January 7th, 2021
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!”
Lacy began his career with SeaWorld San Antonio in 1997 as an Animal Trainer, Zoological Ambassador and Educator. In 2007, he became that facility’s Supervisor of Zoological Operations, where he was responsible for business management, staff training and supervising the local animal training teams. In 2014, Lacy became responsible for SeaWorld San Antonio’s large scale projects and consumer events including Seven Seas Food and Wine Fest, Wild Days at SeaWorld, Howl-O-Scream and Christmas at SeaWorld.
“I look forward to seeing what vision Steve will bring to the table,” said Monroe County Parks Director Patrick Meredith. “He has a wide variety of skills I believe will complement our existing staff. His experience with aquatic life will be a boost for the Seneca Park Zoo, and I know he is ready to hit the ground running with the new Trailside Cafe construction scheduled to begin this year.”
Sea World is a leader in conservation research for science saving species. Steve is looking forward to bringing his experience to build on the impressive conservation work occurring at Seneca Park Zoo.
“I am so very excited to be joining the dedicated and amazing team at Seneca Park Zoo. I know that the Zoo is dearly loved by so many people, and I am excited to be part of an organization which champions conservation, education, and amazing animal care,” Lacy said. “The Seneca Park Zoo is a world-class facility and I’m excited to assist in developing the zoo for its next generation of guests and being a part of its continued success.”
“I want to thank Seneca Park Zoo General Curator David Hamilton for serving as Interim Director over the last 12 months. This has been a difficult year for everyone, including the Seneca Park Zoo. From closing in March at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, to reopening in June and all of the precautions and safety measures that have been put in place, David’s commitment to the Zoo and Zoo staff has been exceptional and we’re grateful for his efforts,” concluded Bello.
The Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, is open with winter hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March 31.
To limit overcrowding, timed-entry tickets are required for admission. Guests follow a one-way route through the zoo to help maintain physical distancing, and some buildings 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 are required to wear face coverings, as are staff and volunteers.
For more information, visit https://senecaparkzoo.org/.
