Plizio Visual Lab
Bronx Zoo
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
kid-landmark
The Bronx Zoo is a massive, historically significant zoological park located within Bronx Park in New York City. Opening to the public in 1899, it is one of the absolute largest metropolitan zoos in the United States by land area, comprising 265 acres of diverse parklands and naturalistic animal habitats seamlessly bisected by the Bronx River. Operated by the highly prestigious Wildlife Conservation Society, the zoo is currently home to more than 4,000 individual animals representing roughly 650 distinct species. Historically, the institution played a profoundly critical role in the early 20th century by breeding American bison in captivity and aggressively spearheading the efforts to reintroduce them to the Western plains before their total extinction.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: The Yankees Museum · Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center · The Met Cloisters
- Nearby: Pelham Manor (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 3 | 9 | 15 | 20 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 13 | 7 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 81 | 81 | 100 | 102 | 98 | 117 | 109 | 114 | 105 | 122 | 91 | 116 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Bronx Zoo is open to the public and features both indoor and outdoor exhibits with numerous animal enclosures. Visitors can explore the vast grounds on foot or take the paid safari train.
Typical hours
The zoo is typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with seasonal variations. Holidays and summer months may have different hours, announced on their website.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the zoo for personal use, but avoid flash in animal houses. Commercial photography requires a permit that must be obtained in advance.
Time needed
Plan at least three to four hours for a visit to the Bronx Zoo to see the main areas. Those wanting to explore all exhibits and attractions can easily spend a full day there.
Combine with
Combine the zoo visit with a walk through the adjacent Bronx Park. Nearby you'll also find the New York Botanical Garden and Fordham University, offering further attractions.
Getting there
The Bronx Zoo is easily accessible by subway; West Farms Square (2, 5 trains) or East 180th Street (2, 5 trains) are within walking distance. Paid parking is available at the entrance for drivers.
Insider tip
A practical tip: Arrive at opening time in the morning to avoid crowds and see animal feedings. Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the ticket booth lines.
Geography
Facts
- The expansive urban zoo officially opened on November 8, 1899.
- It occupies a massive 265 acres directly within the Bronx Borough.
- The facility houses over 4,000 animals across roughly 650 different species.
- The zoo was highly instrumental in saving the American Bison from total extinction in the 1900s.
- The famous Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit spans exactly 6.5 acres of simulated rainforest.
- The Wildlife Conservation Society is formally headquartered directly on the zoo grounds.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bronx Zoo (16)
BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance🎭 culture
A performing arts venue in Zoo, focusing on LGBTQ+ and Latinx artists.
🌐 BronxAcademyOfArtsAndDance.org🕒 10:00-22:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the zoo easily accessible by subway?
Yes, you can take the 2 or 5 subway lines to the Pelham Parkway station.
How long does the tour take?
Plan for a full day, as it is one of the largest zoos in the world.
Can you bring food inside?
Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food for a picnic.
Are there special areas for kids?
Yes, the 'Children's Zoo' has interactive experiences and petting animals.
What is the best season?
Spring and fall are convenient, as animals are more active in mild temperatures.
Bronx Zoo: where is it located?
Bronx Zoo is located in United States.
Bronx Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Yankees Museum, Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, The Met Cloisters.
Bronx Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Bronx Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
The Bronx Zoo is a massive, historically significant zoological park located within Bronx Park in New York City.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in North America
More places in United States →
Nearby cities
New York City
The most populous city in the United States, a global hub for finance, culture, and media.
Buffalo
The second-largest city in New York State, on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, near Niagara Falls.
Rochester, NY
A city in Western New York, known as the birthplace of companies like Kodak and Xerox.
Albany, NY
The capital of New York State, with a long history dating back to the Dutch colonial era.
New Rochelle
Known as the 'Queen City of the Sound,' it impresses with diverse architecture, beautiful waterfront parks, and a vibrant downtown.
Cape Cod
A picturesque, hook-shaped peninsula in Massachusetts famous for its historic lighthouses, sandy beaches, and quaint villages.
Burlington
Burlington is a vibrant waterfront city on Lake Champlain, famous for its progressive culture, local breweries, and the Church Street Mar…
Port Chester
A vibrant village on the Long Island Sound, famous for its world-class dining and cultural scene.
Glen Cove
A historic city on Long Island's North Shore, known for its opulent Gold Coast mansions and scenic waterfront parks.
Lindenhurst
A vibrant village on Long Island's South Shore with a strong maritime tradition and excellent waterfront recreation options.
Rowayton
A picturesque coastal village in Connecticut with a strong sailing tradition and artistic flair.
Mamaroneck
A picturesque waterfront village known as the 'Friendly Village,' boasting exceptional sailing and parks.
East Massapequa
A charming residential community on Long Island, known for its proximity to the beautiful beaches of the Great South Bay.
Sayville
A charming hamlet on Long Island's South Shore, known as the gateway to the beaches of Fire Island.
Milton (Rye)
A distinguished coastal section of Rye, New York, characterized by exclusive beach clubs and upscale living on the Sound.
