. ZooBrews have raised nearly $60,000 for elephant conservation. Help us reach our goal of raising $8,000 for elephant conservation in 2023!
Join us at the only event in town where you can help save elephants from extinction just by attending!

Tickets Available at Gate

**Limited number of tickets will be made available. Advance ticket sales end at 2 p.m. the day of ZooBrew or when sold out. Tickets are date specific and non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door (if available), and include event admission, live music, and animal experiences. Beer, wine, and food will be available for purchase. This event is held rain or shine.
Date: July 14th
Price: $10 in advance buy here or $15 at the Front Gate (if available)
Music: Songbirds (A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac) and Delilah Jones
VIP Tickets:
For the first time ever, get a VIP ticket which includes a guaranteed parking spot in the Cornell Cooperative Extension lot, admission, separate VIP entry, and 2 drink tickets. Any guests who carpool with the VIP ticketholder must purchase a general admission ticket in advance. Only 100 VIP tickets available!
Price: $50

Thank you to Presenting Sponsor:

And to our Entertainment Presenting Sponsor:

Celebration of Birds Awareness Weekend
2023-07-06 10:00 - 2023-07-09 17:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
In honor of the various birds species in our care, we give you: Celebration of Birds Awareness Weekend! We will be raising awareness for birds like the sandhill crane, snowy owl, Buffalo weaver, and more July 6 – 9 here at the Zoo. Make plans to come out to get involved in the fun and learn about the many conservation efforts in the bird world.
We also encourage you to check out and participate in our ongoing ‘Poetry Takes Wing’ nature poetry contest! Poetry Takes Wing is a community-based exploration of the connections we have with nature. We seek submissions of poems by writers of all ages and backgrounds, referencing a bird or birds in some way and grounded in an ethos of conservation. Submissions in both English and Spanish are encouraged. There is no fee to enter. See full guidelines here.
This weekend we are raising funds to support the AZA’s SAFE North American Songbird program. SAFE NAS focuses on over 300 species in the order Passeriformes that spend part of their annual cycle in North America. Songbird population declines in North America persist due to habitat loss, climate change, building collisions, and predation from outdoor domestic cats. For every $5 donated to our Facebook fundraiser you will be entered for a chance to win a bird-made painting!

Support Birds

Tentative Program Schedule
Thursday:9:30 a.m. – Ambassador Animal Meet & Greet with African grey parrot Minnow
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed featuring naturalist/docent with penguin biofacts
1:30 p.m. – Sandhill Crane Experience
3:30 p.m. – Penguin Feed featuring naturalist/docent with penguin biofacts

Friday:
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed featuring naturalist/docent with penguin biofacts
10:30 a.m. – Vet Chat with Dr. Chris (bird focus at Animal Hospital)
1:30 p.m. – Penguin Meet & Greet in the Rocky Coast Gallery 2:30 p.m. – Red-tailed Hawk Conservation Chat
3:30 p.m. – Penguin Feed featuring naturalist/docent with penguin biofacts

Saturday:9:30 a.m. – Ambassador Animal Meet & Greet with African grey parrot Minnow
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed featuring naturalist/docent with penguin biofacts
10:30 a.m. – Savanna Aviary Chat (Animals of the Savanna Building)
3:30 p.m. – Penguin Feed featuring naturalist/docent with penguin biofacts

Sunday:
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed featuring naturalist/docent with penguin biofacts
12:00 p.m. – Sandhill Crane Experience
2:30 p.m. – Red-tailed Hawk Conservation Chat
3:30 p.m. – Penguin Feed featuring naturalist/docent with penguin biofacts

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor for Conservation Days:

Savanna Awareness Weekend
2023-06-22 10:00 - 2023-06-25 17:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
In honor of the various species in our care that are native to the African savanna, we are celebrating Savanna Awareness Weekend this year! We will be raising awareness for animals like giraffe, rhino, lion, elephant, and more June 22 – 25 here at the Zoo. Make plans to come out to get involved in the fun and learn about the many conservation efforts surrounding this area of the world.

Donate to Conservation

Tentative Program Schedule
Thursday:11:45 a.m. – Giraffe Feed ($)12:00 p.m. – Naked Mole Rat Keeper Chat1:00 p.m. – Rhino Experience
3:30 p.m. – Baboon Enrichment

Friday:
11:30 a.m. – Giraffe Keeper Chat (before feed!)12:00 p.m. – Lion Experience 2:30 p.m. – Giraffe Keeper Chat (before feed)

Saturday:10:30 a.m. – Savanna Monitor Chat in Animals of Savanna building* (Opportunity to see this education animal not normally publicly displayed!)11:45 a.m. – Giraffe Feed ($)12:00 p.m. – Elephant Enrichment1:30 p.m. – Rhino Experience2:45 p.m. – Giraffe Feed ($)

Sunday:
12:00 p.m. – Annual Elephant Watermelon Eating Contest!
2:00 p.m. – Rhino Enrichment 2:30 p.m. – Reptile Species in Animals of Savanna building2:45 p.m. – Giraffe Feed ($)

Download the elephant word search and fun facts!
Learn more about elephants from this fun puzzle and fact sheet!
Support Conservation Efforts
We will be raising funds for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and International Rhino Foundation, two of our favorite organizations.

Donate to Conservation

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor for Conservation Days:

ZooBrew June 2023
2023-06-16 17:30 - 21:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
At the Zoo – June 16 / 5:30 pm
** ZooBrew Season is Here! June’s Theme for musical acts is Rock the River **
Spend an evening outdoors at the Zoo with a drink in hand at ZooBrew! Enjoy great live music, delicious food and drink, and animal experiences at this after-hours event exclusively for adults 21+.
ZooBrew supports elephant conservation with a portion of each ticket sold. ZooBrews have raised nearly $60,000 for elephant conservation. Help us reach our goal of raising $8,000 for elephant conservation in 2023!
Join us at the only event in town where you can help save elephants from extinction just by attending!
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT GATE Until 7 P.M.
**Limited number of tickets will be made available. Advance ticket sales end at 2 p.m. the day of ZooBrew or when sold out. Tickets are date specific and non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door (if available), and include event admission, live music, and animal experiences. Beer, wine, and food will be available for purchase. This event is held rain or shine.
Date: June 16th
Price: $10 in advance or $15 at the Front Gate
Music: Bellwether Breaks and Genesee Saw
VIP Tickets:
Get a VIP ticket which includes a guaranteed parking spot in the Cornell Cooperative Extension lot, admission, separate VIP entry, and 2 drink tickets. Any guests who carpool with the VIP ticketholder must purchase a general admission ticket in advance. Only 90 VIP tickets available!
Price: $50

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT GATE Until 7 P.M.

Thank you to Presenting Sponsor:

And to our ZooBrew Entertainment Sponsor:

PRIDE at the Zoo!
2023-06-10 11:00 - 13:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
Join Rochester LGBTQ+ Together for Pop-Up Pride events at various venues around Monroe County on 2nd Saturdays monthly. Their June program is Pop-Up Pride Day at the Zoo on Saturday, June 10 from 11:00-1:00 p.m. here at Seneca Park Zoo! Meet up inside the main gate around 11:00 or stroll the Zoo at leisure. Don’t forget to wear your rainbow Pride colors/outfits and accessories. The keepers usually have some fun LGBTQ+ themed enrichment to provide the animals too! We can’t wait to see you at the Zoo!

Accessibility Note: There is paved parking adjacent to the zoo. Restrooms are located within the zoo.

Note: Event will be held rain or shine.

Questions? Contact RocLGBTQTogether@gmail.com

More Information

Ocean Conservation Weekend 2023
2023-06-08 10:00 - 2023-06-11 17:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
Join us June 8-11 in celebrating and supporting World Ocean Day (June 8) with our Ocean Conservation Weekend here at the Zoo! People everywhere can celebrate and take action for our shared ocean, which connects us all. Check out our social channels for some great content, activities and more. We will also be raising money for a couple of our favorite conservation organizations: The Marine Mammal Center and the Coral Reef Alliance. We have a special collaboration painting to giveaway this time around – for every $5 donated to either our online Facebook fundraiser or one onsite will have a chance to win a painting made by polar bear Anoki, one of the sea lions, and one of the African penguins!
Donate to Ocean Conservation Fundraiser
Tentative Program Schedule
Thursday:10:30 a.m. –Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat 11:15 a.m. – Polar Bear Experience 2:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience3:00 p.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat
Friday:10:30 a.m. –Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat
12:00 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience 3:00 p.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat 3:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
Saturday:10:30 a.m. –Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat 11:15 a.m. – Sea Lion Experience12:00 p.m. – Reef Tank Keeper Chat3:00 p.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat
Sunday:
10:30 a.m. –Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat 11:15 a.m. – Polar Bear Enrichment 2:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience3:00 p.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat
Check back closer to the event for more information!
Protecting Our Planet: The 30×30 Plan – The Campaign for Nature is a partnership between the Wyss Campaign for Nature, National Geographic, and over 100 conservation organizations. They are calling on civic leaders to create new policies to protect 30% of the planet by 2030. Learn more from Zoo Keeper Randi Krieger here.
Keeper Connection: Sea Lion Stranding & Marine Mammal Care Center – In 2015, there was a mass stranding of California sea lions due to the rise in temperature in the ocean. Check out this brief blog by Zoologist Mary Ellen Ostrander to learn how she helped protect and save sea lion lives from lack of fish and pollution with the Marine Mammal Care Center in California. Read Here
Sea Lion Diet, Food Prep & Where We Get Fish With Assistant Curator Kellee Wolowitz:
https://youtu.be/L5w3PmkKBvA
Overfishing and What We Can Do to Help With Zoo Keeper Kevin Blakely:
https://youtu.be/pj9-wZXmvHI
Seneca Park Zoo Coral Reef Exhibit With Facts:
https://youtu.be/PybQqLldeDk
Ocean Acidification Experiment With Zoo Keepers
https://youtu.be/51Xjz2lq25w
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor for Conservation Days:

Zoobilation Gala 2023
2023-06-03 17:30 - 21:30 | New York

Plastic Pollution Seabin Workshop
2023-05-25 17:00 - 18:00 | Ontario Beach Park – Dentzel Carousel, 1 Beach Ave, Rochester, NY, 14612, United States
Join zoo naturalists to maintain plastic collection devices called Seabins located in the Genesee River. These Seabins are placed in Ontario Beach Park to filter any plastics that they encounter in an effort to inform us on what plastics are located in the Genesee River. Come on a walk of the port and help to do routine maintenance on these devices while learning all about the plastic pollution crisis of the river. All materials needed will be provided by zoo staff and all ages are welcome!
When: Thursday, May 25, 2023 @ 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Ontario Beach Park – we will meet at the Dentzel Carousel:
https://goo.gl/maps/muw4X6TfSqUwSEwG6
Register here

Endangered Species Weekend 2023
2023-05-25 10:00 - 2023-05-29 16:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
On Thursday, May 25 through Monday, May 29 join us for Endangered Species Weekend at Seneca Park Zoo. Guests will learn about the endangered status of the many different species at the Zoo, and what actions can be taken to help save them from extinction. We will be raising money to specifically support Red Panda Network, International Rhino Foundation, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake SSP, which you can do through our Facebook fundraiser at the button below. For every $5 donated you will be entered to win an animal-made painting from either red panda or rhino!
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy animal enrichment demonstrations, and visit naturalist/docent-led stations that will enhance their understanding of endangered animals at the Zoo, like the red panda, rhino or Panamanian golden frog, and the threats their natural counterparts face.

Support Conservation

Program Schedule
Thursday:10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat 11:15 a.m. – Red Panda Enrichment12:00 p.m. – Pancake Tortoise Meet & Greet (location dependent on weather)1:30 p.m. – Rhino Experience2:00 p.m. – Venomous Snake Meet & Greet with a Keeper 3:00 p.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat
Friday:10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat 11:15 a.m. – Vet Chat (in front of tiger habitat)12:00 p.m. – Elephant Enrichment1:30 p.m. – Panamanian Golden Frog Keeper Chat (Creatures From the River’s Edge building)3:00 p.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat
Saturday:10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat 10:30 a.m. – Leaf-Tailed Gecko Keeper Chat (Creatures from the River’s Edge)12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience1:30 p.m. – Rhino Enrichment3:00 p.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat3:30 p.m. – Giraffe Enrichment
Sunday:10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat 10:30 a.m. – Red Panda Enrichment12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience2:30 p.m. – Sturgeon Conservation Chat 3:00 p.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat
Monday:10:30 a.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat 10:30 a.m. – Snow Leopard Experience11:15 a.m. – Lake Sturgeon Weights from the Pond1:30 p.m. – Rhino Enrichment 3:00 p.m. – Penguin Feed with Keeper Chat
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor for Conservation Days:

Community Cleanup - El Camino Trail 5/13
2023-05-13 09:00 - 12:00 | El Camino Trail, Rochester, New York
Join like-minded neighbors to help clean-up our local green spaces. You’ll be amazed at the impact a focused group can make in just a couple hours. Help us make Rochester a cleaner, greener city! Please dress for the weather and bring water to stay hydrated. Tools, bags, and gloves will be provided and all ages are welcome to attend.
When: Saturday, May 13, 2023 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: El Camino Trail – we will meet at St. Paul Pocket Park here:
https://goo.gl/maps/oVmjJHrvmTPi4zt98

Register here
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor for Community Cleanups:

ZooBrew May 2023 - Cinco de Rhino!
2023-05-05 17:30 - 21:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
** ZooBrew is BACK for the full season – tickets on sale now!**
Spend an evening outdoors at the Zoo with a drink in hand at ZooBrew! Enjoy great live music, delicious food and drink, and animal experiences at this after-hours event exclusively for adults 21+.

Tickets Available at the Gate

ZooBrew typically supports elephant conservation with a portion of each ticket sold. However, this year we are making this first kick-off event a special version to support rhino conservation in honor of ‘Cinco de Rhino!’ ZooBrews have raised nearly $60,000 for elephant conservation and we want to share a little of that support with rhinos this year. Help us reach our goal!
Join us at the only event in town where you can help save elephants rhinos from extinction just by attending!
**Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end at 2 p.m. the day of ZooBrew or when sold out. Tickets are date specific and non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door (if available), and include event admission, live music, and animal experiences. Beer, wine, and food will be available for purchase. This event is held rain or shine.
Date: May 5th
VIP Tickets: – $50 – only 100 available!
Includes a dedicated parking spot in the Cornell Lot, express entry at the VIP ZooBrew Entrance, and 2 drink tickets. Guests carpooling with a VIP Ticketholder should purchase their own general admission tickets but may use the VIP Entrance.
General Admission: $10 in advance or $15 at the Front Gate
Music: The Transport – Laur N’ Steve – Miles Watts and the Brothers from Other Mothers
Questions? Contact us at zoobrew@senecazoo.org
Check back for tickets as the date get closer!
ZooBrew Dates Later This Year: June 16 – July 14 – August 11 – Sept. 8

Tickets Available at the Gate

Thank you to Presenting Sponsor:

And to our Entertainment Sponsor:

Earth Day at the Zoo 2023
2023-04-22 10:00 - 16:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
Join us for Earth Day at the Zoo celebration! Learn all about environmental sustainability and the individual actions you can take to make a difference through onsite experiences, live discussions with local experts, an inside look at the Zoo’s conservation programming, and more.
This year, Earth Day is celebrating its 53rd anniversary and through our virtual and onsite events, you’ll learn about the conservation challenges of different species over the past five decades, and come away with ways you can live more sustainably to help protect our Earth for future generations.
A word from our sponsor who we so appreciate:
Diamond Packaging is proud to celebrate Earth Day by partnering with the Seneca Park Zoo to help kids plant trees and seeds for butterfly gardens.
Now in its ninth year, Diamond’s Earth Day partnership with the Zoo is an ideal way to educate and inspire visitors about conservation. It is also an opportunity for Diamond to discuss its industry-leading sustainability initiatives.

Schedule of Events

Plenty of Onsite Activities to Learn From and Participate In:

Recycling activity station hosted by our Earth Day sponsor, Diamond Packaging, and the Zoo Society’s Urban Ecologist Team
Sapling & pollinator plant seed station, which will have 250 blue spruce saplings and 300-500 batches of seeds for guests to plant in biodegradable planters.
Onsite exhibit hosted by Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL PRISM) on invasive species monitoring and remediation.
Activities and informative stations from local conservation partners, Zoo Naturalists and Urban Ecologists
Community Cleanup at Durand Eastman Beach from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register here..

Animal Programming/Enrichment*
10:30 a.m. – Polar Bear
11:30 a.m. – Snakes of Madagascar
1:30 p.m. – Rhino
2:30 p.m. – River Otter

* Animal demos/enrichment is always subject to change/cancellation without notice due to to the care and comfort of the animal.

Other Great Earth Day Resources:
The Canopy Project – For every $1 donated 1 tree is planted!
Snailing at Chittenango Falls (blog)
Water and Where it Goes (blog)
Recycling
Otter Recycling (video)
Learn to How to Compost! (video)
Recycling Guides (Downloadable PDFs):
Mixed Recycling Guide 1
Mixed Recycling Guide 2

Climate Focused
Heat Trapping Metaphor (video)
Responsible Consumerism
Check out these programs and apps they have created to download and use to make sure you are making sustainable choices when you shop!
Seafood Watch
Sustainable Palm Oil
Upcycling
Paper Bag-Basket Project
Planters Project
Steps Toward Personal Sustainability

The 2023 City Nature Challenge

Help Rochester compete with cities all around the world to make the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people over a three-day period!
Learn More
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor:

And thanks to RG&E for their support of this day as well!

Earth Day Community Cleanup - Durand Eastman Beach 4/22
2023-04-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Durand Eastman Beach, 1342 Lake Shore Blvd, Rochester, NY, 14614, United States
Join like-minded neighbors to help clean-up our local green spaces. You’ll be amazed at the impact a focused group can make in just a couple hours. Help us make Rochester a cleaner, greener city! Please dress for the weather and bring water to stay hydrated. Tools, bags, and gloves will be provided and all ages are welcome to attend.

When: Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Durand Eastman Beach – we will meet at Parking Lot B here: https://goo.gl/maps/sant8uLcUyY7yA238

Register here

Wildlife Camera Tagging Workshop
2023-04-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual
Join a Zoo Naturalist to learn how to take part in wildlife conservation from your own home! Since 2018, the Seneca Park Zoo has been using wildlife cameras to find what animals live where in our city and how they are able to survive in our city.
This virtual workshop will train volunteers on how to access our images from home and identify what animals we are finding in them! This is a great way to take part in local conservation and learn about the animals of our area.
When: Thursday 4/20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88291095464
If you are interested in attending this educational workshop, please register here.

Pages with Purpose: Virtual Book Group with Astronaut-Author Nicole Stott
2023-04-13 19:00 - 20:30 | New York
When Nicole Stott first saw Earth from space, she realized how interconnected we are and knew she had to help protect our planetary home.
Join us as we take a journey with astronaut and author Nicole Stott to talk about her experiences in space and what that taught her about our home planet here on earth. This is sure to be a truly fascinating conversation you won’t want to miss!
Book: Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet – And Our Mission to Protect It
Author: Nicole Stott
Date: April 13
Time: 7:00 pm EST

“In Back to Earth, my former space crewmate Nicole Stott poignantly captures what astronauts experience when looking at Earth from space: a life-changing view of our beautiful yet fragile home, one that is in need of our stewardship. A must read for anyone who cares about this planet—which should be all of us.”
– Astronaut Scott Kelly, New York Times-bestselling author of Endurance

“Stott shows us that Earth is our ship—and if we’re not careful, we’re sunk. Her experiences convinced her that we can all do something to make the world better. The tasks ahead, and the views, are tremendous.”
—Bill Nye, the science guy

Register to Attend

Community Cleanup - Lower Maplewood Park 4/8
2023-04-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Lower Maplewood Park, Maplewood Park, Rochester, 14615
Join like-minded neighbors to help clean-up our local green spaces. You’ll be amazed at the impact a focused group can make in just a couple hours. Help us make Rochester a cleaner, greener city! Please dress for the weather and bring water to stay hydrated. Tools, bags, and gloves will be provided and all ages are welcome to attend.
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Lower Maplewood Park

Register here

Cats & Conservation Awareness Week
2023-04-03 10:00 - 2023-04-09 16:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
Cats & Conservation Awareness Week 4/3 – 4/9
We are celebrating the many felines in our care with Cats & Conservation Awareness Week! In addition to all the great programming you see below, there will also be stations and activities setup around the Zoo where you will be able to learn more about some of the fantastic felines in our care and their counterparts in nature they help support. We will be running fundraisers online and onsite that will go to support our partners at Lion Landscapes, Snow Leopard Trust, and Tiger Conservation Campaign. Donate here.
It’s also one of our favorite time of year – Spring Break! Not only is the weather getting warmer and days getting longer, but we also get to see so many of our friends come out and visit us on their time off from school. Special programming will be held during Spring Break Week, as a preview to our summer programming, which include opportunities to see and learn more about your favorite animals at the Zoo from zoo keepers, naturalists, and docents. View and download/print the schedule here.
All spring break programming is free with Zoo admission.

Schedule of ProgramsSaturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 9
Saturday, April 1
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Snow Leopard Experience
11:15 a.m. – Reptile Keeper Chat
12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience
1:30 p.m. – White Rhino Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – River Otter Experience
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
Sunday, April 2
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Red Panda Experience
11:15 a.m. – Elephant Experience
12:00 p.m. – Naked Mole Rat Experience
1:30 p.m. – Polar Bear Experience
2:30 p.m. – Conservation Chat – River’s Edge
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – River Otter Experience
Monday, April 3
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Snow Leopard Experience
11:15 a.m. – Sandhill Crane Experience
12:00 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
1:30 p.m. – White Rhino Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – Conservation Chat – Snowy Owl
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – River Otter Experience
Tuesday, April 4
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Red Panda Experience
11:15 a.m. – Canada Lynx Experience
12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience
1:30 p.m. – Polar Bear Experience
2:30 p.m. – Naked Mole Rat Keeper Chat
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Baboon Experience
Wednesday, April 5
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Baboon Experience
11:15 a.m. – Tiger Experience
12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience
1:30 p.m. – Frog Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – Conservation Chat – River’s Edge
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
Thursday, April 6
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Lynx Experience
11:15 a.m. – Sea Lion Experience
12:00 p.m. – Naked Mole Rat Keeper Chat
1:30 p.m. – Cichlid Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – Polar Bear Experience
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Baboon Experience
Friday, April 7
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Vet Chat
11:15 a.m. – Lion Experience
12:00 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
1:30 p.m. – White Rhino Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – Conservation Chat – Snowy Owl
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
Saturday, April 8
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Snow Leopard Experience
11:15 a.m. – Reptile Keeper Chat
12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience
1:30 p.m. – White Rhino Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – River Otter Experience
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
Sunday, April 9
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Red Panda Experience
11:15 a.m. – Elephant Experience
12:00 p.m. – Naked Mole Rat Keeper Chat
1:30 p.m. – Snow Leopard Experience
2:30 p.m. – Conservation Chat – River’s Edge
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – River Otter Experience

Spring Break Programs are weather dependent and subject to change without notice.
Print Calendar of Schedule

Spring Break ZooCamp
2023-04-03 09:00 - 2023-04-07 16:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
Fight or Flight – SOLD OUT

Monday, April 3 – Friday, April 7, 2023

If you were an animal, would you fight or fly in the face of danger? In this camp, we will investigate the defenses of several different types of animals and how they use those defenses to survive. Our Frequently Asked Questions page is a great resource for many of the questions you may have.

For ages 5 through 9

Full-day: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Half-day: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

COST
Members: $155 for half-day; $255 for full-day
Non-members: $175 for half-day; $280 for full-day
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST – THIS CAMP IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT
Participants must register for the full week of camp; no single day options are available. Registration is non-refundable.
After care is available! The ZooCamp day ends at 4pm, but you can choose to extend your child’s day at the Zoo with after care until 5pm. The fee is $25 for the week.

Spring Break Programs
2023-04-01 10:00 - 2023-04-09 16:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
It’s one of our favorite times of year – Spring Break! Not only is the weather getting warmer and days getting longer, but we also get to see so many of our friends come out and visit us on their time off from school. Special programming will be held during Spring Break Week, as a preview to our summer programming, which include opportunities to see and learn more about your favorite animals at the Zoo from zoo keepers, naturalists, and docents. View and download/print the schedule here.
All spring break programming is free with Zoo admission.
Cats & Conservation Awareness Week 4/3 – 4/9
Spring Break Week also coincides with our Cats & Conservation Awareness Week! In addition to all the great programming you see below, there will also be stations and activities setup around the Zoo where you will be able to learn more about some of the fantastic felines in our care and their counterparts in nature they help support. We will be running fundraisers online and onsite that will go to support our partners at Lion Landscapes, Snow Leopard Trust, and Tiger Conservation Campaign.

Schedule of ProgramsSaturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 9
Saturday, April 1
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Snow Leopard Experience
11:15 a.m. – Reptile Keeper Chat
12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience
1:30 p.m. – White Rhino Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – River Otter Experience
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
Sunday, April 2
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Red Panda Experience
11:15 a.m. – Elephant Experience
12:00 p.m. – Naked Mole Rat Experience
1:30 p.m. – Polar Bear Experience
2:30 p.m. – Conservation Chat – River’s Edge
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – River Otter Experience
Monday, April 3
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Snow Leopard Experience
11:15 a.m. – Sandhill Crane Experience
12:00 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
1:30 p.m. – White Rhino Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – Conservation Chat – Snowy Owl
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – River Otter Experience
Tuesday, April 4
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Red Panda Experience
11:15 a.m. – Canada Lynx Experience
12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience
1:30 p.m. – Polar Bear Experience
2:30 p.m. – Naked Mole Rat Keeper Chat
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Baboon Experience
Wednesday, April 5
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Baboon Experience
11:15 a.m. – Tiger Experience
12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience
1:30 p.m. – Frog Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – Conservation Chat – River’s Edge
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
Thursday, April 6
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Lynx Experience
11:15 a.m. – Sea Lion Experience
12:00 p.m. – Naked Mole Rat Keeper Chat
1:30 p.m. – Cichlid Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – Polar Bear Experience
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Baboon Experience
Friday, April 7
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Vet Chat
11:15 a.m. – Lion Experience
12:00 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
1:30 p.m. – White Rhino Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – Conservation Chat – Snowy Owl
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
Saturday, April 8
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Snow Leopard Experience
11:15 a.m. – Reptile Keeper Chat
12:00 p.m. – Elephant Experience
1:30 p.m. – White Rhino Keeper Chat
2:30 p.m. – River Otter Experience
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Experience
Sunday, April 9
10:30 a.m. – Penguin Experience
10:30 a.m. – Red Panda Experience
11:15 a.m. – Elephant Experience
12:00 p.m. – Naked Mole Rat Keeper Chat
1:30 p.m. – Snow Leopard Experience
2:30 p.m. – Conservation Chat – River’s Edge
3:00 p.m. – Penguin Experience
3:30 p.m. – River Otter Experience

Spring Break Programs are weather dependent and subject to change without notice.
Print Calendar of Schedule

Scouts BSA - Merit Badge Workshop: Bird Study
2023-03-25 13:00 - 16:00 | At The Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, New York, 14621
Merit Badge Workshop: Bird Study

During this workshop scouts will discover how birds can be indicators of the health of an ecosystem. We will practice our naturalist skills as we identify birds and sketch them in field notebooks. Scouts will observe birds to identify how they are adapted to their habitats. This workshop is taught by a certified merit badge counselor.
This experience will help fulfill requirements 1, 2, 4-7, and 10-11 of the merit badge.

Cost: $30 per scout

REGISTER HERE

Seneca Park Zoo Job Fair
2023-03-11 11:00 - 15:00 | New York
We’re hiring! Join in a tradition of unforgettable guest services, revenue generative support, and friendship.
Learn more by stopping in at our job fair right here at the Zoo on Saturday, March 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Position available in the following areas:

Admissions Guest Services
Zoo Shop Associate
All Restaurant Positions

Homeschool ZooClass Series March 2023
2023-03-09 12:00 - 16:00 | New York
