December 16th, 2024
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced the appointment of Bob Lee as Superintendent of the Seneca Park Zoo. Most recently, Lee served as Director of Animal Care for the Smithsonian’s National Zoos and Conservation Biology Institute.
“Bob’s extensive record in zoo management and animal care, and passion for research and conservation are what make him a perfect fit for Seneca Park Zoo as we continue to grow and evolve,” said County Executive Bello. “Bob’s leadership will be a great addition to the Parks and Zoo Family. If you see Bob at the Zoo, please join me in welcoming him to our community.”
In addition to providing opportunities for Monroe County families and visitors to connect with wildlife and wild places, the Seneca Park Zoo supports local and global conservation efforts. No other organization in our region offers the same breadth of conservation-focused learning. Seneca Park Zoo offers hundreds of conservation education and action programs each year. Zoo staff also work with national and international organizations to save animals from extinction and protect wildlife. Programs like pollinator habitat restoration, community clean ups, and onsite learning give our community the ability to engage in preservation work here in Monroe County.
“I am honored to join the Seneca Park Zoo, an institution with a long history of connecting people to wildlife and inspiring conservation action. The zoo’s commitment to protecting endangered species, fostering environmental education, and creating a welcoming, inclusive space for all resonates deeply with me. I look forward to building on this incredible legacy, collaborating with the community to expand opportunities for connection, learning, and meaningful impact” said Zoo Superintendent Bob Lee.
Bob Lee comes to the Seneca Park Zoo with 25 years of animal care experience throughout his career. He began his career at the Oregon Zoo as the Animal Curator and Elephant Manager. His hard work and passion for animals won him new responsibilities as he took on the role of General Curator and then Director of Animal Care and Conservation. Lee then became Associate Director for the Albuquerque BioPark, and was one of ten individuals chosen to take part in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Executive Leadership Development Program in 2022. Lee has engaged in significant research regarding improvements to the welfare and health of animals in zoos; he co-authored a paper in 2021 entitled Supporting Zoo Asian Elephant Welfare and Herd Dynamics with a More Complex and Expanded Habitat.
“With his experience in transformational improvements at multiple zoos, we are thrilled to have Bob Lee join our team,” said Parks Director Patrick Meredith. “The Seneca Park Zoo is continuing to grow and we have a number of critical projects underway. I have every confidence that Bob will help us reach our goals.”
Seneca Park Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from April 1 through October 31, and 10 a.m to 3 p.m. from November 1 to March 31. Learn more at senecaparkzoo.org/visit.
