Information
Landmark: Bronx ZooCity: Bronx
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, USA New York, North America
Overview
Tucked inside Bronx Park in New York City, the Bronx Zoo ranks among the world’s largest city zoos, sprawling with winding paths and the scent of fresh hay.Spread across 265 acres, the zoo teems with over 4,000 animals representing about 650 species, from tiny dart frogs to towering giraffes.The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) runs it, earning a reputation for bold conservation work and creative exhibits-like a rainforest habitat where the air feels thick and alive.History and Mission Established in 1899: The zoo first welcomed visitors on November 8, 1899, aiming to entertain and educate-letting curious guests watch lions stretch in the morning sun while learning about their wild habitats.Since it opened, the zoo has led the way in animal care, championed wildlife conservation, and taught visitors about biodiversity-sometimes right beside the rustle of leaves in the aviary.Conservation Leadership: The zoo plays a leading role in global wildlife efforts, working to protect habitats and keep species-like the bright-eyed red panda-safe for generations to come.It backs more than 40 conservation projects across the globe, from forest reserves in Borneo to sea turtle hatcheries, all with one goal-keeping species from disappearing forever.At the Bronx Zoo, you’ll wander past exhibits that recreate the animals’ natural habitats-lush rainforests, dusty savannas-and meet species from every corner of the globe.Congo Gorilla Forest spans 6.5 acres, bringing visitors face-to-face with western lowland gorillas and other wildlife from the lush, vibrant heart of the Congo.You’re looking at one of the world’s biggest indoor gorilla habitats, with high glass walls and the low hum of visitors’ voices echoing inside.At Tiger Mountain, you’ll come face-to-face with Amur tigers, watching them glide through clear water as if the glass weren’t there, an experience that pulls you right into their world.Wild Asia Monorail takes you gliding above lush, recreated Asian landscapes, where you might spot an elephant swaying its trunk, a tiger slipping through the shade, and flashes of bright feathers from passing birds.African Plains showcases lions, zebras, and towering giraffes roaming a broad, sunlit expanse designed to mirror the wild landscapes they call home.JungleWorld is an indoor rainforest where you can watch gibbons swing, spot quiet langurs, and hear the bright calls of exotic birds up close.Children’s Zoo: Built for little explorers, this hands-on exhibit lets kids meet friendly farm animals and try fun, educational games.Madagascar-warm wind, red earth, and the call of distant lemurs.: An exhibit focusing on the unique wildlife of Madagascar, including lemurs, fossas, and other endemic species.Step inside an exhibit that showcases Madagascar’s extraordinary wildlife-playful lemurs leaping branch to branch, elusive fossas prowling in the shadows, and countless other species found nowhere else on earth.At the Bronx Zoo, conservation runs deep, with teams working in the wild and behind the scenes-sometimes tracking rare frogs in misty rainforests, other times caring for endangered species just steps from the public paths.The zoo partners with WCS to protect wildlife where they live, running field programs that help safeguard tigers prowling dense forests, elephants roaming savannas, gorillas in misty mountains, and polar bears on drifting ice.The zoo’s Wildlife Health and Veterinary Program also keeps a close watch on animal health, whether it’s a giraffe chewing leaves in its enclosure or a rare bird nesting deep in the forest.In 2024, the zoo marked its 125th anniversary with lively events, new exhibits, and an Animal Chronicles trail where visitors could follow the scent of fresh hay past signs telling the story of its long commitment to wildlife conservation.King Vulture Chick: For the first time in three decades, the zoo welcomed the sharp-eyed fluff of a newly hatched king vulture chick.To keep the chick from imprinting, the zoo used a hand puppet shaped like a full-grown vulture, its felt wings brushing lightly as they moved, helping the bird learn to survive in the wild.From November through April, visitor hours run 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., when the doors swing open and the scent of fresh coffee drifts from the lobby.From May through October, we’re open late-weekends and holidays until 5:30 PM, just in time to catch the golden light before sunset.Admission for adults 13 and up starts at $28.95 - about the price of a movie ticket and popcorn.Seniors 65 and older can get started for just $26.95.Children ages 3 to 12: prices start at $20.95.Kids two and under get in free.Parking costs $22 per vehicle, the same whether you roll in with a dusty pickup or a shiny sedan.Weekend parking at Fountain Circle runs $30, and spots are set aside for premium access.The zoo rents out strollers, wheelchairs, and electric convenience carts, making it easier for visitors who need a little help to get around.At the Bronx Zoo, animal care comes first, with exhibits continually redesigned to keep the animals healthy and content-like adding shady spots where a tiger can stretch out on a hot afternoon.The zoo made a major mark on veterinary medicine, launching the very first program to care for animals in a zoological park-where a tiger’s cough might be as carefully studied as a rare bird’s broken wing.The zoo also runs a wide range of educational programs for every age, from lively school trips to summer camps and hands-on workshops for adults.Summer Nights at the zoo light up with live music, hands-on games for kids, and up-close animal demos that make the warm evening air buzz with excitement.Wildlife Conservation Week: For seven days, the spotlight’s on protecting species worldwide, with lively talks, striking exhibits, and the chance to meet animals up close.You’ll find it at the Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460-right across from the tall iron gates.You can get to the zoo with ease on public transit-just hop on subway lines 2, 5, or 6 and you’re there.Several bus routes pull up near the zoo, some close enough that you can hear the monkeys calling as you step off.
