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

Official Website: Central Park Zoo

Fee: Yes

Regular 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

Reviews

Rated 4.4 out of 5Central Park Zoo Star Rating

5 Star Rating Excellent zoo for an afternoon. The sea lion and penguin feedings are cool. The sea lions do a whole show. The bears are majestic. Nice tropical exhibit with the birds and warmth. Food court and shop provides all the zoo foods for kids to munch.

Kevin Markman - 9 days ago

5 Star Rating Central Park is like no other I’ve been to… a vast oasis in a bustling city. It has lakes and large boulder formations all rolling up and down in a beautiful landscape. Lots of benches to sit and watch the joggers and dog walkers in equal measure and plenty of large established trees and trails. The John Lennon memorial and don’t forget the zoo. You could spend days just exploring this beautiful park and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise. Don’t miss it if you visit New York.

Wendy Kelly - 26 days ago

5 Star Rating It’s a terrific little zoo. It’s very well maintained and the animals are quite entertaining during feeding times. You can see the sea lions from Central Park but it’s worth the $15-20 admission price to go in and check everything out.

Tammy Long - 9 days ago

5 Star Rating I love it . It is a nice place to visit when you don’t really have much plans to do , you’ll have fun walking around and specially watching the shows that they have set up for feeding times . It is very easy to get there if you take the subway and the rates are pretty accessible to everyone

Laura Cardenas - 4 days ago

5 Star Rating Great zoo to visit. While there isn't as much to see compared to other zoos, it is also comparatively cheaper to enter. My wife and I really enjoyed watching the penguins get fed. They also have an aviary with a lot of cool birds that was fun to walk through.

Dominic - 24 days ago

Accommodations near Central Park Zoo:

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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Photo Gallery

Video


Enjoy some of the sights and sounds at the Central Park Zoo in this video
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