Join us for Princess & Pirate weekend at the Zoo

The first day of Princess & Pirate weekend started today (Sept. 24) and will continue tomorrow (Sept. 25). Kids are having a fantastic time joining our own Princess and Pirate in parades through the Zoo, and get to take home cool glitter tattoos and giveaways at the Front Gate!

If you’re not a member, take advantage of a special offer throughout the weekend – one FREE youth admission with one paid adult when the youth comes dressed as a princess or a pirate! We hope to see you here this weekend!

Photos by Kelli O’Brien

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The Zoo inspires many in the community

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf‘s 28-year-old dance company program (of Rochester Institute of Technology) came to the Zoo today to to sketch, write and photograph ideas and inspirations for their “Off the Wall” concert next February.

Instead of collaborating with a technical area of RIT this year, they are connecting with the Greater Rochester community to create dances based on or inspired by other works of art – visual art, music, poetry, architecture and nature. Aside from the Zoo, they have also visited the Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester Museum and Science Center and other galleries.

Check out some photos from their Zoo “exploration”:

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Making someone’s day

We had some out-of-town visitors this weekend – Seth and his family traveled all the way from Missouri as part of Seth’s Dream Factory wish to meet the cast of American Idol as they make a stop in Rochester tonight. They spent the morning at the Zoo where we treated them to some behind-the-scenes action with our white rhinos and our North American river otters, which are Seth’s favorite. Check out some photos below – we are thrilled that we could be part of their special day!

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No plans over the holiday?

Photo by Sammi Howe

Stop by the Zoo over Labor Day weekend and learn all about the amazing vulture during International Vulture Awareness Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday (Sept. 3).

Vultures around the world have been in trouble due to pollution poisoning their food, as well as habitat loss. Learn about how you can help – activities include enrichment demonstrations and docent touch table stations at both our King Vulture and Turkey Vulture exhibits.

Photo by Kelli O'Brien

Catch the last of our Summer Programs before they end on Monday, September 5.  Check out animal feedings, training demonstrations, enrichment, keeper talks and more.

If you haven’t seen our American alligators this summer, be sure to stop down and visit with them before they leave for the season, too!

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