June 24th, 2020
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Visit the Seneca Park Zoo Website
Soft Opening for Zoo Members Scheduled for June 26 and June 27; Reopening for General Public Scheduled for June 28.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced the Seneca Park Zoo will open to Zoo members on June 26 and the general public on June 28, in accordance with guidelines provided by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
"We are excited to announce that the Seneca Park Zoo is reopening just in time for the start of summer, bringing back a special place for so many people and families in our community," Bello said. "While we know everyone is excited to come back to see all their favorite animals, my family included, there will be new policies and procedures in place to make sure all guests, employees, volunteers and animals are safe."
To limit overcrowding, timed-entry tickets will be required for admission, and members will need to make timed reservations. Guests will follow a one-way route through the Zoo to help maintain physical distancing, and some buildings will remain closed. The Zoo is following cleaning and sanitation measures recommended by the CDC.
With the safety of animals, staff and guests in mind, guests over the age of two will be required to wear face coverings, as will staff and volunteers. Animals like lions, snow leopards, otters, red pandas and even giraffes have proven to be susceptible to COVID-19, so face coverings are an important part of keeping the animals, and their keepers, safe.
Zoo members are invited to make reservations for Member Preview Days on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27. These days are designed to ensure all the new systems and policies are running smoothly before the general opening.
"We are so excited to welcome our members and guests back to the Zoo," commented Seneca Park Zoo Society President and CEO Pamela Reed Sanchez, "We especially thank our members for their support during our closure and look forward to their feedback as we reopen."
"I know many people are eager to reconnect with the animals they know and love," Bello added. "We want it to be a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience for all."
The online ticketing system will be live at 1 p.m. today, June 24, for guests and members to start planning their trips to the Zoo.
