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 I was very impressed with the zoo! For being in the middle of NYC, you feel like you’re not there while at the zoo! The exhibits they offer are very unique. The zoo was clean and well maintained when we went. The food at the zoo’s cafe was reasonably priced. We took about an hour to get through the zoo’s exhibits. Definitely a must do if going through Central Park.
PoisonRadiant7 - a month ago

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5 Star Rating My Fun-Filled Day at Central Park Zoo, New York! I recently visited the Central Park Zoo in New York, and I had an absolute blast! As a zoo enthusiast, I was excited to explore this iconic attraction, and I wasn't disappointed. The zoo is nestled in the heart of Central Park, providing a unique and tranquil setting for a fun-filled day out. The first thing that struck me was the zoo's compact size, making it easy to navigate and explore. The enclosures are well-designed, providing ample space for the animals to roam and play. I was impressed by the variety of species on display, including sea lions, monkeys, penguins, and even a snow leopard! One of the highlights of my visit was the sea lion exhibit. Watching these playful creatures swim and frolic in the water was truly mesmerizing. I also enjoyed the petting zoo, where I got to interact with friendly goats and sheep. What I appreciated most about the Central Park Zoo is its commitment to conservation and education. The zoo offers a range of interactive exhibits and programs, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation. Overall, I highly recommend the Central Park Zoo to anyone looking for a fun and educational experience. Whether you're a zoo enthusiast, a family with kids, or simply looking for a unique attraction to visit in New York, the Central Park Zoo is a must-visit destination.
BLUE FiN - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The bathrooms are surprisingly very clean. The park itself too! And a very relaxing place to just take a stroll in the daytime. You don't realize how far you've walked. Great place to take kids to play on the playground, just make sure you keep an eye on them, it's super easy to lose track of them at the playground area!
mercedes mitchell - 2 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating Came as a visitor to NY on a trip with my daughter and the zoo was cute but different from our zoos in LA we definitely loved the birds and how they were just flying everywhere! We loved it! There wasn’t that many animals to see but we did love the bears too!
Rebeca Flores - a week ago

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5 Star Rating What a park gem this zoo is, even more so for being easy to manage for a preschooler. Navigation is easy, and the site feels secure (I let my child lead), plus it’s stroller friendly. The sea lions were captivating and we loved (LOVED) experiencing our first 4-D movie. It’s a perfect way to spend an hour or two in the park. Also we bought our tickets there (the visit was on a whim) and found it to be very easy!
Elissa Gervais - 2 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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