Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Seneca Park Zoo improvement plan underway

Sasha-Ann Simons

Monroe County lawmakers have signed off on millions of dollars to help the Seneca Park Zoo and its multi-year expansion plan.

The legislature approved $13.5 million in funding in its capital budget, and Zoo Director Larry Sorel says it's part of an overall nearly $60 million dollar, ten year improvement plan for the zoo.

Phase 1 includes making room for giraffes and zebras, ostrich and rhino exhibits, and eventually demolishing the main zoo building, something Sorel says is long overdue.

"I started 19 and a half years ago, and my goal has been to get that building down and replace it with something modern since I walked in the door," he said.

He says it's important the zoo replace its main building, or risk losing its accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Sorel says the expansion plan features an interactive experience for visitors by allowing them to feed the giraffes.

"It'll be a year-round feeding experience.  We all know winters in Rochester can be long, despite the weather this week, so we have a wonderful indoor area for the giraffes that will allow them plenty of exercise room, and also guests during the winter will have the opportunity to feed the giraffes," he said.

There will also be a new trolley system to take visitors from one end of the zoo to the other, and other improvements are in the works under the zoo's Master Plan, drawn up in 2015.

Sorel says even though there will be plenty of renovations and improvements going on, the Seneca Park Zoo will remain open throughout the process.