Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo can easily captivate you for the better part of a day
New York's Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States with over 4,000 animals of 650 species, many of which are threatened or endangered. Across 265 acres of naturalistic habitats, exhibits provide close-up encounters with exotic animals and educate visitors about the animals and their habitats. A daily schedule of animal feedings and award winning enrichment programs provide an opportunity to interact with animals and connect with zookeepers for a personalized experience.
Well worth the trip to the Bronx, visitors will find it difficult to see all that the Bronx Zoo has on offer in one day. Be sure to stop by the African Plains exhibit where you will see lions, African wild dogs and zebras. The world class Congo Gorilla Experience is not to be missed, bringing visitors up close and personal with the Great Apes in a 6.5 acre lush tropical habitat. Other Bronx Zoo highlights include the Baboon Reserve, one of the largest primate exhibits in the United States and catching a glimpse of the rare snow leopard in the Himalayan Highlands. To give your feet a rest, take a guided tour on the Wild Asia Monorail including tigers, elephants and rhinos or watch the sea lions paint as part of a new animal enrichment initiative.
The Zoo also has an immersive 4-D Theatre which features different films through the year. This attraction is recommended for adults and for children 6 years of age and up.
Several attractions including the 4-D Theatre, Children's Zoo, Bug Carousel, Conngo Gorilla Forest, Jungleworld, Butterfly Gardens, camel rides and zoo shuttle are not included in the price of standard admission, but can be purchased as part of a total experience package. You can also get a small discount if you purchase the Total Experience Tickets online instead of at the gate and on Wednesdays admission is by donation. For additional savings, pack a picnic lunch and dine al fresco at one of the Bronx Zoo's many picnic areas.
The zoo is open year round, but some animals will not be seen in their outdoor habitats during the colder parts of the year, especially those in the African Plains exhibit where they can be seen outdoors from April through October.
Nearby attractions: New York Botanical Garden, Yankee Stadium, Fort Tryon Park, The Cloisters and Pelham Bay Park and Orchard Beach
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes. Wednesdays are by donation.Bronx Zoo Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
Phone: (718) 220-5100
Official Website: Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
Had so much fun! The zoo was clean and well-kept up, and had a really nice variety of animals and exhibits.
The walking paths were really nice and there were relatively few other visitors — we only really encountered two or three large groups. The ticketed attractions were quite nice, but not absolutely necessary for a fulfilling visit. They did offer better viewing for a lot of the animals though.
The exhibits were beautiful and the animals were great to sit and watch.
The food was pretty good as zoo foods go. We went to the dancing crane, and the building was clean and service was good.
Overall a really nice experience! Would recommend.
Amelia Overton - 2 months ago
This is the largest, and one of the best zoos I've ever been at. I did the free limited admission ticket for Wednesday and paid 7 dollars for the Asia Monorail. You can pay, I believe, 14 dollars in total, for all the star attractions, but I just chose one, for my personal preference. I loved the monorail and it is evident how much they care for their animals and conservation efforts.
The enclosures are spacious and the animals are able to freely roam. Anyone complaining about not seeing a lot of animals or claiming they're "just sleeping", walking a lot(since the zoo is very large), or extra pricing for certain exhibits; needs to realize that this is an AZA accredited zoo. They're are not a circus and their main objectives are to support animal conservation efforts and educate the public. The money goes toward funding these efforts and the vast habitats they have created for the animals shows the commitment to a high standard of animal welfare. Even with the limited admission, I was able to see so much, including animals I haven't seen before in other zoos, like the snow leopard. I especially loved the sea lion and penguin feedings as well as reading about how the zoo contributes to helping endangered animal populations. Overall 10/10 experience and I would recommend and come again! ❤️
Xena Abella - a month ago
The Bronx Zoo is an incredible place to visit, especially if you’re planning a family outing. Admission is free on Wednesdays, but you’ll need to reserve your tickets online, as they become available on the website starting Monday evening. While admission is free, there is a fee for parking.
The zoo features an impressive variety of animal exhibits, and one day is honestly not enough to see everything at a relaxed pace. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
It’s a good idea to bring your own snacks or packed lunch to enjoy during your visit. If you prefer to buy food, there are several eateries and cafés throughout the zoo offering a range of dining options.
Overall, the Bronx Zoo is well worth visiting and offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Bollam Moses - 2 months ago
I visited the Bronx Zoo and had a great experience. It is a large, clean park with a wide variety of animals in habitats that, in many cases, are very well designed. The staff was friendly, and it is clear that they put a lot of effort into wildlife conservation and environmental education.
As a suggestion for improvement, it would be helpful to have more shaded areas and benches for visitors to rest, especially on hot days. It would also be nice to have more interactive information at some exhibits, shorter wait times for the most popular attractions, and more drinking water refill stations where visitors can easily and freely fill their water bottles.
Overall, it is an excellent place to visit with family or friends. It offers a great combination of entertainment, education, and nature, making it well worth the visit.
Wash C - 2 months ago
The Bronx Zoo is one of the most impressive and enjoyable wildlife experiences in New York. It’s not just a zoo; it feels like a true natural habitat where animals have room to roam, making the entire visit more authentic and engaging.
One of the highlights is seeing the lions up close—powerful, majestic, and absolutely captivating. The giraffes are another must-see, gracefully moving through their space and providing great photo opportunities. Additionally, the rhinos stand out with their sheer size and presence, making them truly unforgettable.
A unique experience at the zoo is seeing the elephants, though this is only possible if you take the train ride. It’s definitely worth it, as the ride grants you access to areas you wouldn’t otherwise reach and adds a fun, relaxing element to your visit.
What truly makes the Bronx Zoo special is the thoughtful design of its enclosures. Many animals live in large, open spaces that closely resemble their natural environments. This benefits the animals and enhances the experience for visitors.
Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or with family, the Bronx Zoo offers a full day of exploration, learning, and connection with wildlife. It’s an unforgettable destination and easily one of the best attractions in NYC.
Gerardo Sosa Gallardo - 4 months ago
![]()
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2 or 5 | Pelham Parkway | 12 minutes |
How to get to Bronx Zoo by Subway
Take the 2 or 5 train to Pelham Parkway. Make your way by elevator or stairs to street level and walk west along Pelham Parkway South (keep to the sidewalk on the south side of the road) to the zoo entrance (12 minutes).
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Bronx Zoo:
Photo Gallery
-
Exploring the Bronx Zoo from the Wild Asia Monorail cc licensed photo by Shinya Suzuki -
Two giraffes stands tall among the trees in the Bronx Zoo cc licensed photo by Alexandria Perone -
Photo Credit: ikrichter - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ikrichter - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JFGryphon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ikrichter - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ikrichter - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ikrichter - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ikrichter - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ikrichter - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ikrichter - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ikrichter - cc license via Flickr

