Central Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo
You will find over 130 species at the Central Park Zoo - from giant Grizzly Bears to tiny Leaf Cutter Ants.
Welcome to the Central Park Zoo & the Tisch Children's Zoo!
The zoo is now open! All visitors must purchase date-specific tickets. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Here, just a few yards from 5th Ave. you’ll find over 130 different species ranging from Snow Leopards to Tropical Birds. A walk around the Zoo’s five plus acres will take you through a variety of habitats, all carefully designed to recreate the natural environment of the animals they house. Or check out the Tisch Children's Zoo.
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Location: E. 64th St & 5th Ave, New York, NY | MAP Website: www.centralparkzoo.com New: Know Before You Go Tickets: All visitors must reserve a date-specific ticket in advance. Phone: +1 (212) 439-6500 |
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Zoo HoursApril to October Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM November to March 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM *Last entry is 1 hour before close time |
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AdmissionAll visitors must have a date-specific ticket. General Admission (Limited) Main Zoo & Tisch Children's Zoo -$13.95 (adult), $8.95 (kids 3-12), $10.95 (ages 65+) Total Experience Also includes 1 visit to the 4-D Theater -$19.95 (adult), $14.95 (kids 3-12), $16.95 (ages 65+) *Last tickets sold 30 minutes before close time |
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Zoo Programs
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The Polar Circle houses Gentoo, King and Chinstrap Penguins along with Tufted Puffins. The Rain Forest houses a brilliant collection of tropical birds, frogs, lizards, snakes, toads, Black and White Ruffed Lemurs, Tamarins, and more. The Temperate Territory includes the California Sea Lion tank at the center of the exhibit, Red Pandas, Japanese Macaques, Swan Geese, and Snow Leopards.
Zoo History
The first incarnation of the zoo in Central Park came about almost by accident. It began with New Yorkers dropping off unwanted animals at the arsenal. In 1864 the legislature approved the construction of a several buildings to house the growing collection, and the Central Park Menagerie was born. In 1934 Parks Commissioner Robert Moses used Works Progress Administration (WPA) funds to construct the Central Park Zoo.
In the spring of 1980 the Wildlife Conservation Society entered into an agreement with the City of New York to renovate and operate the zoo on behalf of the Parks Department. The new zoo, which was built by 1985, is divided into sections which provide the animals with homes as close to their natural habitat as possible. The zoo is also actively involved the preservation of endangered species.
The zoo has always held a special spot in the hearts of New Yorkers who have come to adopt the animals as prized members of the metropolitan community. The early menagerie was home to "Murphy" the hippo and "Mike Crowley," the first chimpanzee ever shown in the United States.