Central Park Zoo

The Central Park Zoo is home to over 130 species of wildlife from around the world

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

Managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Central Park Zoo and 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 meters 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 from 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 a 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.

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



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Central Park 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: New York, NY 10021, USA

Phone: (212) 439-6500

Official Website: Central Park Zoo

Central Park Zoo Reviews

Rated 4.4 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating This charming and small zoo nestled within the park is a delightful place to visit. The diverse variety of animals is truly captivating, and my favorites include the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Sea Lions, Grizzly Bears, and Penguins. The zoo also have a remarkable variety of birds. This time, we had the privilege of observing the animals up close, creating unforgettable moments. The Sea Lion feeding show is an absolute delight, as these playful creatures perform impressive tricks with their trainers. The zoo is impeccably maintained and spotlessly clean, making it an oasis amidst the bustling city of Manhattan. A gift shop is conveniently located, offering a wide selection of souvenirs. The friendly and welcoming staff adds to the overall experience, making it a highly recommended destination for animal lovers!
Adriana De Pitkin - 2 weeks ago

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3 Star Rating You can feel that the people here care. The paths are clean, the penguins are happy celebrities behind glass, and the kids all press their faces to the windows like this is magic — and in some ways, it still is. But then you stop at the snow leopards. Or the sea lions circling in their small pool again and again. And suddenly, it’s not just a zoo anymore — it’s a quiet moral question with fur and feathers. You see the effort. You feel the limits. And you start to understand why the animals in the movie Madagascar wanted to escape. Not because the zoo is cruel — it isn’t — but because freedom doesn’t fit inside even the kindest walls. There’s beauty here: the skyline behind the trees, the laughter of kids feeding goats, the small oasis of calm in the middle of Manhattan chaos. But there’s also something bittersweet — like seeing a wild dream wearing a polite uniform. If you visit, come with curiosity, not judgment. Enjoy the care, acknowledge the cages, and maybe let the movie make a little more sense.
Arian Rassoul - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating One of the most iconic places in the world. This zoo is central to New York and it's rich history. The animals are extraordinary from its snow leopard to the snow monkeys to the red panda. One of the most amazing exhibits aside from the three female grizzly bears that are absolutely adorable and very interactive is the penguin exhibit. It is an amazing exhibition where people can see the penguins swim under water and really interact with them. It is always such a joy and treat to go to this zoo in any season. Please visit highly recommend it for your heart and soul.
Marianna Leah - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Central Park Zoo is a great little gem right in the heart of Manhattan. It’s amazing how much they’ve packed into such a small space—from penguins and sea lions to snow leopards and tropical birds. The exhibits are well maintained and easy to walk through, making it perfect for families or anyone wanting a quick nature break in the city. It’s not a large zoo, but that’s part of the charm—you can see everything in about an hour without feeling rushed.
Traveling Kafka - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating The Central Park Zoo is such an incredible experience! I had been here before, but I don’t remember it ever having such a wonderful variety of birds and animals. Yes, it’s small, but that’s part of its charm — it feels like a park within a park. After an already amazing day in Central Park, my daughter and I spent time exploring the zoo, and it truly felt like a hidden gem. They’ve created such a lovely, inviting space — everything is well-organized, perfectly clean, and thoughtfully designed. It’s also surprisingly affordable for the variety of animals you can see. We were genuinely impressed, and my daughter was absolutely thrilled. A cozy, magical spot that turns an ordinary park day into something unforgettable!
Victoria Ben Yishay - 2 months ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
N, R, or W59th Street / 5th Avenue5 minutes
F63rd Street / Lexington Avenue12 minutes

How to get to Central Park Zoo by Subway

Take the N, R, or W train to 59th Street / 5th Avenue, head north on Grand Army Plaza and continue on East Drive to the zoo entrance or the F train to 63rd Street / Lexington Avenue, head northwest on 63rd St towards Lexington Avenue, turn left at 5th Avenue, turn right at East 61st Street, turn right on park pathway leading to zoo entrance (12 minutes)

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