In nature, animals acclimate to winter months in a variety of ways.  Some migrate to warmer climates or to places where food is more plentiful. 

    Polar bears love the winter!

    Polar bears love the winter!

    Others hibernate, going into a deep sleep for part or all of the winter.  During hibernation, their body temperature drops, their heart rate and breathing slows and they use little energy.

    Many animals adapt by storing food for the winter, changing their diet and growing thicker fur.

    For the animals that live at Monroe County’s Seneca Parks Zoo, many of these changes aren’t necessary.  The wolves, polar bears, tigers, cougars, leopards and lynx love the winter weather.  The visiting alligators are snowbirds, so they head back to Florida each year to wait out the cold.

    Winter is actually a wonderful time to visit the Zoo as long as you bundle up.  It’s open all year ’round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and the first Saturday in June.

    The Seneca Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and actively participates in 11 Species Survival Plans for endangered and/or protected species including polar bears, Amur tigers, African Elephants, ocelots, golden lion tamarins, African Penguins and more.

    Kids love birthday parties at the Zoo!

    Kids love birthday parties at the Zoo!

    The zoo also hosts special events, educational programs and themed birthday parties for children age 3 to 12 that they’ll rave about for years!

    So bundle up, hop in the car and head to the Seneca Park Zoo where you can hang out with your favorite animals!

    Hours of Operation and Rates:

     November 1-December 31
    Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (you may stay on the grounds until 4 p.m.)
    Rates: Adults (12-62) $7, Seniors (63+) $6, Youth (3-11) $4, Children (2 and under) Free, Members Free.

    January 1 – March 31
    Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (You may stay on the grounds until 4 p.m.)
    Rates: Adults (12-62) $7, Seniors (63+) $6, Youth (3-11) $4, Children (2 and under) Free, Members Free.

    April 1 – October 31
    Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (You may stay on the grounds until 5 p.m.; Zoo opens at 9:30 a.m. for members)
    Rates: Adults (12-62) $9, Seniors (63+) $6, Youth (3-11) $6, Children (2 and under) Free, Members Free.

    Check the website for special group, military and school rates.

    The Seneca Park Zoo is located at 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY.