A Wilder Vision

Inspiring wonder, conserving the natural world.

Seneca Park Zoo is growing.

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.

The Future of Seneca Park Zoo

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.

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. 

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

What's changing at Seneca Park Zoo?

“Zoos and aquariums are changing to become strongholds for conservation and education. Seneca Park Zoo is at the heart of this movement. Changes coming to the Zoo reflect a new standard for wildlife habitats, guest services, and accessibility.” – Steve Lacy, Seneca Park Zoo Director

Once completed, the 1.5 million-cubic-foot Tropics Complex will be the only one of its kind in North America. New and unique play features, vantage points at multiple elevations, and an indoor rainforest will draw year-round visitors from our region and beyond.

The Tropics Complex will allow us to bring back primates and lemurs along with other species of Madagascar and Borneo, helping to tell the impressive story of how Seneca Park Zoo and this community have significantly contributed to conservation efforts of endangered species in these fragile ecosystems. Accessibility and sustainability features are integral to the design of this incredible new structure.

Welcome Center

A modern Welcome Center will meet the growing demand for visitation, while expanded classroom and teaching facilities can meet our community’s needs for increased ZooCamp sessions, adult learning opportunities, and learning experience for those with special needs. These new buildings will also showcase the Zoo’s commitment to sustainability and conservation, with water recapture, solar panels, and other features that reduce the Zoo’s carbon footprint.

Conservation Research Center

Near the tropics complex will be a Conservation Resource Center, housing conservation and education programs. It will also include a larger event space than currently available at the Zoo.

The Trailside Café offers Zoo visitors a new contemporary food service amenity with indoor and outdoor seating. Featuring locally sourced foods and grab and go items, the café will also be available for private events outside of Zoo hours. Sustainable design features and practices bring the Zoo’s conservation mission into this exciting new space.

The antiquated Main Building at the south end of the Zoo has now been demolished. This paves the way for a second phase of Master Plan improvements, including a new tropics complex.

Zoo Tram

The Zoo tram is now open for guests to be transported from one end of the Zoo to the other. Tram stations are located at the front of the Zoo by admissions and by the giraffe feeding platform in the Animals of the Savanna area.

The first elements of a Cold Asia area have now opened next to the animal hospital. It features new, naturalistic habitats for snow leopards and red pandas.

The new Animals of the Savanna expansion is now open! Plan your next visit to experience the five-acre area featuring Masai giraffes, zebras, naked mole rats, and a new habitat for the Zoo’s white rhino.

Stay Updated

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Have questions? Call us at 585.336.7205