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 – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
Phone: (718) 220-5100
Official Website: Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo Reviews
Rated
I recently visited the zoo for the first time and had an amazing experience! I went on a Wednesday, which is their free admission day—a huge bonus. The process to get in was smooth, and I was pleasantly surprised by how large and well-kept the grounds were. I spent about 3 to 4 hours exploring and could’ve easily stayed longer. The animals looked well cared for, and there were plenty of exhibits to enjoy—from big cats and bears to birds, reptiles, and aquatic life.
One thing I really appreciated was how family-friendly the zoo felt. There were lots of shaded areas, benches, and open spaces to rest or take photos. The staff was also friendly and helpful, and even though it was a free day, the park never felt overcrowded.
Pro tip: definitely bring your own lunch! There are designated picnic areas and plenty of space to sit and eat. Food prices inside are typical for a tourist spot (a bit high), so packing a meal is a smart move. Another great thing—bags aren’t checked, so you can bring snacks, drinks, or even a small cooler with no problem.
All in all, I had a great time and would absolutely go again. Whether you’re going with kids, friends, or solo, there’s something for everyone. Free Wednesdays are such a great opportunity to enjoy a day out without spending a lot of money. Highly recommend planning a visit!
LL - 3 weeks ago
The zoo was very big and had a lot of incredible animals to see! I was here from open to close and didn't get to see everything! I did take my time and choose what meant the most to me and was very intentional about what I was ok with missing for the day, though.
The gift shop had a lot of great souvenirs to pick from with reasonable prices. I did not go into the café to see what they had to offer.
The architecture was breathtaking and worth the visit all on its own! Look closely at the buildings in the zoo center to see all the cool animals carved into the stone by the rooves of the buildings. The fountain and various statues are amazing as well.
I went on a Tuesday and it wasn't very busy, which was lovely! If you happen to take the subway there, the stop by the zoo has gorgeous stained glass depicting various animals that they feature at the zoo!
Sarah Awwesome - a month ago
Loved the variety! Amazing place, loved the layout and the fact that you don't have to walk far from one sanctuary to another. I only wished that some of the animal habitats were better designed to show the animals: sometimes you pass by a habitat and you can't find the animal so you leave disappointed.
Also bird poops on windows obscure a lot.
Rhonelle B-Williams - a week ago
Amazing Zoo, But Plan Your Day!
Wow, the Bronx Zoo is HUGE! Seriously, wear comfortable shoes because you'll be doing a ton of walking to see everything. The animal habitats are really impressive, much better than just basic enclosures. We especially loved the Congo Gorilla Forest and seeing the tigers in their areas – felt really immersive. There's an incredible variety of animals from all over the world. It's a fantastic place for families and anyone who loves wildlife.
Just a heads up: it gets busy, especially on nice days, so try to go early if you can. Also, double-check your ticket options when you buy. Some of the coolest attractions, like the monorail or certain big indoor exhibits (which are must-sees!), cost extra if you don't get the pass that includes them. Definitely worth the trip, but be prepared for a long day on your feet – you might even need more than one visit to truly soak it all in! Highly recommend, just plan ahead.
Yong Liu - a month ago
Overall it was a great experience. There was no wait getting into the park with tickets in advance. The park is big and tons of animals to look at. Definitely recommend getting a map to see where everything is that's for sure! When exiting the park it was easy to pay for the parking especially during closing time as they help you at the kiosk.
Michelle Thorne - 2 weeks 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
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Accommodations near Bronx Zoo:
Photo Gallery
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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: 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 -
Photo Credit: ikrichter - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JFGryphon - cc license via Flickr
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