With New York state boosting capacity limits for several entertainment venues, the Seneca Park Zoo is ready to welcome more visitors.
Increased capacity limits began Monday for state movie theaters, museums and zoos. The updated guidelines allow theaters to increase capacity to 33%, while museums and zoos may increase to 50%.
Seneca Park Zoo Society CEO Pamela Reed Sanchez said the change is welcome. The zoo had previously been operating at 33% capacity.
“We feel very fortunate that we were able to open last year and have people come out and have what they told us was the closest thing to a normal experience.” Reed said.
The zoo will continue safety precautions like mask wearing, encouraging safe distancing and its timed ticket program.
Reed Sanchez said aside from the increased capacity, visitors should not expect many other changes.
“We do monitor the traffic in the buildings and that is now changing," she said. “So … with more people coming, there might be a little longer wait to get into the buildings.”
Reed Sanchez said those who schedule a time to come in should not expect to see the zoo's newest addition. A 2-week-old snow leopard cub recently had to be removed from its mother because it was suffering from hypothermia and dehydration. It is now being hand-raised by staff.
“The snow leopard cub is still in very guarded condition, and we just ask the community to hand out some great energy. The animal care staff is doing everything that they can,” Reed Sanchez said.
Guests who are interested in visiting are encouraged to register on thezoo’s website.
