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![]()
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 - 3 weeks ago
What a lovely place. Definitely get the membership, it's worth it. 5 zoos for 1 price, 3 adults 4 kids.
It's huge, first of all. Take a whole day. They close 5:30 pm. Very clean, beautiful, interesting, what a pleasant day to spend there. We are definitely coming back. Friendly stuff, informative cashiers and just representatives around the park Thank you!
Iryna Glushchenko - a month ago
The grounds are kept very clean, everything is quite well maintained. The bathrooms were clean and well stocked. It was pouring down rain when we visited so the only animals we really got to see were the giraffes. (They are my favorite so we were happy 😊) Parking lot C was located perfectly in relation to the Cafe and gift shop. We're looking forward to a return visit during better weather!
Kacie Nelson - a month ago
Bronx Zoo was honestly a great experience. There’s so much to see that it actually feels like a full day, not something you rush through. The layout keeps you moving, and each section feels different enough to stay interesting.
The animals looked well cared for, and the exhibits felt more natural and immersive than most zoos. It didn’t feel repetitive. There was always something new around the corner.
It’s also very family friendly. Easy to walk through with kids, plenty of space, and a good mix of calm areas and more exciting exhibits.
Overall, it’s one of those places that actually lives up to the hype. Definitely worth going, especially if you want something that feels like a real experience and not just a quick stop.
Anita Pierce - a month ago
Amazing place with family especially kids.
Carry some quarters or $1 bills for feeding if possible in children zoo.
Good time spent. Cant cover everything in a day so worth visiting again.
Must do:
Monorail is a must.
Children zoo if with kids.
Birds I heard is good with feeding (we didnt experience)
Bugs carousel is nice, my kid loves carousels.
Many more
NOTE:
Everything is very expensive compared to market.
Suggest to carry your food.
Also do buy stuff and store products for support. (We get magnet and sometimes small toy.)
Saurabh Shah - a month 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: 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

