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Plans For Seneca Park Zoo Will be Discussed at Tuesday Meeting

A multi-million dollar master plan could bring some major changes to the Seneca Park Zoo.

The current proposal would require $37 million in funding from Monroe County taxpayers over several years.

The zoo was recently informed that it must upgrade or replace the 84-year old building that houses primates, reptiles, and birds or seriously risk losing its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 

The current accreditation expires in 2018.

Zoo director Larry Sorel said there are some specific criteria that are important as the proposed changes are considered.

"Eliminate barriers whenever possible so you're not looking through old, wire chain-link fence. Bring the animals closer when we can, safely; making sure we address animal welfare, and as much as possible, do a natural look to all the exhibits."

Sorel said the zoo’s history and close neighbors will need to be carefully considered before any changes are put in place.

"We will very definitely respect the footprint that was established in 1991 that keeps the zoo up on the ridge, relatively linear. But we certainly want to respect the neighbors to our east and accommodate their needs. We certainly want to respect the park landscape and views. It's a great Olmsted Park, so we need to be conscious and respectful of that."

Public input is welcome and preliminary plans can be viewed at a meeting Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Seneca Park Zoo.

Beth Adams joined WXXI as host of Morning Edition in 2012 after a more than two-decade radio career. She was the longtime host of the WHAM Morning News in Rochester. Her career also took her from radio stations in Elmira, New York, to Miami, Florida.