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 – 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Address: East 64th Street, 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 It’s my second time in this Zoo first was 17years ago at summertime with my daughter now 2days ago with my son. We had really great time. The penguins the seals I can watch them for hours. Monkeys red panda snow leopard we enjoyed it all. Had a beautiful sunny day walk around with a hot chocolate it’s kept us warm. The park clean and nice it’s fun even the cold winter days to visit plus I got ticket from Groupon $15 with the code you can schedule your time when you would like to visit…don’t forget to watch the 4D movie after the zoo. We didn’t buy anything from the gift shop, but the store have 2 rooms with many plush animals. A cute little zoo . I love the Madagascar movie so this zoo even more close to me 😊
Brigitta Danyi - a week ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Great experience! It is a small zoo, but it is interesting for the whole family. You can see penguins, bears, sea lions, monkeys, and more there. Also, I recommend visiting the 4D theater. I spent $20 per 1 ticket for adults. The child's ticket was cheaper.
Леночка П. - 3 weeks ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Great. Small, manageable with little kids. Got through everything in about 2 hours taking our time. Very much appreciate military discount. Most affordable thing we did on our trip and was my son’s favorite thing.
Jacqueline Boone - a month ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Nice little zoo in the heart of Central Park. Ticket includes a 4D short film experience, Tisch Children’s Zoo, and the Central Park zoo. For the children’s zoo, the goats and sheep’s might walk up to the fence and you can pet them (fun for all ages). In the main Central Park zoo, the animals are fairly close so you’ll be able to see them (some aren’t very active), you must go see the red panda! The tropic area might include some very close encounters with the birds. The ant colonies are very interesting too and the penguin and sea lion feedings are fun to watch. Overall, very fun experience for all ages.
Jia Wang - 3 months ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating I flipping loved this zoo! It was a highlight of my trip to New York and so cheap to get into. It was an easy walk and lots of fun. I saw an annoyed grizzly bear that was pacing back and forwards. They are big. A seriously adorable red panda who played to eat her food. She was so fluffy you just wanted to pet her. We even saw the snow leopard catch a squirrel right in front of us. There were a lot of gasps and a scream from 1 lady. Plus piranhas and so many different beautiful exotic birds. Definitely worth the $13.95 and more.
Faith Christiansen - 3 months ago

Show More
Show Less

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)

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.

Finding Your Route - Please Wait

Accommodations near Central Park Zoo:

Photo Gallery

Video

Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.


New York City Hotel Deals

Book Now, Pay Later
Price Matching
2,563,000+ Properties Worldwide
24/7 Support
booking.com logo
Booking.com sale banner link

Visiting New York City?
Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.
Best Selection
Daily Deals
Price Matching
Pay at the Hotel
24/7 Support
Share on Pinterest
Share on Pinterest
Help us grow! Please Share
Thanks for Visiting!