Bronx Zoo | Bronx

The Bronx Zoo, located in Bronx Park, New York City, is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world. Covering over 265 acres, the zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals from around 650 species. It's managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and is known for its commitment to conservation and innovative animal exhibits.

History and Mission

Established in 1899: The zoo opened to the public on November 8, 1899, with the goal of providing both entertainment and educational opportunities for visitors. Since its inception, the zoo has been a pioneering force in animal care, wildlife conservation, and public education about biodiversity.

Conservation Leadership: The zoo has been a major player in global wildlife conservation efforts, focusing on species preservation and habitat protection. It supports over 40 field conservation projects worldwide and works to prevent animal extinction.

Exhibits and Attractions

The Bronx Zoo offers a wide range of exhibits, each designed to mimic the animals' natural habitats, and features a diverse selection of species across different continents.

Congo Gorilla Forest: A 6.5-acre exhibit dedicated to the conservation of western lowland gorillas, along with other species from the Congo region. This exhibit is one of the largest indoor gorilla exhibits in the world.

Tiger Mountain: Home to Amur tigers, this exhibit offers an immersive experience with opportunities for underwater viewing of the majestic tigers.

Wild Asia Monorail: A monorail ride through recreated Asian habitats, where visitors can view animals such as Asian elephants, tigers, and various birds.

African Plains: Features a variety of African species, including lions, zebras, and giraffes, displayed in a wide-open, naturalistic setting that simulates their native environments.

JungleWorld: An indoor rainforest exhibit that provides a closer look at tropical species, such as gibbons, langurs, and exotic birds.

Children’s Zoo: Designed for younger visitors, this interactive exhibit allows kids to learn about farm animals and play educational games.

Madagascar!: An exhibit focusing on the unique wildlife of Madagascar, including lemurs, fossas, and other endemic species.

Conservation and Research

The Bronx Zoo is deeply involved in both in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts. The zoo works with WCS to safeguard species in their natural habitats through field programs, including efforts to protect tigers, elephants, gorillas, and polar bears. Additionally, the zoo's Wildlife Health and Veterinary Program helps monitor the health of species both at the zoo and in the wild.

Recent Developments

125th Anniversary Celebrations: The zoo celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024 with the introduction of special events, exhibits, and a new Animal Chronicles trail that traces the zoo’s rich history in wildlife conservation.

King Vulture Chick: In a notable success, the zoo successfully hatched a king vulture chick, which had not been done in 30 years. The zoo utilized a hand puppet resembling an adult vulture to prevent imprinting, ensuring the chick's ability to survive in the wild.

Visitor Information

Hours:

November to April: Open from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

May to October: Extended hours, open until 5:30 PM on weekends and holidays.

Admission:

Adults (13 & over): Starting at $28.95.

Seniors (65 & over): Starting at $26.95.

Children (3–12): Starting at $20.95.

Children (2 & under): Free.

Parking:

Regular parking costs $22 per vehicle.

Premium weekend parking at the Fountain Circle is available for $30.

Rentals: The zoo offers a variety of rentals including strollers, wheelchairs, and electric convenience vehicles for those needing assistance.

Animal Care and Education

The Bronx Zoo has been a leader in animal care, constantly evolving its exhibits to prioritize the well-being of the animals. The zoo has contributed significantly to veterinary medicine, pioneering the first veterinary program for animals in a zoological park. Additionally, the zoo offers extensive educational programs aimed at all ages, from school group visits to summer camps and adult workshops.

Special Events and Programs

Summer Nights: The zoo hosts summer evening events, featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and special animal demonstrations.

Wildlife Conservation Week: This weeklong celebration focuses on global wildlife conservation efforts, featuring talks, exhibits, and animal encounters.

Location

Address: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460.

The zoo is easily accessible by public transportation, including subway lines 2, 5, and 6. There are also several bus routes that stop near the zoo.

The Bronx Zoo continues to be a major institution in the fields of wildlife conservation, education, and research, offering an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.