Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is home to over 130 species of wildlife from around the world
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: YesCentral 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 out of 5
I really enjoyed my visit to the Central Park Zoo. It had a surprisingly good variety of animals for its size, and everything was well maintained and easy to navigate. The sea lions, snow leopards, and tropical birds were especially fun to see. It felt peaceful and relaxing, and the admission price was very fair. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area—great experience all around!
Andrew - a week ago
It is a really cute zoo and perfect for being smack in the middle of NYC. They have an amazing collection of penguins with several different types - big and small. Some grizzly bears and a few other animals. I wish I could say I loved the food, but it is limited and not great. The gift shop isn't huge, but they have a nice little selection for kids.
Tanya Mahmood - 3 weeks ago
The Central Park Zoo is a charming little escape right in the heart of Manhattan. It’s not the biggest zoo you’ll visit, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere and quality. Nestled within Central Park, it’s a peaceful spot where you can see everything from snow leopards to sea lions without needing an entire day.
The layout is compact and easy to navigate, which makes it great for families with small children or for anyone looking to add a short, meaningful experience to their day in the city. The sea lion feedings are a highlight, and the Tropic Zone — with its free-flying birds and lush greenery — is especially fun to walk through.
There’s also a small children’s zoo nearby where kids can feed goats and sheep, which adds to the hands-on experience. While it’s not a destination zoo like the Bronx Zoo, it’s perfect for what it is: a quick, well-kept, and thoughtfully designed oasis in the middle of urban hustle.
glen becerra - 2 months ago
The Central Park Zoo is a great place to stop when passing through Central Park! It wasn’t too expensive per person and there was several cool exhibits inside! Don’t get your hopes up and think that the animals there are the same ones from Madagascar like I did. Although it is sad to not see the larger animals like a giraffe or lion, there are plenty of other cool animals to keep you busy!
Addison Fangman - a month ago
Absolutely loved it. A great big oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle that makes for a lovely walk to explore the vastness of it. Quite a few birds, managed to see a blue jay, squirrels and a few tortoises. It also hosts a small zoo.
They have a cute red panda, penguins, a big grizzly bear, a tropical enclosure with a variety of birds etc.
HERMINA Nita - a month ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| N, R, or W | 59th Street / 5th Avenue | 5 minutes |
| F | 63rd Street / Lexington Avenue | 12 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
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Accommodations near Central Park Zoo:
Photo Gallery
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Polar Circle at the Central Park Wildlife Centre cc licensed photo by La Citta Vita -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr
