Seneca Park Zoo Celebrates Inaugural Military Appreciation Day

Rochester, NY – Seneca Park Zoo will celebrate its first Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, November 8.  In partnership with Veterans Outreach Center and the Monroe County Office of Veterans Service, the Zoo will host more than 20 veteran-serving agencies in the morning, offer a wellness walk in the afternoon, and have activities throughout the day.  The Monroe County Legislature voted last month to make this day free to veterans and up to four of their guests.   

“Military Appreciation Day at the Zoo is another way that we can thank our local heroes around Veterans Day. This new tradition lets veterans and families experience the Zoo at no cost while showing them the expansive resources our community has to offer," said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. "Monroe County is proud to partner with community organizations that are equally committed to serving our veterans." 

Guests arriving between 10 am and 1 pm will have the opportunity to learn about services provided by Honor Flight, the Rochester Vet Center, Trillium Health Foundation, Veterans Upward Bound, VA Medical Foster Homes, and Lollypop Farm, as well as learn about opportunities available through Monroe County Office of Human Resources, NYS Department of Civil Service, and RIT Veteran Electronics Manufacturing Training.  In addition, both Blue Star Mothers and One Soldier at a Time will be on site giving guests an opportunity to thank a veteran through their activities.  

“The idea for Military Appreciation Day came from someone on our animal care team, whose husband is in the navy. We also have veterans on our staff, and many of us have family members and close friends who have served our country; it just made sense to add this day to our calendar,” said Zoo Director Bob Lee.  “We’re proud to provide a day for people to come to the Zoo and learn about the many resources in our community designed specifically for veterans, as well as activities to help thank our veterans.”   

The day also features insider chats and animal enrichment at animal habitats throughout the day, an opportunity to make and take your own pinecone bird feeder, and a Veterans Wellness Hike in Seneca Park co-led by staff from the Seneca Park Zoo and the Veterans Outreach Center.  The Veterans Wellness Hike will start at the Wegmans Lodge in Seneca Park at 1:30 and last approximately an hour as participants connect with the natural world through a guided meditation and Naturalist-led hike through the park’s trails.  

“Monroe County is the best place to live for Veterans in New York State. I firmly believe that,” said Nick Stefanovic, Director of the Monroe County Office of Veterans Services. “The partnership between county government, nonprofits and businesses has made this so. I’m grateful for the Seneca Park Zoo playing this role to continue that tradition.”  

The Zoo is also collecting donations for the Veterans Outreach Center “Pets for Vets Pantry,” and guests bringing items on their wish list on November 8 will receive $2 off admission.  Requested items include cat food, cat litter, dog food, pet beds, pet sweaters, and pet toys.   

“As a veteran myself, I know how much it means when our community takes the time to recognize and connect with those who have served,” said Laura Heltz, Executive Director of Veterans Outreach Center and U.S. Army veteran. “We’re so grateful to the Seneca Park Zoo for creating this special day for veterans and their families. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the simplest things, like enjoying nature and feeling appreciated, can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.” 

For a complete schedule of activities and list of partners, visit https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/military-appreciation-day/ 

All activities are free with admission, but resource tables are available only until 1 pm. To save $2 on admission, purchase advance tickets at senecaparkzoo.org or bring an item for the Pets for Vets Pantry. 

Internationally, and in our own backyard, Seneca Park Zoo plays a key role in species survival. Chartered as an educational institution in 1957 by New York State, the Seneca Park Zoo Society plays an integral role in supporting Monroe County, the owners and operators of the Zoo. Together, we are working to bring animals back from the brink of extinction.