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Safety Protocols and Procedures in Place at the Seneca Park Zoo

Rochester's Zoo Director isn't commenting on the process followed at the Cincinnati Zoo when an endangered gorilla was shot and killed after a young boy fell into its enclosure.

But Larry Sorel says zoo officials there had to make a very tough decision in a highly emotional time, and they did what they thought was best.

He says Seneca Park Zoo, an accredited quality zoo by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium, has very strict emergency procedures and protocols in place, in the event of any kind of emergency.

"We drill on them regularly, whether it's a fire, a weather emergency, animal-related issue, guest-related issue, we have policies and procedures in place that we regularly practice," he said. "Safety in our opinion, is a three pronged effort. The physical facility must be safe, staff must have safety forefront in their minds, and guests should participate in that safety effort, and keep any eye on themsleves and others, and report an issue if they see it."

Sorel says the most important safety guideline for guests at the zoo, is to stay on the path.