Information
Landmark: Seneca Park ZooCity: Rochester
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Seneca Park Zoo, Rochester, USA New York, North America
Overview
Seneca Park Zoo, run by Monroe County, sits in Rochester, New York, and is one of the area’s well-known spots-you can hear the chatter of exotic birds as soon as you walk through the gates.Founded in 1894, it’s grown into a modern, conservation‑driven institution, proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).The zoo sprawls across about 20 acres in Seneca Park, a green sanctuary shaped by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.Seneca Park Zoo houses more than 90 species from all over the world, from tiny dart frogs to towering giraffes.The zoo focuses on creating lifelike habitats, protecting wildlife, and teaching visitors-like showing kids how a tiger stalks quietly through tall grass.The exhibits follow a path through different regions, from icy Arctic coasts to dense tropical forests.African Savanna: Step into an exhibit that brings the wide, sunlit plains of East Africa to life.You’ll spot Masai giraffes, plains zebras, ostriches, white rhinos, and a mix of antelope species-some with horns that curve like polished ivory.The exhibit lets these animals share the same space, moving and reacting to each other much like they would in the wild.African elephants draw crowds at the zoo, their massive ears flapping in the warm breeze.The elephants roam a spacious outdoor yard dotted with shady shelters, cool pools, and playful stations designed to keep their bodies active and minds engaged.In Animals of the Americas, you’ll meet creatures from North, Central, and South America-California sea lions basking in the sun, bald eagles with sharp yellow eyes, Canada lynx, gray wolves, sandhill cranes, sleek river otters, and powerful American alligators.Crowds love the sea lions-they splash playfully, bark at each other, and draw big smiles during the lively feeding shows.In Cold Asia and the Tropics, you’ll find red pandas nibbling bamboo, snow leopards prowling in the chill, and siamangs swinging through the trees.Some enclosures have built-in climate control, while others rely on shade, fresh air, and rocks or plants to keep the animals comfortable and engaged.The zoo’s reptile and amphibian exhibits feature creatures like bright poison dart frogs, massive boa constrictors, slow-moving tortoises, and sleek turtles.They’re kept in smaller indoor displays, where you can lean in close to see every detail and read signs that explain what you’re looking at.From April 1 to October 31, the zoo welcomes visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and members can slip in early at 9:30, just as the peacocks start calling.From November 1 to March 31, it’s open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., though members can slip in early at 9:30, when the air’s still crisp and quiet.You can get in until an hour before closing, when the doors shut and the lights start to dim.The zoo shuts its gates on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.Online tickets cost less than buying at the gate-sometimes enough to cover a cup of coffee.Online admission costs $12 for adults ages 15–61, $11 for seniors 62 and up, $9 for youth ages 4–14, and it’s free for children 3 and under.At the gate, adults pay $14, seniors $13, youth $11, and little ones under 4 still get in free.Active-duty military and veterans can visit for $5 per ticket-up to four per trip with a valid ID-and SNAP/EBT cardholders through Museums for All pay just $1 each, also with a four-ticket limit.The Seneca Park Zoo membership gives you unlimited visits for a year, discounts in the gift shop and on special programs, early entry, and invitations to member-only events-like a quiet morning when you can hear the lions before the crowds arrive.Members can also visit other participating zoos and aquariums around the country, flashing their card for free entry.The zoo runs educational programs and takes part in conservation work close to home and around the world, helping protect African elephants, amphibians, polar bears, and other wildlife roaming their natural habitats.At the heart of their mission is educational outreach, with offerings like hands-on ZooCamps, summer programs for kids, school field trips, lively keeper talks, and animal demonstrations.Visitors can also explore volunteer or internship opportunities, then grab a turkey sandwich or a cold drink at The Eagle’s Landing Café.You can grab a seat outside, maybe under the shade of a wooden patio umbrella.At the ZooShop, you’ll find eco-friendly souvenirs, playful toys, colorful books, and gifts covered in paw prints and whiskers.You can rent strollers, wheelchairs, or electric scooters right at the entrance, just past the smell of fresh popcorn.Guests can enjoy their own food at the outdoor picnic tables, but you'll need to stick to the designated spots-think shady benches under the oak trees.The zoo has free parking right on-site, with spots for both cars and big tour buses.The zoo’s paths are built wide and smooth, making it easy for wheelchairs and strollers to glide past shady trees and animal exhibits.You’ll find accessible restrooms and a changing station, with clear signs leading the way.Seneca Park Zoo offers a range of seasonal and special events-from ZooBrew nights with local craft beer, live music, and close-up animal encounters, to ZooBoo’s costume-filled Halloween fun for families.You can start your day with Breakfast with the Animals and get early access to the exhibits, stroll through glittering winter displays at ZooLights, or book behind-the-scenes tours for an extra fee.The zoo sits at 2222 St. Paul Street in Rochester, New York, where the air often carries the faint scent of hay from nearby enclosures.You can get there quickly by car, and the bus stop’s just a short walk away.At Seneca Park Zoo, you’ll find a small space packed with things to see and do, perfect for families, tourists, school trips, and anyone who loves animals-like watching a red panda stretch lazily in the sun.With its sharp focus on conservation, education, and giving visitors a memorable experience-like the quiet thrill of spotting a rare bird-it’s become a vital, well-respected institution in the region.
