Central Park Wildlife Center

Central Park Wildlife Center is home to over 130 species of wildlife from around the world

Managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Central Park Wildlife Center is part of an integrated network of four New York zoos and the New York Aquarium established to advance wildlife conservation awareness and promote the study of zoology. Established in 1860, the grounds have since undergone extensive renovations replacing the zoo's old fashioned cages with more natural habitats. Just a few metres from the hustle and bustle of 5th Avenue, the Central Park Wildlife Center and the Tisch Children's Zoo are home to over 130 species of all from all over the world including polar bears, sea lions, snow leopards, reptiles and exotic birds. The Central Park Wildlife Center also houses an indoor rainforest exhibit with viewing platforms at various levels offering a unique perspective into the ecosystem beneath the canopy.

Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy the daily Harbour Seal, Penguin and Sea Lion feedings and variety of small group tours and educational programs conducted by Central Park Wildlife Center staff. Limited opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals as a junior zookeeper or animal trainer are available for an additional fee. The 4-D Theatre is now showing Planet Earth: Ice Worlds, a BBC Earth film exploring the Arctic and Antarctic.

Cost: Admission fees apply. Please see website for up-to-date pricing.

Hours: Open daily 10:00am - 4:30pm; Extended summer hours

Website: Central Park Zoo

Address : Central Park, 5th Avenue at East 64th Street

Nearby attractions: The Frick Collection, Whitney Museum of American Art, The Met, American Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Opera

Polar Circle at the Central Park Wildlife Centre cc licensed flickr photo shared by La Citta Vita

One of many residents living at the Central Park Zoo cc licensed flickr photo shared by Stig Nygaard