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I visited for the first time yesterday, and noticed that ground has not yet broken on the Tropics Complex. Does anyone know what their updated ETA for opening it is (something tells me it isn't 2025 anymore, lol). There was a sign saying it was "coming soon", with photos showing siamang, Sumatran orangutan, clouded leopard, and ring-tailed lemur.
 
One of the two giraffe calfs very sadly passed away. Parker Junior, known as PJ, was named after his father.

"PJ was born Dec. 6 and "showed signs of being lame in the left rear leg" Dec. 24, according to the zoo.

Veterinarians consulted by the zoo believed the symptoms indicated tendonitis or a nerve issue. The Animals of the Savanna exhibit remained closed to the public as PJ underwent treatment. The zoo said staff "worked tirelessly to monitor and train PJ to take medications voluntarily" every day.

PJ was said to be "progressing well" as of Wednesday, with the zoo preparing to reopen the exhibit, when he began to show signs of lameness in his right leg. The zoo said PJ's health continued to decline the next three days until his sudden death.

A necropsy showed he died from encephalitis, an infection of the tissues around the brain that was also affecting PJ's liver and umbilical region."

https://13wham.com/news/local/seneca-park-zoo-giraffe-calf-dies-parker-junior-pj
 
One of the two giraffe calfs very sadly passed away. Parker Junior, known as PJ, was named after his father.

"PJ was born Dec. 6 and "showed signs of being lame in the left rear leg" Dec. 24, according to the zoo.

Veterinarians consulted by the zoo believed the symptoms indicated tendonitis or a nerve issue. The Animals of the Savanna exhibit remained closed to the public as PJ underwent treatment. The zoo said staff "worked tirelessly to monitor and train PJ to take medications voluntarily" every day.

PJ was said to be "progressing well" as of Wednesday, with the zoo preparing to reopen the exhibit, when he began to show signs of lameness in his right leg. The zoo said PJ's health continued to decline the next three days until his sudden death.

A necropsy showed he died from encephalitis, an infection of the tissues around the brain that was also affecting PJ's liver and umbilical region."

https://13wham.com/news/local/seneca-park-zoo-giraffe-calf-dies-parker-junior-pj
Sad news. Seneca Park has been having the worst luck with their giraffes lately :(
 
I visited for the first time yesterday, and noticed that ground has not yet broken on the Tropics Complex. Does anyone know what their updated ETA for opening it is (something tells me it isn't 2025 anymore, lol). There was a sign saying it was "coming soon", with photos showing siamang, Sumatran orangutan, clouded leopard, and ring-tailed lemur.
The initial design of the Tropics was sent to bid and came back over budget. As I understand a redesign is in process. Yes I suspect ‘25 is not in the cards.
 
In happier news, Seneca Park Zoo has been nominated by USA Today for their award as the United States' best zoo!

USA Today | Vote for your favorite zoo!
Seneca Park making the list of nominations but Bronx Zoo not :confused:. In all seriousness, having Seneca Park nominated for this is the most absurd thing I've seen in a while. I've been to ten other zoos in New York State alone I'd rank above Seneca Park!
 
Seneca Park making the list of nominations but Bronx Zoo not :confused:. In all seriousness, having Seneca Park nominated for this is the most absurd thing I've seen in a while. I've been to ten other zoos in New York State alone I'd rank above Seneca Park!
I said the same thing to myself! :D I even felt there were other zoos who could get the nod over Central Park. It's a strange list, but I suppose I am just happy some different zoos are getting a little press rather than the usuals. :)
 
Seneca Park making the list of nominations but Bronx Zoo not :confused:. In all seriousness, having Seneca Park nominated for this is the most absurd thing I've seen in a while. I've been to ten other zoos in New York State alone I'd rank above Seneca Park!
While not the best zoo in NY I’d say it’s in the top of the class for western NY. Syracuse is better, but not Buffalo, not Utica, not ZooNY. What other 9 zoos beat SPZ out? I think WCS zoos, while obviously a step up are riding on their old reputation. I see a lot of differed maintenance at WCS zoos, even when they have TV cameras following them around for Bronx Zoo! spend a few minutes to clean up the junk.
 
While not the best zoo in NY I’d say it’s in the top of the class for western NY. Syracuse is better, but not Buffalo, not Utica, not ZooNY. What other 9 zoos beat SPZ out? I think WCS zoos, while obviously a step up are riding on their old reputation. I see a lot of differed maintenance at WCS zoos, even when they have TV cameras following them around for Bronx Zoo! spend a few minutes to clean up the junk.
I would absolutely argue that both Utica and Buffalo are better than Seneca Park, as well as Rosamond Gifford, all five WCS facilities, and Staten Island. Seneca Park Zoo has a few really bad exhibits- namely for polar bears and tigers, and their elephant area is pitifully small for modern standards too. Furthermore, the collection at Seneca Park Zoo is sorely lacking- with a very small collection that is overly focused on charismatic megafauna.
 
Has anyone been to this zoo recently to see if they've started any progress on their Tropics exhibit?

To join in the above opinions, I would put Rosamond Gifford and Buffalo Zoo above Seneca Park Zoo, but Central Park Zoo and Staten Island Zoo below it.
 
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