Seneca Park Zoo Design Project Approved
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Monroe County Legislature overwhelmingly approved a $6.7 million contract with CambridgeSeven to design the Seneca Park Zoo’s new Tropics Exhibit and Main Entry Plaza, advancing the $100 million capital project. The measure passed 25-4.
“This project will create a 21st-century zoo experience with innovative and interactive exhibits,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.
CambridgeSeven, a nationally recognized firm with 60 years of experience designing animal habitats, was selected through a competitive process. The firm has designed exhibits for the National Aquarium, the Audubon Nature Institute, and the Rochester Museum and Science Center. Several local design firms will collaborate on the project.
The 48,000-square-foot Tropics building will feature Borneo Forest, Tropical Islands, and Pacific Reef habitats, including a 150,000-gallon reef tank. Expected species include orangutans, lemurs, Komodo dragons, clouded leopards, blacktip sharks, and more. The 22,000-square-foot Main Entry Plaza will house ticketing, education spaces, event venues, and the Zoo Shop.
Monroe County is investing $34.5 million in the project, with $42.5 million from Empire State Development and $23 million from the Seneca Park Zoo Society. Funding was approved in 2022.
Seneca Park Zoo, visited by more than 400,000 people annually, supports global conservation efforts and local programs, including pollinator habitat restoration and community cleanups.
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