Bronx Zoo — Attraction in New York

The Bronx Zoo is one of those NYC spots that never gets old, no matter how many times you go. It’s not just a zoo it’s an escape. Tucked right in the heart of the Bronx, it feels like a completely different world once you step inside. With winding forested paths, wide open spaces, and animals from all over the globe, it’s the kind of place that reminds you how beautiful and diverse nature really is.

The zoo has been around since 1899, and it’s one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world spanning 265 acres and home to over 10,000 animals across 700+ species. It’s operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which also runs the Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and the New York Aquarium. But the Bronx Zoo is their flagship, and you can tell. The care, the layout, the habitats they’re all done with conservation and education in mind, not just entertainment.

Some highlights are always worth revisiting. The Congo Gorilla Forest is beautifully designed and gives you a real sense of connection with the gorillas you’re not just looking, you’re experiencing. The Tiger Mountain exhibit is another favorite, especially when the tigers are feeling active. You also have the Baboon Reserve, the World of Birds, and the serene Himalayan Highlands, where the elusive snow leopards like to nap in the shade. And while the red panda was sleeping during our visit today (can’t blame them), just knowing they’re up there curled in a tree adds to the charm.

And one of the small but magical touches: you might spot peacocks casually roaming the zoo grounds. They’re gorgeous and surprisingly bold, with shimmering feathers and that slow, confident walk like they know they’re the stars. Just a heads-up they’re mesmerising to the point you’ll probably stop in your tracks watching them for way too long.

We also grabbed a salted pretzel and sat by one of the shaded benches, just taking it all in. There are food options inside (mostly burgers, pizza, and some snacks), but you can bring your own picnic, which is a nice bonus. It’s easy to find a quiet spot and relax for a bit between exhibits.

Tickets are pretty straightforward:

• General Admission: $28.95 adults, $20.95 kids (ages 3–12), $26.95 seniors

• Total Experience Ticket (which includes premium exhibits and rides like the monorail and carousel): $41.95 adults, $31.95 kids

• Wednesdays are “pay-what-you-wish”—but they go fast, so reserve online early if you want that deal

Honestly, I’ve been to the Bronx Zoo many times and it never disappoints. Even if some animals are napping (looking at you, red panda), there’s always something new to see or notice. The whole place feels peaceful, almost like a little wildlife retreat in the middle of the city. Between the beautiful grounds, the thoughtful exhibits, and the sense of calm you get just walking around, it’s somewhere I’ll keep coming back to. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, it’s always...

I want to start off by asking a question. Does the Bronx Zoo put out a call for the "friendliest" people in NY to apply? Because we meet just the nicest people while at the Zoo! It started off with Jen (initially) the Supervisor for Wild Encounters. We had to rebook our trip and she was wonderful trying to help us. Then, Devon, from the same department, was helping us. Seriously, they were amazing! When the flooding happened on Sept 29th and the Zoo was closed, Devon was so kind and got us in the next day (this was only supposed to be a day trip from MD).

We ended up at the Zoo the next day. Peter, once again from the same department, helped us with our new tickets and how to get to the Zoo! It was incredibly quiet when we got there around 10:30am. My husband and I visited the different animal houses until lunch. We went to the Dancing Crane Cafe where Katherine (deli supervisor?) and Dominick were very friendly and helpful!

We wanted to see some more animals before our celebrity surprise encounter. We saw the monorail, thinking we'd ride it to a different area of the park. Nope! It was a ride to see the animals. We had no idea that our tickets got us into all of the "extras"! We had a fun & knowledgeable captain who was dressed like a pirate.

The Zoo Connection is why we came. I was pretty thrilled with this opportunity! One day I hope to do the cheetah connection. Since each celebrity surprise is different, you never know which animals and handlers you'll meet. Before the tour began, the group gathered at the Zoo Center where Julie (Julian? I can't remember) and Bianca were our guides. Once again, super friendly and helpful!

One we were all seated, we met their 3yr old female kangaroo. I couldn't believe how soft she looked in-person. The handlers were very knowledgeable and answered the questions fully. We got to pet a gorgeous & supremely soft fennec. Then there was a HUGE porcupine. I couldn't get over how big it was. They fed it a piece of corn, which was so cute to watch it eat. When they tried to take it out, it wasn't having it and ran to a different corner of the room, shaking its quills. It was pretty amusing. Last, they brought in Peaches, an incredibly large male warthog. He had no qualms about bumping into people as he made his way around the room. Graceful, he was not. The handlers were so delightful and it was fantastic to interact with them.

Wild Encounters was 100% worth the cost!

I wish we would've had a bit more time to visit more of the Zoo after the experience. We did visit the butterfly exhibit, which at this time of year was a bit underwhelming. I was happy to wear my "support monarchs, plant milkweed" t-shirt under the entrance.

Overall, a terrific first-time visit and I already can't...

The Bronx Zoo, located in Bronx Park, New York City, is one of the largest and most famous metropolitan zoos in the world. Spanning over 265 acres, the zoo offers visitors an immersive experience with its extensive collection of wildlife, interactive exhibits, and educational programs.

Main Attractions and Exhibits

Wild Asia Monorail The Wild Asia Monorail offers a unique perspective on Asian wildlife. The guided tour takes visitors on an exciting ride above the Bronx River and through habitats that are home to animals like tigers, elephants, and rhinos.

JungleWorld This indoor rainforest exhibit is home to diverse species, including gibbons, tapirs, and a variety of exotic birds. The lush vegetation and simulated tropical environment create an immersive experience for visitors.

Madagascar! Explore the unique wildlife of Madagascar in this exhibit. Lemurs, crocodiles, and radiated tortoises are among the species you'll encounter. The exhibit emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts for these endangered animals.

African Plains This open-air exhibit provides a glimpse into the African savanna, featuring majestic animals such as lions, zebras, and giraffes. The spacious environment allows for a more natural viewing experience.

Congo Gorilla Forest The award-winning Congo Gorilla Forest is a must-see. This exhibit recreates the lush forests of Central Africa and is home to a family of Western lowland gorillas. Interactive displays and educational panels highlight the importance of conservation in the Congo Basin.

Himalayan Highlands This exhibit is designed to replicate the mountainous regions of the Himalayas and is home to snow leopards, red pandas, and the rare Himalayan tahrs. The rocky landscapes and carefully curated plant life make it a strikingly authentic experience.

Aquatic Bird House Discover a variety of waterfowl from around the world in this charming exhibit. The bird house features both indoor and outdoor aviaries, allowing visitors to observe species such as puffins, flamingos, and pelicans in different settings.

Butterfly Garden Walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies in this seasonal exhibit. The garden is filled with flowering plants that attract a range of butterfly species, providing a serene and colorful experience.

Children's Zoo Perfect for families, the Children's Zoo offers hands-on experiences and close encounters with domestic and exotic animals. Kids can feed and pet goats, sheep, and llamas, and enjoy interactive play area.

During my time at the zoo, I attended all of these and I can't lie it was amazing. The wild Asia monorail is something I...