Prospect Park Zoo | New York

The Prospect Park Zoo is a vibrant, family-friendly wildlife attraction located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, within the expansive Prospect Park. Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the zoo covers approximately 12 acres and houses nearly 400 animals from over 100 different species. It offers a rich variety of both indoor and outdoor exhibits, interactive experiences, and educational programs designed to engage visitors of all ages with the natural world and wildlife conservation.

Location and History

Address: 450 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Setting: Nestled inside Prospect Park, a historic and heavily visited urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the zoo benefits from a natural, scenic environment.

History: Originally opened in 1935 as part of a WPA project, the zoo has undergone multiple renovations and expansions to modernize its exhibits and enhance animal habitats. Today, it functions as a key institution for wildlife education and conservation in the city.

Animal Exhibits and Attractions

The Prospect Park Zoo features several distinct areas that showcase a wide range of animal species from around the world, emphasizing their natural behaviors and habitats.

1. Discovery Trail

This outdoor exhibit trail leads visitors through diverse habitats and introduces a variety of animals, many of which are native to different continents:

Red Panda: Small, arboreal mammals native to the eastern Himalayas, known for their reddish-brown fur and bushy tails.

Dingo: Wild dogs from Australia, showcasing unique hunting and social behaviors.

Emu: Large flightless birds from Australia, notable for their size and speed.

North American River Otter: Playful aquatic mammals adapted to freshwater environments.

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog: Social burrowing rodents found in North America; the exhibit includes tunnels where visitors can crawl through and observe their underground life.

Tufted Deer: Small deer species with characteristic tufted hair and fang-like canines.

Geoffroy’s Marmoset: Small New World monkeys native to South America, highly social and active.

2. Animal Lifestyles

An indoor exhibit featuring animals from diverse ecosystems, designed to highlight different survival strategies and behaviors:

Pallas’s Cat: A small wild cat native to Central Asia, adapted to cold mountain habitats.

Golden Lion Tamarin: Vibrant orange primates from the Brazilian Atlantic forest, a species often involved in conservation breeding programs.

Hamadryas Baboon: Large, socially complex baboons native to the Horn of Africa, featured in a spacious glass enclosure.

Lettered Aracari: Colorful toucans native to Central and South America.

Emerald Tree Boa: Striking green snakes known for their arboreal lifestyle.

Dwarf Mongoose: The smallest African mongoose species, noted for cooperative behaviors.

Desert Monitor: Large lizards adapted to arid environments.

3. Hall of Animals

This section focuses on smaller, often overlooked species with interesting adaptations:

Rodrigues Fruit Bat: Large bats native to Rodrigues Island, important pollinators and seed dispersers.

Poison Dart Frog: Brightly colored frogs native to Central and South America, known for their toxic skin secretions.

Fennec Fox: Small desert foxes with large ears adapted for heat dissipation.

Vietnamese Mossy Frog: Camouflaged amphibians that blend into mossy environments.

Henkel’s Leaf-Tailed Gecko: Masters of disguise with flattened bodies and leaf-like tails.

Red-Crested Turaco: Vibrantly colored birds native to Africa.

Black-Footed Cat: Small but fierce wild cats native to southern Africa.

4. Barn & Garden

An interactive outdoor area where visitors can meet and feed domesticated farm animals:

Alpacas, Shetland Sheep, Juliana Pigs, Zebu Cows, Miniature Horses: The barn provides a tactile experience for families, especially children, to learn about traditional farm animals and their roles in agriculture. Feed is available for purchase to enhance engagement.

5. Sea Lion Court

Home to California sea lions, this exhibit offers:

Sea Lion Training and Feeding Sessions: Scheduled shows at 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM give insight into sea lion behaviors, intelligence, and conservation efforts. Visitors can observe how trainers work with the animals, highlighting the importance of enrichment and care.

Conservation and Education

The Prospect Park Zoo participates actively in conservation and species preservation programs. It provides educational outreach through school programs, summer camps, and special events aimed at fostering a connection between visitors and wildlife.

The zoo’s conservation goals include protecting endangered species, conducting breeding programs, and raising awareness about environmental challenges. The presence of rare and threatened species like the golden lion tamarin underscores its commitment to global biodiversity.

Visitor Information

Hours:

Open year-round, with longer hours in spring and summer (typically 10:00 AM to 5:00 or 5:30 PM) and shorter hours in winter (closing by 4:30 PM).

Last admission is generally 30 minutes before closing.

Admission:

Adults: Approximately $11

Seniors: Around $9

Children (3–12 years): About $8

Children under 2: Free

Tickets must be purchased in advance online.

Accessibility: The zoo is wheelchair accessible with accommodations to ensure an inclusive experience.

Getting There

Subway: The closest station is Prospect Park, served by the Q, B trains, and the Franklin Avenue Shuttle (S).

Bus: Several local bus routes, including the B41, stop near the zoo.

Parking: Free street parking is available along Flatbush Avenue, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.

Recent Highlights

In recent years, the zoo has seen the addition of new animal residents that have attracted visitors:

Baby hamadryas baboons born in 2024, providing a delightful opportunity for visitors to observe playful juvenile primates.

The introduction of southern pudu deer, the smallest deer species globally, adds to the zoo’s unique animal diversity.

Summary

The Prospect Park Zoo offers a compact but enriching wildlife experience perfect for families and animal lovers. Its diverse exhibits allow visitors to explore animals from different parts of the world, learn about their behaviors and habitats, and engage directly with nature in an urban setting. Emphasizing conservation and education, the zoo balances entertainment with meaningful messaging about protecting wildlife and ecosystems. Its accessible location within Prospect Park makes it an easy and enjoyable destination for a day of discovery in Brooklyn.