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 Best kept secret in Manhattan! Landscape is beautiful and there are so many animals. As soon as you enter you will see the seal swimming and splashing. There are many different areas to see bears, red panda, monkeys, lemurs, penguins and puffins. Mt favorite was the tropical zone where you see many unique species of birds. Really enjoyed watching penguins and puffins. I can’t believe I’ve never brought my kids here when they were young. But I became a kid again and truly enjoyed the time at the zoo. Amazing place to bring kids.. we did not go children’s zoo but it looked so fun for kids. Admission is $13.95 will cover admission for both places. Fun, educational and beautiful zoo!
Amy Kang - a month ago

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4 Star Rating Edit from 3 years ago: Small but fun zoo to bring the kids while in Central Park. They have a petting zoo for the kids. We went for my oldest birthday and she had a blast. The food was also not bad.
J. Elington - in the last week

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5 Star Rating Cute, small zoo, good for kids right in Central Park! Our favorite part was the birds in the tropical area. We always love the small quiet home away from home feeling you get at Central Park in the middle of all the hub bub of the city. They also offer a 4d viewing of a movie, and a Cafe and gift shop.
Ashlei Patterson - a month ago

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4 Star Rating We went on a wednesday morning, the Zoo is small but nice enough to spend a morning. Sadly a few of the exhibitions were under maintenance, and there are not much animals in the zoo. However, we randomly took a free guided tour with Elyse, a really nice woman who was very passionate about her job, I can totally recommend her for your visit.
Oscar Almaguer - a week 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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