Adam RollinsThe Seneca Park Zoo – located in Rochester, New York – has chosen a designer for its $100 project to build new infrastructure and attractions. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026.
The zoo’s plans include building a new tropics exhibit and a main entry building. The projects will advance the Seneca Park Zoo Master Plan, completing the second phase to enhance the park’s experience for visitors and residents. The vision calls for using sustainable materials, native plantings and sensitive scale and siting for all project components and phases.
The tropics exhibit will feature several land- and sea-based biomes, expanding the zoo’s exotic offerings. The tropics building will cover 48,000 square feet. Once completed, the facility will include exhibits for the Borneo Forest, Tropical Islands, Pacific Reef Habitats and a 150,000-gallon Pacific Reef Tank.
In addition to including a host of new native animal species on display, the exhibit will offer a multi-level immersive experience for guests. Visitors will be able to enjoy indoor rainforest habitats, outdoor microclimates and aquariums as part of the holistic zoo experience.
The zoo will also build an updated main entry plaza welcoming guests to the park. The 20,000-square-foot plaza will feature membership and ticketing offices, classroom and education space, event space, administrative offices and a gift shop.
Photo courtesy Mzq9821, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
