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 – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 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 Such a fun and cute little zoo! We loved exploring all the animals habitats and the exhibits. The staff were very friendly and the animals seemed well taken care of. We loved the sea lions, red pandas, and the tropical bird exhibits! We had so much fun and the zoo was not too large so you do not get overwhelmed. A perfect day or a half day event, we will definitely be back!
Ian Green - a month ago

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4 Star Rating It was cloudy the day I visit. So the line was not too long despite the weekend. There was a sea lion performance in the middle. It was really fun to watch. The other sections are quite large. Even the birds section was amazing that we get to walk inside the cage with the birds. The other parts are also great. I do think that it’s a bit small for a zoo but we enjoy the visit. The 4d theater was also fun to watch. Though it started raining halfway, most of the area have roofs so we still get to enjoy every arena.
Gigi - 2 months ago

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3 Star Rating Central Park Zoo was a mixed experience. 🐻🐧 While the bear and penguin exhibits were fantastic and definitely the highlight of the visit, most of the other animals were hiding, which was a bit disappointing. 🦜 The interaction with the scarlet macaw was a pleasant surprise, and the bird exhibits were quite interesting. However, I felt that the zoo lacked sufficient seating areas. After walking around for a while, it would have been nice to have more spots to rest. 🪑 The pathways were clean, and the overall atmosphere was pleasant, but the seating issue was a significant drawback. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, which added to the experience, but the scarcity of visible animals made the visit feel somewhat lacking. With a bit more attention to seating and perhaps some improvements to make the animals more visible, this could easily be a higher-rated attraction. Overall, Central Park Zoo has its charms, particularly with the bears, penguins, and birds, but there are definitely areas that need improvement. A decent place to visit if you’re in the area, but manage your expectations.
Azamat Karimov - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Beautiful. Went on Father's day and it wasn't nearly as busy as I thought. In fact it was quite pleasant. Left right about when more people started showing up around noon. Animals are beautiful ❣️ p.s no, the animal won't come near the glass if you're letting your children scream at it ;))
Savannah Cook-Pelster - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Perfect fun for kids! Clean and well staffed and more beautiful and natural than even Disney. Penguins, Puffins, Sea Lions, Bears, Snakes AND a 4D movie (12 minutes) of joy in safe happy environment
David Gross - 3 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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