Seneca Park Zoo
A veteran zoo offering close encounters with native and exotic animals, including a popular African safari tour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Seneca Park Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A veteran zoo offering close encounters with native and exotic animals, including a popular African safari tour.
"The zoo let you get very close to a variety of animals, making it an enjoyable experience for all."
🎯 Beat the Heat
On hot days, animals may hide in shade. Visit early or on cooler days for better viewing. :sunwithface:
🎟️ Membership Perks
Consider a membership for frequent visits; it can be cost-effective for families. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
African Elephant Encounter
African Elephant Exhibit
Get up close with majestic African elephants, including Moki, who turns 43! Learn about their conservation.
Giraffe Feeding Fun
Giraffe Exhibit
A highlight for many, feed the giraffes and create unforgettable memories with these gentle giants.
Polar Bear's Arctic Home
Polar Bear Exhibit
See Anana, a beloved polar bear, and learn about the challenges facing her species in the wild.
Lion's Majestic Roar
African Safari Tour
Experience the thrill of seeing lions up close on the zoo's African safari tour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Budgeting for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Heat
On hot days, animals may hide in shade. Visit early or on cooler days for better viewing. :sunwithface:
🎟️ Membership Perks
Consider a membership for frequent visits; it can be cost-effective for families. :ticket:
🦒 Feed the Giraffes
A must-do experience! Feeding giraffes is a memorable highlight for all ages. :food-emoji:
🚶♀️ Easy Navigation
The zoo has a simple, linear trail making it easy to see all exhibits without getting lost. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Heat
On hot days, animals may hide in shade. Visit early or on cooler days for better viewing. :sunwithface:
🎟️ Membership Perks
Consider a membership for frequent visits; it can be cost-effective for families. :ticket:
🦒 Feed the Giraffes
A must-do experience! Feeding giraffes is a memorable highlight for all ages. :food-emoji:
🚶♀️ Easy Navigation
The zoo has a simple, linear trail making it easy to see all exhibits without getting lost. :walking:
🚗 VIP Parking
Splurge on VIP for closer parking and quicker entry, especially during busy times. :car:
📱 Accessibility Features
The zoo is stroller accessible and offers interactive educational spots. :wheelchair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Seneca Park Zoo for its close animal encounters, clean and well-maintained grounds, and educational staff. The linear layout makes navigation easy, and activities like giraffe feeding are highly recommended. However, some guests note a persistent foul odor on the property and find food and souvenirs to be quite pricey, especially for larger groups.
"The Zoo let you get very close to a variety of animals. Even allowing you to go behind the scenes into the animal hospital in the back, and see the both the indoor and outdoor enclosures for some animals to view them during colder days.
I loved the very simple trail that lead you through all the exhibits, made it easy to stay on track and not get lost.
The only downside is there was a very foul smell unlike anything I’ve ever smelt at zoo. It was present upon entering the property, parking lot, and all throughout the zoo itself."
Marie Major
"We visited the Seneca Zoo on a very hot day, and most of the animals were staying cool in the shade, which made it a bit hard to see or spot them. The zoo itself is clean and family-friendly, and we especially loved seeing young teens at tables sharing interactive information about the animals—it was a nice, educational touch.
That said, costs can add up quickly. A family with one child might manage fine, but with three kids, it gets expensive fast. Most souvenirs and food were pretty pricey. It’s a fun outing overall, but I’d recommend going on a cooler day and budgeting ahead if you’re bringing the whole crew."
N G
"It's always a fun, edu time at the Zoo. Animal enclosures seem clean, and the animals always seem comfortable and at ease. I always appreciate staff giving facts and making the trips personal. The food is good, bathrooms are clean, the kids are always having fun with the climbers or water area as well. We fed the Giraffes, it was a wonderful experience led by the staff."
Hannah Bettis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Seneca Park Zoo is located at 299 Seneca Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14617. You can reach it by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes and times. Directions to Seneca Park Zoo are readily available on most GPS devices.
Yes, there is parking available at Seneca Park Zoo. During peak times, parking can fill up, so arriving early is recommended. A VIP package may offer closer parking options.
Information on public transportation routes to Seneca Park Zoo can be found on the Rochester transit authority's website. It's advisable to check schedules in advance for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Seneca Park Zoo is stroller accessible, making it a great option for families with young children. The zoo's layout is designed for easy navigation with strollers.
Seneca Park Zoo is approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Ottawa, making it a feasible weekend getaway destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Seneca Park Zoo admission prices vary. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing for adults, children, and seniors. Look for potential discounts or coupons for Seneca Park Zoo.
Yes, purchasing Seneca Park Zoo tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during busy periods, to save time and ensure entry.
Seneca Park Zoo hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the zoo's official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Yes, Seneca Park Zoo offers membership options, which can be a great value for frequent visitors. A membership might offer benefits like free admission and discounts.
Discounts for Seneca Park Zoo admission may be available, including potential EBT discounts or reciprocal agreements with other zoos. Check the zoo's website or inquire at the ticket counter for details.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Seneca Park Zoo features a diverse range of animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, red pandas, polar bears, and more. You can get very close to many of the animals.
Absolutely! Seneca Park Zoo is very kid-friendly, with interactive exhibits, animal talks, and play areas. Feeding the giraffes is a particular hit with children.
Yes, Seneca Park Zoo offers experiences like the African Safari Tour, which allows you to see lions and elephants up close. They also have animal talks and educational programs.
The zoo has a straightforward, linear trail that guides you through all the exhibits, making it easy to navigate and ensuring you don't miss anything.
Seneca Park Zoo is committed to accessibility, with stroller-friendly paths and interactive educational displays. They aim to make the experience enjoyable for all visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Seneca Park Zoo offers food options, but they can be pricey. Visitors often recommend budgeting ahead or packing your own snacks to save money.
While specific policies can change, it's generally a good idea to check the zoo's guidelines on bringing outside food. Packing snacks can be a cost-saving measure.
Seneca Park Zoo has dining facilities, but reviews suggest that food prices can be on the higher side.
Zoo Brew is an adults-only event at Seneca Park Zoo, offering a unique evening experience with drinks and entertainment. VIP packages may include drink tickets.
Information on specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan meals at Seneca Park Zoo is not widely detailed, but standard zoo fare is usually available. It's best to inquire directly or pack accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
The zoo offers many opportunities for great photos, especially when animals are active. The giraffe feeding area and the African safari tour provide excellent backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Seneca Park Zoo. However, always be mindful of zoo rules and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb the animals.
While general photography is permitted, some areas or specific animal encounters might have restrictions. Always adhere to signage and staff instructions.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography and when animals are typically more active.
You can find Seneca Park Zoo photos on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok using hashtags like #senecaparkzoo, or by searching for 'Seneca Park Zoo photos' online.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The giraffe feeding experience is a definite highlight and a memorable activity for kids. 💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Consider attending a 'Zoo Brew' event for an adults-only evening experience with drinks and a unique atmosphere. Day-Trippers from Ottawa
It offers a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to explore a different city. Plan your visit to make the most of your time, perhaps combining it with other Rochester attractions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Elephant Care and Controversy
The zoo highlights conservation efforts for these magnificent creatures. However, there have been concerns raised on platforms like TikTok regarding the treatment of elephants, with some users citing the climate as too cold for them and questioning the zoo's accreditation. One incident involving an elephant being pushed over by another and requiring a crane to be lifted back up was reported, with the elephant, Genny C, being monitored afterward.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Interactive exhibits and educational talks are also available, providing engaging learning opportunities for various age groups. Beyond physical accessibility, the zoo has been recognized for its efforts in promoting disability awareness. Staff and volunteers are often seen sharing information about the animals, and some visitors have noted learning sign language during their visits.
This commitment to inclusivity ensures that a wider range of people can enjoy and learn from their experience at the zoo. Conservation Efforts and Education
With Masai giraffe populations declining significantly due to habitat loss and poaching, the zoo uses animals like Elliot, who celebrated his second birthday there, to connect guests with the species and educate them on the importance of conservation. This educational approach aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for wildlife and the challenges they face.The zoo also features educational spots and animal talks designed to inform visitors about different species and their habitats.
Young teens are often seen at tables sharing interactive information, adding a personal and engaging touch to the learning experience. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit