Central Park Zoo — Attraction in New York

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 diverse habitats ranging from a tropical rainforest to an icy Antarctic environment​​​​​​​​.

The history of the Central Park Zoo dates back to 1864 when its precursor, a menagerie, was founded, making it the first public zoo in New York. The current facility opened in 1934 and underwent a major reconstruction in 1983. This five-year, $35 million renovation replaced old cages with naturalistic environments. The zoo reopened in 1988 and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). It also includes the Children's Zoo, which opened in 1960, funded by a donation from Senator Herbert Lehman and his wife Edith​​.

The zoo draws over a million visitors annually and features more than 1,487 animals representing 163 species. Its major exhibit areas, linked by trellised, vine-clad, glass-roofed pergolas, are categorized into tropic, temperate, and polar regions. Some of the key exhibits include the Tropic Zone: The Rainforest, Polar Circle, Temperate Territory, The Children's Zoo, and the Sea Lion Pool​​.

In the Tropic Zone, visitors can find a two-story representation of a rainforest, housing diverse species like Rodrigues flying foxes, Seba's short-tailed bats, emerald tree boas, pythons, and a variety of birds. The Temperate Territory hosts animals such as red pandas, white-naped cranes, snow monkeys, and snow leopards. The "Penguins and Sea Birds" section features a variety of penguins, tufted puffins, harbor seals, and a grizzly bear exhibit​​.

Notably, the zoo also includes a 4D theater and features several works of public art, including original animal-themed limestone friezes from 1934 and the Lehman Gates, donated by Herbert and Edith Lehman in 1960. The Children's Zoo offers a petting zoo with animals like mini Nubian goats, sheep, pigs, alpacas, and the only cow in Manhattan. It also houses the Acorn Theatre, a performing arts theater​​​​​​.

The Central Park Zoo plays a vital role in wildlife conservation, coordinating breeding programs for endangered species as part of the Species Survival Plan. It has achieved notable successes, such as being the first North American zoo to hatch ducklings of the critically endangered scaly-sided mergansers. Additionally, it offers various educational venues and programs, including a volunteer program that engages...

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 street from Central Park. Moses transformed our city, including the Central Park Zoo, but evidently intentionally overlooked historically Black neighborhoods, if he didn’t destroy them altogether with his eminent domain strategies.

Coming around a corner or two, we see the towers of midtown chewing up the sky, and it’s exhilarating to live in such a wonderful, vibrant city, but there is a feeling of claustrophobia, too, for the animals. Two penguins were staring at the wall… are they okay? Or is that normal? The penguin house is extremely crowded, not just with onlookers but with penguins who seem to be jockeying for space inside. With nowhere to go, they swim in circles or stare; same with the seals and sea lions. Three grizzly bears rolled in the water on a hot day. A Snow Leopard jumps from one concrete rock to another—we gasp and watch its long tail slowly slip away in the foliage. It’s wonderful to see this beautiful animal moving along the hillside. Photos of Himalayan mountain tops tell us where the leopard’s natural habitat is, and maybe it is good that living in captivity has protected a near-endangered species to some extent, but we all know a Snow Leopard doesn’t belong in a cage in Manhattan. The tropical house was overcrowded with birds that had very little space to spread their wings or wander. This allowed us to see them up close because they were mostly stationary on fake branches, but it was a little eerie. Truly, I am not a zoo hater—admittedly I lean toward compassion for animals—but the Central Park Zoo prompts the general moral question of zoos more urgently. I’d give five stars for the experience: it’s clean, with lots of very friendly customer service and educational staff, but 5 stars would be misaligned with the way it made us feel for...

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 animals are not only fun to watch but also seem happy and healthy, which is always a good sign of proper care. The feeding demonstrations are engaging and informative, particularly for families with children.

The Tropic Zone exhibit is another must-see, with its immersive rainforest atmosphere, where you can walk among free-flying birds and colorful tropical species. Penguins in the Polar Zone exhibit are a crowd favorite, and their environment is well-maintained, offering a close-up view of their playful behavior.

The zoo is an excellent destination for families, offering interactive exhibits, like the petting zoo in the Tisch Children's Zoo. Kids will love the opportunity to get up close to goats and other small animals.

Due to its size, the Central Park Zoo may not have the variety of animals found in larger zoos. If you’re expecting a huge, sprawling space with a wide array of large animals, you might find the experience somewhat limited. However, its smaller size is part of its charm, making it manageable for younger visitors or those on a tight schedule.

Overall, the Central Park Zoo is a wonderful little escape in the middle of the city, providing a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick afternoon activity or a tourist taking in Central Park’s offerings, the zoo is well worth a visit. It’s especially enjoyable for families or anyone who appreciates a well-maintained, intimate...