The Central Park Zoo, located at the southeast corner of Central Park in New York City, covers an area of 6.5 acres. It is an integral part of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), an organization that manages a system of four zoos and one aquarium in New York City. The zoo is home to over 130 species, including grizzly bears, leaf cutter ants, 23 species of waterfowl, and 74 penguins (such as chinstrap, gentoo, macaroni, and king penguins). Visitors can see more than 1,400 animals in...

I went to this zoo with my young daughter on a Saturday in July. Design-wise, it’s impressive to see how a zoo is situated in the middle of Manhattan without, for the most part, feeling like you’re in a city. Settle into meandering pathways through the canopies and habitats. I just finished reading The Power Broker, about the racist urban planner, Robert Moses, who redesigned this zoo with a personal passion for his close friend, the mayor Al Smith, an animal lover who lived across the...

The Central Park Zoo is a charming, compact gem nestled within the heart of New York City’s most famous park. Though relatively small compared to other zoos, it offers a well-curated experience that can be enjoyed in a couple of hours, making it perfect for a relaxed visit amidst other Central Park activities.

The zoo is incredibly well-kept and clean, with beautifully designed enclosures that blend into the natural park surroundings. One of the highlights is the sea lion exhibit. The...