Seneca Park Zoo

With International Polar Bear Day this Saturday, we encourage everyone who can to support our friends at Polar Bears International through this fundraiser. This time of year polar bear moms and cubs are snug in their dens and so this day was established as a way to focus on the need to protect denning families across the Arctic. While great work has been done in this field over recent years, polar bears are still listed as a threatened species and need our support!

We are still looking for some brave guests who can help us spread the joy and their love for the Zoo by sending us a short ~30 second video telling us why that we may use in our upcoming ZOOmathon2021 family FUNdraiser! Email us at [email protected] - whether it's a solo testimonial or a word from the whole family we want to hear from you! We know you all have smartphones these days, so just point, shoot and send! https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/zoomathon2021/

Check out this cool 'Buffer in a Bag' give away from our friends at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. This program provides organizations and private landowners with free tree and shrub seedlings to help establish, or improve, a stream buffer on their property. Plantings alongside waterbodies create wildlife habitat and improve water quality. Anyone who owns or manages land in New York State with at least 50 feet along a stream or waterbody, is eligible. All applications must be submitted by 4/12/2021. Check out their website for more information and to apply: https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/115903.html

Don't forget to register for our next Book and Beast at Home, which is coming up next Wednesday (2/24). Order the book from us and get an 8" plush otter too! Buy Book & Plush: https://exclusively-seneca-park-zoo.myshopify.com//book-an... Register: https://senecaparkzoo.org/e/book-and-beast-at-home-2-24-21/

What a shot! This photo was recently taken by this child's father during a recent Zoo trip and his mother shared it with us along with some very kind words. We love this for so many reasons. As great as the image itself is, hearing about how wonderful of a visit they had as a family and how infatuated their son is with polar bears turns a great visual into a special moment, captured and frozen in time. With our upcoming ZOOmathon2021 family FUNdraiser event quickly approachin...g, we would love to hear from more of you about why you love the Zoo or what makes it special to your family. We're asking anyone who wants to share with us to make a brief (30 seconds or less!) video and send it to [email protected]. Everyone who submits will have a chance for their clip to appear in our ZOOmathon event so you won't want to miss it. If being on camera isn't your thing, let us know in the comments below - bonus points for pics like this! https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/zoomathon2021/ : Wayne Sterling

**Zoo Announcement** We are excited and happy to share some big news here at the Zoo! Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced the appointment of Steve Lacy as Superintendent of the Seneca Park Zoo. Lacy comes to the Seneca Park Zoo from SeaWorld San Antonio, where he most recently served as Manager of Entertainment Productions and Operations.... I’m excited to welcome Steve Lacy to the Seneca Park Zoo and Monroe County, said County Executive Bello. His enthusiasm and experience are great additions to our zoo as we continue our exciting expansion and renovation projects there. I anticipate that under his leadership, the zoo will become an even greater resource for enjoyment and education for all Monroe County families. If you see Steve at the zoo, please welcome him to our community! We also want to say a big thank you to David Hamilton for serving as Interim Director over the last 12 months! Read the full press release here: https://senecaparkzoo.org//2/01/1.7.2021-Zoo-Director.pdf

Menu is now up for this month's Zoo Meals at Home! Take a break from cooking while supporting your Zoo. Dinners are for 4 or 6 people, and you can choose one of two dinners with an optional dessert! If personal pizzas or lemon pepper grilled chicken with sides sound tasty to you - place your order now! https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/zoo-meals-at-home-jan-16-21/

Join us for our next virtual Book and Beast at Home! Next Wednesday, December 23 at 11 a.m., we’ll be reading My Visit to the Zoo by Aliki. This FREE session will be on ZOOM. You must register in advance to take part in the session. Whether you can join us or not you can purchase your own copy of the book from the Zoo’s online ZooShop. Proceeds benefit the Zoo! https://senecaparkzoo.org//book-and-beast-at-home-12-23-20/

Check out some of the stuff we received in the last round of enrichment tree donations! Thank you to everyone who has donated!! Even though the tree is gone and holidays are over, we appreciate and accept donations all year round. You can find our ongoing 'Keeper Wish List' on our website: https://senecaparkzoo.org/donate/wish-list/... : LaDonna Court

The red pandas certainly love the winter weather that's started. Starlight was happy just hanging around while Willie was content to watch : Zoo Keeper Heidi Beifus

Elephant soccer? Trunkball? Any suggestions? Either way we think we found the next big sport you didn't know you needed in your life : Assistant Curator Lindsay Brinda

Slots still available for all of our January KinderZoo sessions with the next one happening this Friday and another on Saturday! KinderZoo is a program for preschoolers and their grown-ups to play, discover, and learn in a fun, interactive way. Join us as we explore different animals and habitats, using games, BioFacts, and engaging, age-appropriate activities. Each class will also include the opportunity to meet an ambassador animal and learn all about them! Click the link... to learn more and register today: https://senecaparkzoo.org/education/kinderzoo/ See more

Get your orders in for our New Year’s Eve Celebration To-Go kits! Let the Zoo help you and your family safely celebrate New Year’s Eve at home! Order a New Year’s Eve Celebration To-Go package for a festive, family-friendly sendoff to 2020. This package includes sweets, treats, craft activity and even a reusable Zoo bag! All for just $30, which includes a donation to support lion conservation. Supplies are limited and must be pre-ordered. Order today! https://senecaparkzoo.org/nye-celebration-to-go/

Happy belated birthday to Sailor who turned 14 over the holiday weekend! To celebrate his keepers got him an ice block filled with shrimp, scallops, crab meat, squid and fish. If anyone wants to bring him a late bday/Christmas gift he (and Ashkii) loves any of the above seafood which you can buy frozen from the store : Zoo Keeper Catina Wright

You may have noticed that Silver and Timila are no longer sharing space together on exhibit. In nature snow leopard cubs leave their mothers at 18-22 months and become independent so our keepers have been keeping a keen eye on their behavior and recently made the decision to separate them. Check out this new blog by Assistant Curator Kellee Wolowitz to learn more about how they have managed this transition and the importance of it for the best interest of all of the snow leopards in our care! https://senecaparkzoo.org/snow-leopard-update/

We shared a similar video on Instagram the other day (please follow us there too if you aren’t already!), but we had to share this shot of Jiwe investigating this giant beach ball that was donated to our Enrichment Tree as well. Watch till the end! : Zoologist Jenna Bovee

Red panda Starlight enjoying one of her new toys in between bamboo snacks : Zoo Keeper Heidi Beifus

Can't get enough of great snow leopard content? Have questions for their keepers about this mesmerizing animal? Register now for our Virtual Snow Leopard Experience - Wednesday, Oct. 28 @ 10:00 AM you will see some awesome snow leopard enrichment followed by a live Q & A with Assistant Curator Kellee Wolowitz! Click below to register: https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_8aa6T76AR7CJIcW0BZ_QcQ : Zoo Keeper Heidi Beifus

Get your tickets to come visit the Zoo but before you do print out this fun snow leopard-themed activity we have for! Try to spot animals that share each of the listed traits with snow leopards; for a challenge, only use each animal once. There’s also a special spot to list something new you learned about snow leopards. You can also visit our website to learn more about snow leopards (PDF version also available there for download!) ... https://senecaparkzoo.org/eve/snow-leopard-week-at-the-zoo/

While the snow leopard is one the world's most elusive and hard to track cats, they have become increasingly endangered with estimates being that there may only be between 3,920 and 6,390 snow leopards left in their natural range. With that said we are asking for your support to help us save this majestic species. In addition to coming to visit the Zoo you can also donate directly to our Snow Leopard Week Fundraiser campaign where all the proceeds will go directly to the Sno...w Leopard Trust - one of our favorite conservation partners. They do some truly incredible work out in the field helping support snow leopards. To learn more about them check out this blog by our Lead Zoo Naturalist for Programs, Annie Wheeler, who has worked directly with them over the years: https://senecaparkzoo.org/snow-leopard-conservation-at-the/ Donate here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1210051199423420/

Happy New Year! From all of us here at the Zoo to you and yours - we know 2020 was a doozy so here's hoping for good vibes in 2021! Reminder that we are closed today but back open tomorrow! : Wayne Smith

Happy International Snow Leopard Day, a day to raise awareness on protection of this endangered species! In honor of these mesmerizing big cats we're bringing you a week of dedicated content, activities and fun with Snow Leopard Week at the Zoo! To kick off the week we have a content we're going to be running all week long: Can you guess how many spots Silver has? Submit your answers on this Jotform and next Friday we will announce the winner who will receive a pawprint pain...ting from Silver! https://form.jotform.com/202943927564060 : Zoo Keeper Heidi Beifus

Less than a month away from our next 'Day Off ZooCamp' on Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). No matter what model/schedule your child's school is following (remote/in-person/hybrid) we know how tough schooling has been on so many families so hopefully this will be fun way to switch up your child's learning for a day (and take some of the stress off you too!). For kids ages 5 through 9, this program runs all day (9 am-4 pm). Limited slots available so register now before it fills up! htt...ps://senecaparkzoo.org/event/day-off-zoocamp-2020-11-11/ *Picture from previous year (pre-COVID, no mask) masks are required this year

Mr. Slithers exploring his furniture!

You never know what kind of animals, monsters and more you'll find at the Zoo this time of year! Reserve your tickets for ZooBoo this weekend https://senecaparkzoo.org/zooboo/ : Jason Abel

** New Animal Announcement! ** We are excited to announce the arrival of two new Nigerian dwarf goats to join Zoo residents Azula and Harley in the goat habitat! The goats came from Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, where they were voluntarily surrendered by an owner who could no longer care for them. Their names are Bianca (all black) and Beatrice (Black & white combo) Read the full press release here:... https://senecaparkzoo.org//u/2020/10/New-Goats-Final-1.pdf : Donato DiRenzo

Say goodbye to 2020 with a celebratory visit to your Zoo! Visit the Zoo on New Year’s Eve and enjoy the fun family photo opportunity, and a special giveaway for the first 500 children. Eagle’s Landing Cafe’ will have some delicious specials to eat while you're here as well - check the link for what's on the menu!... https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/noon/

Check out this great, informational video made by teens in our latest Wildlife Action Crew - Frogs & Fungus session! Make sure to check out and register for our next available program! https://senecaparkzoo.org/education/wildlife-action-crew/

Rainy days + snuggling up with a good book - name a more iconic duo. Consider signing up for our upcoming virtual book group event! Pages with Purpose: Virtual Book Group This virtual book group will be focused on books related to the mission of Seneca Park Zoo. For our first book, we’ll be discussing A History of Seneca Park Zoo, by historian and Zoo docent Maureen Whalen. This first comprehensive history of Seneca Park Zoo traces the many changes it has experienced over... the last 125 years. Maureen will join us for a ZOOM discussion of the book. You can purchase here or at the ZooShop. Thanks to a generous donation by Maureen, 100% of the proceeds benefit the Zoo when you purchase it directly from us. Click the link to learn more and sign up today! https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/bookgroup/

Some of our favorite animals face extinction - and many have already met this unfortunate fate. As a conservation organization, one of our top priorities is to help save these animals. Visit our website to find out more and remember that just by visiting and supporting the Zoo you are helping the cause too! https://senecaparkzoo.org/conserve/ : Wayne Smith

Register for our next Wild about Trivia, a virtual happy hour trivia event! Team up with some friends and test your knowledge of all things Zoo and Wildlife! Pour a beverage of your choice and tune in online on the link that will be provided. Have fun and win prizes, all while supporting your Zoo! https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/wild-about-trivia-january/

Big cats like catnaps too - in fact they actually typically sleep more than even your average housecat! Tiger spend anywhere from 16-20 hours sleeping on average. Rough life ya got there Katya! : Elesa Kim

Start the new year off right! Get outside and join like-minded neighbors to help clean-up an area park. You’ll be amazed at the impact a focused group can make in just three hours. Help us make Rochester a cleaner, greener city! https://senecaparkzoo.org/eve/community-cleanup-01-02-2021/

This week is National Veterinary Technician Week, so we want to spotlight our own vet tech, Robin English. Robin has been at the Zoo for 22 years, and assists veterinary and animal care staff with everything from monitoring anesthesia to participating in animal training to educating the public about veterinary care at the Zoo. Thank you Robin, we appreciate you!! *Please note pictures are pre-COVID hence lack of masks/distancing

It's always great to hear about builds that have been inspired from bits and pieces that we have built in the past. In this case, it was our 'bouncing baboons'... video that fired up an awesome amount of creativity. Thank you so much to Lindsay from Seneca Park Zoo who sent us this awesome article about their new baboon enclosure. It looks awesome, and we can't wait to see future updates on how the baboons are getting on. https://senecaparkzoo.org/baboons-new-digs/ Our original 'bouncing baboon' video can be found here https://fb.watch/2stJRA82CV/

Make sure to check out the ongoing AAZK Virtual Art Expo where you can get awesome animal artworks like these from African lion Asha, African elephant Lilac and snow leopard Silver - these currently don't have any bidders yet - and much, much more! Whether for yourself or a gift (holiday season is right around the corner!) don't miss out on these one-of-a-kind pieces. https://www.ebay.com/usr/spz_aazk

Merry Christmas from all of us at Seneca Park Zoo! We are CLOSED today but will be open again tomorrow at 10 a.m., 9:30 a.m. for members. : Derek Palmer

As many of you know, we recently made some updates to the baboon area and as you can see they are LOVING it! Shout-out to Team Building with BITE for providing us the inspiration for the new structures. Happy Holidays all! : Zoo Keeper Sarah Koopman

Celebrate Christmas Eve with us and all the animals at the Zoo tomorrow! We are open, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with last entry at 3 p.m. The Zoo will be CLOSED, December 25, for the Christmas holiday. : Ron Kalasinskas

Winter can be a great time to explore the indoor areas we have here at the Zoo where you will find plenty of critters, crawlers and climbers - like the giant day gecko, which can be found inside the E.C.O. Center! : Ken Tryon

If you're looking for something for the kids to do when school is on break next week it’s the perfect time for a fun day of learning at Seneca Park Zoo! We are offering Day Off ZooCamp December 28-30 - come for one day or sign up for all 3 in the series! Campers will spend the day learning all about the cold places that animals live, from the tundra to the mountains. https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/day-off-zoocamp-2020-12-28/

Looks like Azula is taking fashion tips from Genny C with the hay hat - not going to stop her from eating though that's for sure! : Assistant Curator Lindsay Brinda

Today is the last day to get in your orders for our next Zoo Meals at Home for Saturday, Dec 19th! This time we have a personal pizza kit or delicious ham dinner option. Optional dessert too! Best of all, the cost of your dinner goes towards education and conservation programming at the Zoo and in our community, plus a donation will be made to an international conservation partner with every purchase. Thank you for your continued support https://senecaparkzoo.org/ev/zoo-meals-at-home-dec-19-2020/

If you’ve been to the Zoo lately, you may have noticed our incredible new baboon habitat. If you haven't, you're going to want to come and check it out, but either way read our latest blog to find out how and why these changes came about! Here’s the Dirt on the Baboons’ New Digs https://senecaparkzoo.org/baboons-new-digs/

There are a lot of different things on the keeper's wish list/enrichment tree Here are just a few of the latest enrichment gifts we've received. Thank you to everyone who has donated - check out our wish list on our website if you're interested in helping out this holiday season https://senecaparkzoo.org/donate/wish-list/ : LaDonna Court

Shout-out to our most recent Wildlife Action Crew teen members for creating this video and coming up with all the info for the following post - you guys rock! (P.S. the next WAC session starts in January and will focus on snow leopards - slots still available!) River otters are found in many waterways in North America. One adaptation they have is their fur. An otter’s fur is water resistant and helps them be faster in the water and keeps them warm. Their main diet is fis...h and small crustaceans they find in waterways. An otter’s main threat is pollution. If one were to eat pollution directly or eat a fish that has already ingested pollution, it would have bad consequences. Pollution gets into their habitats by people littering, oil spills, and fertilizers that were put in the water. One way you can help otters is by donating to river otter organization and conservation groups. There are many organizations that help North American river otters, one is the River Otter Ecology Project. This organization helps organize park clean-ups, and helps educate the public. You can donate to the River Otter Ecology Project by clicking on this link: https://riverotterecology.org/chip-in/ *Note there is one typo in the video as river otters were reintroduced to NY in the 1990s not 1960s

For enrichment our otters will occasionally get food presented in different ways such as in a box, bag or in an ice block. Here they are getting crab meat in a snow ball! The crab meat was a present to the otters that was a gift from our annual enrichment tree. Ashkii and Sailor would love blankets and any frozen store bought fish or any kind of seafood if you would like to bring in a holiday treat for them.

Our next Zoo Meal at home is Saturday, December 19! This month we have a Make Your Own Personal Pizzas kit or a glazed ham dinner option. Order ahead and dinners will be ready for touchless pick up in the Zoo parking lot from 4-5 p.m. Dinners are for 4 or 6 people, and you can choose one of two dinners with an optional dessert! All dinners come with fun and informative Zoo-related activities for the family to do at home. https://senecaparkzoo.org/ev/zoo-meals-at-home-dec-19-2020/

We have always known that Silver’s time with us would be temporary, as snow leopards move on from their mother at a certain point to start their own independent life. As crazy as it might seem, we welcomed this little cub into the world over a year and a half ago! As many Zoo-goers have noticed and we have explained in previous posts, Silver was separated from his mother early this fall to begin this process while we - in partnership with the AZA’s Species Survival Plan - fou...nd the right home for him to go to Rolling Hills Zoo We are sad, but also very excited to announce that the time has come for him to leave. While it is bittersweet news for all of us, in the end we are happy because we know it’s in the best interest of Silver and his species for this move to take place. It also means that Timila and Kaba will be able to be reintroduced with snow leopard mating season right around the corner! Silver’s move is imminent but as always with animal moves this is subject to change. Share any favorite memories or pictures you may have captured of him over the last year+ in the comments below! : Zoo Keeper Heidi Beifus (first two) / Wayne Smith (Cub Silver)

Zuzu enjoying a toy one generous person donated from our Amazon wish list! Thanks to you and everyone who has supported us - if you're looking for a great way to support the animals at the Zoo the Amazon wish list the keepers make is always great place to start https://senecaparkzoo.org/donate/wish-list/ : Lindsay Brinda

Say goodbye to 2020 (I think we're all ready for that...) with a celebratory visit to your Zoo! Visit the Zoo on New Year’s Eve and enjoy the fun family photo opportunity, and a special giveaway for the first 500 children. Eagle’s Landing Cafe’ will have some delicious specials!... https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/noon/

We have another big birthday shout-out today for one of our newest residents - Jiwe! Jiwe turned 4 today as you can see from the decor on the birthday ball compliments of Zoo Keeper Kat Kleinschmidt. Jiwe has settled in nicely here at the Zoo and his keepers just can't get over how much of a joy he is to work with. Happy birthday Jiwe! : Assistant Curator Lindsay Brinda

Gray wolf Timber is ready for the winter weather as you can see his coat has gotten thick and bushy the last couple weeks! Are you ready?? : Jason Abel

Book and Beast has gone virtual! On December 23 at 11 a.m., we’ll be reading My Visit to the Zoo by Aliki. This FREE session will be on ZOOM. You must register in advance to take part in the session. Purchase your own copy of the book to follow along! Order now from the Zoo’s online ZooShop. Proceeds benefit the Zoo! Buy Book:... https://exclusively-seneca-park-zoo.myshopify.com//book-an Register for Session: https://senecaparkzoo.org//book-and-beast-at-home-12-23-20/

Happy #ROCtheDay all! On this Giving Tuesday, we encourage everyone to participate in this year's Roc-The-Day celebration, the annual online event that gives people in our community an opportunity to support all of the not-for-profit organizations doing great work in the Greater Rochester area. This year more than ever so many great organizations need your support. We're proud to be a part of this day and so thankful for the support we get from the community ... https://www.roctheday.org/Causes-to/Seneca-Park-Zoo-Society

Join us for our next Wild about Trivia, a virtual happy hour trivia event! Team up with some friends and test your knowledge of all things Zoo and Wildlife, past and present! Pour a beverage of your choice and tune in online on the link that will be provided. Have fun and win prizes, all while supporting your Zoo! https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/trivia-12-10-20/

As you begin to start (or maybe finish?) your holiday shopping just a reminder that if you or the kids want to get anything for their favorite animal at the Zoo you can check out the keeper's animal "wish list" here: https://senecaparkzoo.org/donate/wish-list/ : Erick Machajewski

We hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving meal as much as Silver enjoyed this deer spine he feasted on. Do you look forward more to the dinner or the leftovers after? : Zoo Keeper Heidi Beifus + Donato DiRenzo

Are you on the hunt for Black Friday Sales? Check out our online Shopify store now through Nov 30th and use the promo code: TURKEY for 15% off! https://exclusively-seneca-park-zoo.myshopify.com/

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you enjoy your meal as much as Kaba enjoyed this cardboard Ibex deer and meat the keepers put in there for him : Annie Wheeler (GoPro)

Today is the last chance to get in your Breakfast with Santa at Home orders! In light of the ongoing pandemic we have packaged up one of our favorite annual traditions so that you and your family can partake in a fun and safe way at-home this year. In addition to the food you will get the annual ornament, crafts activities and of course a personalized message from Santa - all while supporting the Zoo's education and conservation programs. Happy Holidays! https://senecaparkzoo.org/breakfast-with-santa-at-home/

Don't forget that this week for our last week of Community Heroes Month we are celebrating teachers! Teachers can get free admission to the Zoo, and 50% off for up to four guests. Please reserve your spots online in advance. Thank you for all you do - we hope you can find a day to come enjoy the beauty of the Zoo and maybe we can even teach you something while you're here for a change. Reminder - the Zoo is closed all day on Thanksgiving but open regular hours every ot...her day this week. https://senecaparkzoo.org//community-heroes-we/2020-11-24/

Jiwe just eating and having some fun in the brush : Zoologist Tina Fess

Last day to get your bids in for our Zoo La La Online Charity Auction! There's still some great stuff available whether for yourself or as a great gift this holiday season. Thank you to everyone who has participated, bid, and spread the word about this event - it has been a great success so far and we are very thankful! With the difficult year and three month shutdown the funds we receive from this event will be absolutely crucial for us. https://zoolala.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse

Quick reminder that you have until Monday (11/23) at midnight to order your Zoo Meal at Home! The meal will be picked up Saturday, November 28 for touchless pick up in the Zoo parking lot from 4-5 p.m. Dinners are for 4 or 6 people, and you can choose one of two dinners with an optional dessert! You’ll also receive fun content and activities about rhinos, in celebration of our new rhino Jiwe. Supplies are limited!... https://senecaparkzoo.org/zoomeals/

** Start Your Black Friday & Holiday Shopping Early! ** Save 15% off purchases at our online Shopify ZooShop now through 11/30! Just click the link below and use the promo code: TURKEY at checkout. In addition to checking off some of your holiday (or personal) shopping, your purchases help fund education and conservation efforts at the Zoo and in our community. Thanks for your support! https://exclusively-seneca-park-zoo.myshopify.com/

24 years ago this amazing polar bear was born here at Seneca Park Zoo. While she spent some time at a couple other stops over the years, we are so happy to have her back here at the Zoo. Happy Birthday Anoki!! Her keepers decided to celebrate with an orange and strawberry flavored ice block cake this morning! There's also fish and apples inside, with some yam candles! : Zoo Keeper Randi Krieger

Don't forget tonight is our first 'Pages with a Purpose' Virtual Book Group! Join historian and Zoo docent Maureen Whalen as we discuss her comprehensive book on the history of Seneca Park Zoo over the years. https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/bookgroup/

Red Panda Starlight just hanging around on this gray day. Animals in our Cold Asia area, like Starlight, really enjoy this colder weather we’re starting to get as it’s closer to their climate in their natural range. It can make for some great activity/engagement! : Zoo Keeper Heidi Beifus

Tired of too much distance learning at home and looking for something new and unique for your child to do? How about an afternoon of learning at Seneca Park Zoo with Afternoon ZooCamp! December 9 1-4 pm For ages 5 through 9 ... Campers will spend the day learning about watery habitats and the animals that call them home. We’ll have fun learning with socially-distanced activities and crafts in the classroom, as well as exploring animals out in the Zoo. https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/new-afternoon-zoocamp/

Gray wolves are one of the most wide ranging land animals. They occupy a wide variety of habitats, from arctic tundra to forest, prairie, and arid landscapes. They are one of the animals that actually prefer this colder weather turn we are starting to feel! Grab you coat and reserve your tickets to the Zoo! : Wayne Smith

We are so happy to see so many hometown heroes coming out to the Zoo these past couple weeks to enjoy some down time with us! Community Heroes Month continues this week as we celebrate all the first responders. Starting today through Saturday first responders get in for free and may bring up to 4 guests at 50% off! We just ask that you still reserve your ticket/time slots online first! https://senecaparkzoo.org//community-heroes-we/2020-11-15/

Many of you already know, but if you haven't heard of Spencer Cole and his daily animal videos you need to check this out! Spencer has been making his "Animal of the Day" videos since March when the pandemic first shut most things down and has been going strong ever since. He even turned it into a way to raise money for the Zoo! Read on and be sure to check out the Facebook page to learn a little about whatever animal Spencer has that day: https://senecaparkzoo.org/spencers-animal/

Zoo La La Charity auction is now open for bidding! Thanks to a generous donor, for every bid, $1 will be donated to conservation partner Health in Harmony. Vacations, staycations, sports memorabilia, art, Zoo experiences there is something for everyone and every budget! https://zoolala.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse

Ever wanted to learn how to make pottery? Get ready to bid on a private pottery making class with Zoo docent Jen Kandris! It’s all part of the Zoo La La Charity auction. You’ll be able to check out and bid on this and many other items for all interests and budgets as of tomorrow at 9 a.m. https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/zoo-la-la-charity-auction/

This week the Orangutan Species Survival Plan (SSP) is celebrating Orangutan Caring Week 2020! While we currently don't have any orangutans here at the Zoo, it is a species that is near and dear to our hearts and one we have and continue to support in conservation. Be sure to check out the Orangutan SSP website for a ton of great fact, information and activities: https://www.orangutanssp.org/... For instance, here is one that we think is a great way to celebrate these great apes and also think about the food we put into our own bodies to help us make healthier lifestyle choices! https://senecaparkzoo.org//2/11/What-is-on-your-Plate_.pdf #OSSP #OrangutanCaringWeek #OrangutanAwarenessWeek #WeCareAboutOrangutans

Did you miss ZooBrew in your life this summer? We sure did - but now a private ZooBrew for 12 guests sound could be yours! Get ready to bid on the Zoo La La charity auction. You’ll be able to check out and bid on this and many other items for all interests and budgets as of Friday 11/13 at 9 a.m. Check out the link for more info: https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/zoo-la-la-charity-auction/

Take a break from cooking while supporting your Zoo order Zoo Meals at Home! Enjoy a delicious, hot and fun meal from the catering team at Seneca Park Zoo. Our next Zoo Meal at home is Saturday, November 28! Order ahead and dinners will be ready for touchless pick up in the Zoo parking lot from 4-5 p.m. Dinners are for 4 or 6 people, and you can choose one of two dinners with an optional dessert! You’ll also receive fun content and activities about rhinos, in celebration o...f our new rhino Jiwe. Order by November 23, 2020 at midnight. Supplies are limited! https://senecaparkzoo.org/zoomeals/

Introducing Zoo La La! An online-only charity auction benefitting Seneca Park Zoo Society. Get your holiday shopping started early with experiences and items for every budget. From vacations to staycations, animal art, wine and spirits packages, experiences at home and more - there is something for everyone! The auction opens and bidding starts on Friday 11/13 at 9 a.m. https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/zoo-la-la-charity-auction/

Thank you to our healthcare heroes and everyone who came out this past week as we celebrated these tireless workers for all that they do for our community every day. Community Heroes Month at the Zoo continues this week as we move to honoring our veterans and active military. Free admission for the brave folks who serve and protect our country and 50% off for up to four of your guests! Enjoy this great weather while we can! https://senecaparkzoo.org//community-heroes-we/2020-11-08/

Last week some of our animal care staff team took part in what has become something of a tradition here at the Zoo and that is the release of lake sturgeon in our care that are ready to begin their life in nature. Zoo keepers Allison Becker and Catina Wright weighed, measured, and recorded the stats for Ghost and Deedee before releasing them at Seth Green Park! Also, shoutout to Dawn Dittman who scanned and recorded the microchip numbers each of the sturgeon are fitted with before they are released. Fish lovers fear not though - while we said goodbye to Ghost and Deedee, we said hello to three new sturgeons! Come meet Finnigan (darker fins), 007 (large dot on right fin), and Mr. Incredible (lowercase 'i' on left fin) the next time you visit the Zoo. : Zoo Keeper Catina Wright

We hope some of you got the chance to check out Polar Bear Internationals 'Tundra Connections' webcast yesterday but for anyone interested the #PolarBearCam is live, bringing the polar bear gathering on the shores of Hudson Bay into your home! ** Take a live look now (3pm) to catch a sight of one of these amazing animals in their natural range: https://explore.org/livecams/currently-live/polar-bear-cam

The Breakfast with Santa tradition is alive and well, just a little different this year with a new at-home version to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, celebrate Seneca Park Zoo Breakfast with Santa at Home. Check out the link for more information and reserve a package today! https://senecaparkzoo.org/breakfast-with-santa-at-home/

This time of year is when polar bears start their migration! Our conservation partners Polar Bears International are celebrating this amazing endangered species all week so be sure to check out their channels for a lot of great stuff! Today at 1 P.M. EST, as part of their 'Tundra Connections' virtual broadcasts they are presenting: Burr on Fur: Tracking Polar Bears with Technology Check the link below to register and attend!... https://polarbearsinternational.org//tundra-connections-s/ See more

Thanks for the update Riverbanks Zoo and Garden - we all miss Bill very much here but we know he is in great hands down there! Looking forward to when he eventually is introduced to his new lady friends!

We were so sad to hear that one of our dedicated volunteers, Keith Preston, died unexpectedly last week after a couple of days of illness. Keith loved volunteering at events in animal costumes, bringing joy to guests young and old. He will be missed by the Zoo family.

Just a reminder to register for our Pages with Purpose, a virtual book group focused on books related to the mission of Seneca Park Zoo. In this first edition we're diving into: A History of Seneca Park Zoo, by historian and Zoo docent Maureen Whalen. This first comprehensive history of Seneca Park Zoo traces the many changes it has experienced over the last 125 years, evolving from a menagerie zoo seeking to amuse visitors to the habitat-conscious conservation leader it ...is today. Maureen will join us for a ZOOM discussion of the book on November 19. Also, thanks to a generous donation by Maureen, 100% of the proceeds benefit the Zoo when you purchase it directly from us - just $25! Support the Zoo and learn about our fascinating and unique history in this fun, interactive and socially distanced event! https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/bookgroup/