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Central Park Zoo
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The Central Park Zoo is an intimate, 6.5-acre animal facility located precisely in the southeast corner of Central Park in New York City. Established informally in the 1860s when local residents simply began abandoning exotic pets in the park, it eventually became the first official menagerie in New York. While extremely small compared to the Bronx Zoo, it underwent a massive, much-needed modernization in the 1980s led by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Traditional iron cages were entirely replaced with naturalistic environments specifically tailored for cold-climate and tropical species. Today, visitors can intimately observe snow leopards, incredibly active California sea lions, and a highly popular indoor penguin exhibit.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Museum of the Moving Image · Hayden Planetarium · American Folk Art Museum
- Nearby: Englewood Cliffs (4 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 Central Park Zoo is open to visitors and gives a family-friendly environment. It is located in the heart of Central Park and is accessible both inside and outside.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the zoo, but without flash near animals. Selfie sticks and drones are not permitted.
Time needed
A visit typically takes about one to two hours. With children, you can easily spend half a day.
Combine with
Combine the zoo visit with a ride on the Central Park carousel or a walk to Bethesda Fountain. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is also nearby.
Getting there
The zoo is accessible via several entrances in Central Park, the nearest subway station is 5th Avenue/59th Street. On foot, it is reachable from many Upper East Side hotels.
Insider tip
Come on weekdays early morning when animals are most active and fewer visitors. Book tickets online to avoid queues.
Geography
Facts
- The original menagerie was formally chartered by the New York state legislature in 1864.
- The compact zoo covers exactly 6.5 acres within the larger Central Park.
- It underwent a massive 35-million-dollar renovation and modernization in the 1980s.
- The central sea lion pool features transparent glass sides for underwater viewing.
- The facility is officially managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
- The indoor polar circle exhibit maintains an exact temperature just above freezing.
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Sights in the town Central Park Zoo (13)
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the zoo?
It is compact and first-rate for an enjoyable 2-hour visit.
Can I bring my own pets?
No, pets are not permitted anywhere in the zoo.
Is there a feeding schedule?
Yes, daily feeding times for penguins and sea lions are a highlight.
Is it worth visiting in the rain?
Some areas are covered, but it is less recommended during heavy rain.
Is there a café on-site?
Yes, there is a café with snacks and drinks, plus picnic areas nearby.
Central Park Zoo: where is it located?
Central Park Zoo is located in United States.
Central Park Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museum of the Moving Image, Hayden Planetarium, American Folk Art Museum.
Central Park Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Central Park Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
The Central Park Zoo is an intimate, 6.5-acre animal facility located precisely in the southeast corner of Central Park in New York City.
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