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 This compact-sized zoo, originally a menagerie established in 1864 and later transformed into a city zoo in 1934, impressively accommodates a variety of animals. 🦁🐧🐒 The star attraction? The sea lions! Their captivating tricks during feeding time make the admission fee well worth it. 🌊👏 So, if you’re ever in the area, don’t miss out on this delightful zoo experience! 🎪🐾
Jimmy - in the last week

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5 Star Rating Really enjoyed visiting and seeing all the similarities between the zoo and the movie Madagascar. They have sea lions(who do tricks!), penguins, tropical birds, snakes, bears, and snow leopards. I'm not sure how much space the snow leopard had, but other animals seemed well taken care of. Awesome place for a visit. They also have a children's petting zoo right next to it, but the feeding station time finishes at like 2pm... I think so do come before that. There weren't a lot of animals there, but small kids may find it enjoyable
Abeer - a week ago

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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 month ago

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5 Star Rating A must see in Manhattan for tourists and NY-ers. Great for all ages. Small, walkable zoo with lots of variety. The snow leopards are beautiful, when not elusive, but all the animals are stars. Can't go wrong with this place. Bring quarters for the children's zoo - 50 cents for a handful of pellets. Must get tickets online.
Tamar - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating A hidden gem with lots to see. Moderately riced tickets, so all can visit. Not far into the park, and easy to find. Many vendors close for Nathan’s Dogs and fries. We throughly enjoyed our visit and highly recommend visiting the zoo.
Jason Olson - 3 weeks 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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