NEWSLETTER
Aquarium of Niagara & Seneca Park Zoo Will Offer ASL-Interpreted Programing Oct. 11-12.
Niagara Falls, N.Y.; (Oct. 2, 2025) — Two Western New York zoological facilities, in collaboration with regional partners serving the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, are teaming up to promote inclusivity, connection, and awareness of Western New York's vibrant Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
In partnership with Rochester School for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT/NTID), and People Inc., the Aquarium of Niagara and Seneca Park Zoo invite guests from the Buffalo/Niagara and Rochester regions to explore both institutions through immersive exhibits, educational opportunities, and accessible programming on Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12.
Seneca Park Zoo | Saturday, Oct. 11
All public animal presentations at Seneca Park Zoo will feature both spoken and signed interpretation, thanks to American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters from RIT/NTID’s Bachelor of Science in Interpreting program. These students are providing services pro bono as part of their community interpreting curriculum.
In addition to interpreted presentations, guests can attend interpreted story time sessions at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., interact with the Zoo’s Nature Cart, and receive seasonal gardening tips from the Zoo’s naturalist team. Families can also participate in a fall-themed scavenger hunt highlighting scarecrows and fairy house doors throughout the Zoo grounds.
"Zoos and aquariums are places of joy and wonder, where everyone should feel welcomed and inspired to fall in love with the living world." said Pamela Reed Sanchez, CEO of the Seneca Park Zoo Society. "Our partnerships with Rochester School for the Deaf and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf have made this event possible in a multitude of ways for several years. We are proud to expand the effort this year to include the Aquarium of Niagara, which shares our commitment to being a place of belonging for all.”
“It is exciting to have Deaf Awareness events at both the Seneca Park Zoo and the Aquarium of Niagara on the same weekend,” said Caroline M. Solomon, NTID president and RIT vice president. “These events are learning experiences for our students, the students from the Rochester School for the Deaf, and the community at large. I look forward to attending!”
Aquarium of Niagara | Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 11-12
All presentations at the Aquarium of Niagara will be interpreted in ASL by professionals from People Inc., supported through a grant from the People Inc. Foundation.
New this year, the Aquarium will offer free ASL-interpreted tours at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. both days. Advance registration is required. When possible, interpreters will also be present at the Aquarium’s interactive touch pools, helping guests engage more deeply with the animals and exhibits.
“Collaboration allows us to deepen our impact and broaden our reach,” said Chad Fifer, president and CEO of the Aquarium of Niagara. “We’re grateful for the guidance and expertise of our partners at People Inc., RIT/NTID, and Rochester School for the Deaf in helping us better serve the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and to our friends at Seneca Park Zoo for working alongside us to expand access to the wonders of the natural world across both of our communities.”
The Aquarium has also partnered with People Inc. to create pre-recorded, ASL-interpreted videos featuring animal facts and exhibit information, now available on demand on the Aquarium’s website.
“We are proud to support Deaf Awareness events in the community. These events are not only fun and engaging for families, they’re also a meaningful way to promote inclusion and celebrate the Deaf community, said People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey. “Building a more inclusive community for everyone is what drives People Inc.’s mission.”
To encourage community participation, both institutions will offer the following reciprocal discounts throughout October:
- Show your Aquarium of Niagara receipt at Seneca Park Zoo to receive $2 off admission.
- Show your Seneca Park Zoo receipt at the Aquarium of Niagara to receive $5 off admission.
Discounts apply to walk-up tickets only and may not be combined with other promotions such as membership reciprocity or Museums for All. Members of Seneca Park Zoo and the Aquarium of Niagara always receive 50% off general admission at participating institutions through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Admission Reciprocity Program.
The Aquarium of Niagara is open 9am to 5pm (Tuesday, Friday-Sunday) and 9am to 4pm (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday). More information is available at aquariumofniagara.org.
Seneca Park Zoo is open from 10am to 5pm daily, and more information is available at senecaparkzoo.org.
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Media Contacts:
Christine Stephans, Director of Communications and Marketing, Aquarium of Niagara, (716) 390-9020, cstephans@aquariumofniagara.org
Beth LaPierre, Director of Marketing and Communications, Seneca Park Zoo, (585) 355-7436, blapierre@senecazoo.org
Liz Kahn, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, People Inc., (716) 310-4188,
Susan Murad, Senior Director of Public Relations and Creative Services, RIT/National Technical Institute for the Deaf, (585) 451-0718, susan.murad@rit.edu
About The Aquarium of Niagara
The Aquarium of Niagara is a non-profit organization and public aquarium located in Niagara Falls, NY. As the only aquatic museum in the region, the Aquarium of Niagara serves the community as a nexus for explorative learning by celebrating natural wonders and inspiring people to make a difference for aquatic life. Its campus is comprised of two distinct buildings housing 180 different species, including several that were rescued and deemed unable to return to the wild. The Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and the International Marine Mammal Trainer’s Association. For more information visit aquariumofniagara.org
About Seneca Park Zoo
Founded in 1893, Seneca Park Zoo inspires our community to connect with, care for, and conserve wildlife and wild places. Continuously accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums since 1979, the Zoo is home to hundreds of species from around the world and drives impactful conservation work locally and globally. Through immersive exhibits, hands-on learning, and community-focused initiatives, the Zoo empowers visitors to become changemakers for the planet. Located along the Genesee River in Rochester, New York, Seneca Park Zoo is operated by Monroe County and supported by the Seneca Park Zoo Society. Learn more at senecaparkzoo.org.
About People Inc.
People Inc. provides health and human services that enrich lives and communities through innovation and supportive services. We offer programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester regions, essential affordable housing options, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and a range of supportive programs for seniors. For more information, go to people-inc.org.
About the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
Established by the U.S. Congress in 1965, NTID is the first and largest technological college in the world for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. For more than 55 years, NTID has been creating the most powerful network of deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals in the world. Home to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized as a leader in computing, engineering, imaging technology, fine and applied arts, and for providing unparalleled support services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Deaf and hard-of-hearing students come from all over the United States and around the world to take advantage of the opportunities available to them at RIT/NTID. Visit: www.rit.edu/NTID.
About Rochester School for the Deaf (RSD)
Rochester School for the Deaf (RSD) is a state-supported private school where Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, newborn to age 21, thrive. Our early childhood and K-12 educational programs are provided at no cost to families from central and western New York. Highly-trained professionals provide students direct access to communication in a vibrant bilingual – American Sign Language (ASL) and English – learning environment, with strong academics, enrichment opportunities, and support services.
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