Air quality concerns force closure of Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester NY

Update, June 8, 2023: Seneca Park Zoo plans to reopen at 10 a.m. Thursday. On its social media channels, the zoo said it will continue to monitor air quality and make adjustments as needed.

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Original story, June 7, 2023: The Seneca Park Zoo is closed today, Wednesday, because of "air quality concerns" for zoo animals and guests, according to the facility's social media channels.

On Tuesday, a county spokesperson said zoo staff were monitoring the air-quality situation in Rochester and that animals showing signs of distress would be moved indoors.

On Wednesday, when air quality worsened, she said the zoo moved some select species indoors.

The animals will be returned to their regular habitats as the smoke clears and air quality improves, she said.

"We will continue to monitor air quality closely, and continue to make decisions based on what the Animal Health team determines is best for the health and wellbeing of the animals."

The zoo's social media posts did not indicate when the zoo will reopen.

The social media posts did not indicate when the zoo will reopen.

At 11:41 a.m. Wednesday, as a smoky haze and strong campfire smell from Canadian wildfires continued to engulf the area, Rochester's Air Quality Index, or AQI, was at 210. An AQI number of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 200 is classified as very unhealthy, according to airnow.gov, a partnership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal, state and local air-quality agencies.

In comparison, the AQI late Tuesday afternoon was 157.

Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.