Wilder Vision
Inspiring wonder, conserving the natural world.
Seneca Park Zoo is transforming.
In 2018, the Zoo opened a five-acre expansion to the North. The Trailside Café opens in spring 2022. The next phase of A Wilder Vision Capital Campaign reimagines the entrance experience along with new spacious and striking animal habitats just within the gates of the Zoo. More than ever before, the Zoo will be a leader in conservation and a thrilling destination where everyone feels welcome.
Conservation
In the new spaces being planned for our Zoo, Seneca Park Zoo’s global conservation partnerships will take center stage. Every guest will have the chance to be awed and inspired by the magnificent species endemic to Madagascar and Borneo, while learning about conservation efforts on the islands and right here at home.
New buildings completed as part of A Wilder Vision Capital Campaign will showcase the Zoo’s commitment to sustainability and conservation, with water recapture, solar panels and other features that reduce the Zoo’s carbon footprint.
What’s Changing?
Education
By 2024, we will introduce a new Welcome Center and Conservation Resource Center designed to meet the growing demand for visitation as well as education and conservation programs.
New classroom spaces will allow the Zoo to expand programming to better serve the needs of Monroe County and our region by adding more ZooCamps for children with special needs, providing learning labs for high school and college students, and introducing adult learning opportunities.
Timeline
Inclusion
Our vision: buildings and experiences that serve as a national model for inclusion with features designed specifically to ensure the Zoo is a safe and welcome place for all. This community needs and deserves an accessible Zoo.
The imperative for inclusivity:
- 1 in 6 guests has sensory needs or an invisible disability.
- Rochester has one of the largest deaf populations per capita.
- 1 in 14 of our volunteers has a special need.
- Nearly 35,000 native Spanish speakers live in Rochester.
Funding
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