Est. at Seneca Park Zoo · Rochester, New York

Where community connects with wildlife — and acts to conserve it.

The Seneca Zoological Society partners with Monroe County to operate Seneca Park Zoo, an AZA-accredited zoo leading education and conservation action for species survival.

AZAAccredited Zoo & Aquarium
15Species Survival Plan animals
120+Acres of pollinator habitat planted
13,000lbsOf pollution removed by cleanups

About the Society

A place where memories, community, and a healthier planet get their start.

The Seneca Zoological Society is the nonprofit partner of Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York. Working hand in hand with Monroe County, we raise funds, deliver programs, and engage our region in the Zoo's mission — connecting people with the animals in our care in a way that inspires action on behalf of species and the planet.

Seneca Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and is home to 15 Species Survival Plan animals. Every visit, membership, and gift fuels conservation work here at home and around the world.

Our Mission

Seneca Park Zoo inspires our community to connect with, care for, and conserve wildlife and wild places.

Our Vision

A national leader in education and conservation action for species survival.

  • Sustainability & compliance
  • A quality guest experience
  • A strong staff & volunteer family
  • Deep community relationships
  • Conservation leadership & education

Conservation Action

Why's the monkey in a cage? To inspire us to act.

Our Conservation Action Plan guides everything we do — from animal care and research to habitat restoration in our own backyard and partnerships across the globe.

A Conservation Organization

Every touch point with the Zoo reminds our community that we are working actively to save animals from extinction and restore native habitat.

A Role Model for Sustainability

We walk the walk: eliminating single-use plastics, composting, conserving water, and charting a course toward zero-waste operations.

Science Saving Species

Collaborating with universities, agencies, and partners like CREW on research spanning red pandas, polar bears, African lions, snow leopards, and more.

Regional Conservation

Anchor species in our own backyard: lake sturgeon, North American river otters, Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, and monarch butterflies.

Global Partnerships

Lemur reforestation in Madagascar, Panamanian golden frog recovery in El Valle, and polar bear maternal den research with Polar Bears International.

Community in Action

Hundreds of volunteers join monthly Community Clean Ups each year — removing tons of debris from our beaches, parks, and waterways.

Butterfly Beltway

Since 2002, we've planted over 120 acres of native plants chosen to feed and support monarch butterflies and native wildlife across our region.

Help Us Plant More

Our Animals

From amphibians to zebras — the world, right here in Rochester.

Every animal at Seneca Park Zoo is an ambassador for its wild counterparts. Meet some of the species in our care and conservation programs.

🦁

African Lion

Species Survival Plan participant and assisted-reproduction research partner.

🐻‍❄️

Polar Bear

Star of our Defend the Ice campaign for shrinking Arctic sea ice.

🦒

Giraffe

Guest favorite and focus of collaborative behavioral research.

🦦

River Otter

Reintroduced to our region; genetics studied with RIT partners.

🐆

Snow Leopard

Part of cooperative breeding and research across AZA zoos.

🐧

African Penguin

Ambassador for one of Africa's most threatened seabirds.

🦏

White Rhino

Celebrated each year at our Cinco de Rhino fundraiser.

🐸

Golden Frog

Supporting survival strategy for Panama's iconic amphibian.

Signature Events

Great times, greater purpose.

Our fundraisers and community events turn a memorable day out into direct support for conservation.

JUNAnnual Gala

Zoobilation

Our flagship gala — an evening on Zoo grounds supporting animal care, education, and conservation programs all year long.

MAY 521+ Event

Cinco de Rhino

A craft beer and cider celebration in the name of rhino conservation, with tastings, live music, and rhino keeper chats.

SEP21+ Event

Birds, Beers & Brews

Conservation awareness meets local craft beverages — with raptor encounters and behind-the-scenes experiences.

MAR–OCTMonthly

Community Clean Ups

Join hundreds of volunteers removing debris from beaches, parks, and waterways across Monroe County.

Plan Your Visit

Every day is a great day to visit the Zoo.

Experience life on the wild side, enjoy up-close animal interactions, and support global conservation — right here at Seneca Park Zoo, set inside historic Seneca Park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

  • Address2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14621
  • Winter Hours (Nov 1 – Mar 31)Open daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. · last entry 3 p.m.
  • MembersEarly entry at 9:30 a.m.
  • ClosedThanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day

Become a Member

Membership means free admission all year, early entry, guest passes, discounts — and direct support for the animals and conservation work you love.

  • Unlimited Zoo admission
  • 9:30 a.m. member early entry
  • Discounts on events, camps & gift shop
  • ZooNooz magazine and insider news
Join Today

Support the Society

Your gift saves species.

The Seneca Zoological Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law and directly fund animal care, education programs, and conservation action at home and abroad.

Tax ID (EIN): 16-0905390 · Seneca Zoological Society, Rochester, NY