Visiting The Bronx Zoo Exhibits And Tickets
Some current exhibits include the 4-D Theater featuring Rio, Bug Carousel, Congo Gorilla Forest, JungleWorld, Childrens Zoo , Butterfly Garden , Madagascar and Tiger Mountain, all of which let you experience the wonder of wildlife in naturalistic settings and meet exotic, endangered animals from around the globe.
The Zoo Shuttle helps you see more of the campus, taking you from one end of the park to the other while the Wild Asia Monorail takes you on a ride past elephants, rhinos, wild horses and more.
If youve been home watching Animal Planets The Zoo with your kids, then visiting the Bronx is an absolute must! What kid doesnt love to see something theyve done or a place theyve been on TV?
Congo Gorilla Forest This replica of an African mountain rain forest has provided the primates with a setting almost indistinguishable from their native area. The 6.5 acre re-creation has treetop lookouts, lush greenery, and hundreds of animals. There are black and white Colobus monkeys, red-river hogs, and two troops of lowland gorillas over 50,000 square feet. The shady forest dotted with bamboo thickets and sunny meadows houses 400 species of plant in addition to the many animals. The exhibit trail is nearly 1/3 mile long and home to the first gorilla born in New York City. Open year-round.
When Is The Bronx Zoo Closed
Bronx Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day, and Martin Luther King Jr.
The Bronx Zoo in New York is amongst the oldest, largest, and most popular zoos in the United States.
It tends to draw large crowds, especially during peak season.
The best time to reach Bronx Zoo is as soon as they open for the day at 10 am.
When you start early, you can beat the crowds and queues at the exhibits.
The animals are more visible during the early morning and may recede to shaded areas as the day gets hotter.
Weekends and Public holidays tend to draw a larger crowd to the Bronx Zoo since it is easily accessible from the tri-state area.
Buying the tickets in advance helps avoid the crowd.
Free Exhibits And Attractions
- African Plains
- World of Reptiles
- Zoo Center
As of 2010, the Bronx Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals of 650 species, many of which are endangered or threatened. Some of its exhibits, such as World of Birds and World of Reptiles, are arranged by taxonomy, while others, such as African Plains and the Wild Asian Monorail, are arranged geographically.
Astor Court
Astor Court is an old section of the zoo that is home to many of the zoo’s original buildings, designed by Heins & LaFarge. While most of the buildings are closed to the public, the former Lion House was reopened as the “Madagascar!” exhibit in 2008, and the Zoo Center still exhibits various species. The highlight of the area is the historic sea lion pool featuring California sea lions. Small aviaries featuring small bird species can be found nearby and white-headed capuchins can be seen behind the old Monkey House.
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated Astor Court’s buildings as a city landmark in 2000, after a failed attempt to do so in 1966.
African Plains
Until 2009, the southwestern corner of African Plains was home to the endangered Arabian oryx and blesbok. Due to budget cuts and the unpopularity of the species with visitors, they were phased-out of the collection. This section of the exhibit remains empty. In 2017 they received two baby cheetahs from the San Diego Zoo. Cheetahs are now part of their animal encounter programs. They were replaced by the hyenas.
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How Can I Save On My Visit To The Bronx Zoo Are There Reduced Rates
Although the Bronx Zoo has promotional codes for military and students in New York, most visitors to the park are unable to make use of them, but that doesn’t mean that families can’t save a little on their tickets.
Thanks to reduced rates for certain age groups, adults over 65** and children between the ages of 3 and 12** can access the Bronx Zoo for a little less than adults, which is always good news because that money can be put towards other plans in the Big Apple.
Planning A Visit To The Bronx Zoo
- The busiest times at the Zoo are Wednesdays and Summer Weekends
- Wild Encounters are VIP experiences within the Zoo where you can take photos, feed animals and be escorted by private trainers. Giraffe Connection, Cheetah Connection, Penguin Connection are just some of the Wild Encounter tours available.
- Some exhibits are only for outdoor/good weather. However, there is still a lot to do in cooler or rainy weather. Please check the Bronx Zoo website or their app for the daily schedule.
- There are multiple entrances to the Zoo. If you are meeting someone, or trying to get to a popular exhbit, please review the map above in advance to try and find the best entrance and exit for your schedule. The three main entrances are Asia Gate Bronx River Gate and Southern Blvd Gate .
- The on site food and snacks are typical for any exhibit of this type, but you are also welcome to bring your own picnics and sit at the Dancing Crane Café.
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Sea Lion Pool Penguin Pool And Sea Bird Aviary
Located in the center of the zoo, sea lions have a long history here because they were one of the first exhibits opened to the public in 1899. Be sure to check the schedule for the times when zookeepers feed these fun-loving and curious creatures. Feedings usually take place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
At the Aquatic Bird House, you will see Magellanic and Little Penguins, the smallest penguin species in the world at just 13-inches tall and about three pounds as adults. Feeding time at Penguin Pool when the Magellanic Penguins come out and bob for fish is at 3:30 p.m. While in this area, don’t miss the nearby Sea Bird Aviary that houses colorful flamingos, puffins and Inca terns.
Sea Lion Pool, Penguin Pool and the Sea Bird Aviary are included with general admission.
How Does The New York Sightseeing Flex Pass Work
With the New York Sightseeing Flex Pass you can choose up to 12 attractions to visit at your own pace within 30 days of activation.
There are over 90 tourist attractions to choose from such as One World Observatory, MoMA, The Edge, the Museum of Natural History or the Museum of Natural History, to name a few. In addition, this card comes with discounts at a selection of leisure, entertainment and dining establishments.
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General Tips For Visiting
The Bronx Zoo is the largest city zoo in the country where you can see and learn about a vast array of animals. To enjoy your visit to the zoo, there are a few insider tips to keep in mind.
- The zoo is big. It covers 265 acres and houses more than 7,000 animals. If you plan on seeing all of them, wear very comfortable shoes.
- To save money and time from waiting in food lines, bring your own food from home. There are plenty of picnic tables where you can enjoy your lunch or a snack.
- Bring bottled water and look for water fountains, located throughout the park, to refill your bottle.
- Figure out what exhibits you want to see. It is not easy to navigate the entire zoo in just one day.
- Park in the lot closest to the exhibits that you want to visit.
- Check the website to see what times special events, lectures or tours are taking place on the day you are visiting.
- If you opt to go on a Wednesday when admission is by donation, go early. It gets very crowded, especially in the summer and fall months.
- Bring toilet paper, sometimes the bathrooms run out.
- To keep kids amused, make sure to bring plenty of snacks.
- The Bronx Zoo has several entrances. If you are meeting friends and family, decide on the entrance that will be your meeting point before setting out.
Express Bus From Manhattan
You can take the BxM11 express bus from Manhattan to travel to Bronx Zoo NYC.
It makes a few initials stops along Madison Avenue between 26th Street and 99th Street. After that, it travels directly to the zoos Bronx River entrance, also known as Gate B.
On your way back, you can catch the bus just outside the same gate at the MTA BXM11 sign, which is just before the underpass.
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Location Hours And Parking
Located at 2300 Southern Boulevard in Bronx, the zoo is open year-round with seasonal hours. From April to November, the zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Winter hours, which run from November to April, are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day, and Martin Luther King Day.
All day car parking is $16. Preferred parking at Fountain Circle is available weekends only and is $23. Street parking is also available around the zoo.
To make getting around the park easier, single stroller rentals are $10, double stroller rentals are $15, wheelchairs are free with a $20 refundable deposit and electric convenience vehicles are $40 at the S. Blvd. entrance with a $100 refundable deposit. The Bronx Zoo also offers a free app that you can download to your mobile device to make navigating the park easier.
The Congo Gorilla Forest
One of the main attractions of the Bronx Zoo is the Congo Gorilla Forest. It is 6.5 acres and features more than 400 animal species. The setting of this exhibit is an African rainforest, which is also the backdrop for one of the largest breeding grounds in the world for lowland gorillas.
The exhibit details the need for rainforests and provides visitors with ideas for contributing to the preservation of rainforests everywhere. Throughout this exhibit, it is possible for the entire family to come up close with a gorilla. Featured animals include the western lowland gorilla, mandrill and okapi. Visitors are encouraged to use their five senses in order to detect animal presence, just as if they were on a true rainforest exploration.
Entrance to this exhibit is included with Total Experience and Zoos Plus membership. It costs $6 with a general admission ticket.
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Sightsee From The Sky
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building – Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock – Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory – Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge – Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building
- Summit One Vanderbilt – Opens Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building
The Most Dangerous Animal In The World
The Most Dangerous Animal in the World exhibit debuted at the Bronx Zoo on April 26, 1963. The exhibit was installed at the Great Apes House and it featured a statement about the danger humans pose.
The words: “The Most Dangerous Animal in the World” were printed in red on top of a cage. Behind the bars of the cage there was a mirror. The exhibit was reportedly still at the zoo in 1981.
- Asia Gate Boston Road
- Bronx River Parkway Gate
- Fordham Road Gate
- Southern Boulevard Gate
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Is There Free Admission To The Bronx Zoo
Limited Admission to the Bronx Zoo is free all day on Wednesdays. This is a very busy day, especially in autumn and summer, so if you choose this day to visit the park I recommend you come early to avoid the crowds as much as possible.
Remember that to access the Bronx Zoo for free on Wednesdays, you must also reserve a date and time to attend via the park’s website.
The rest of the week, only infants under 2 years of age can enter the Bronx Zoo for free.
How Long Does It Take To Go Through The Bronx Zoo
How long does it take to visit the Bronx Zoo? To visit the entire zoo it takes a good half a day, that is 4-5 hours.
Does the Bronx Zoo close if it rains?
The Bronx Zoo has many indoor exhibits such as the World of Darkness. Take along rain gear and umbrellas and youll be fine.
Can I bring a wagon to the Bronx Zoo?
Whether it is a stroller, wheelchair, wagon or scooter, bring it with you to the Bronx Zoo! If you are traveling light, strollers, wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles can be rented at entrance however, supplies are limited so arrive early if you want to rent one.
Is Bronx Zoo better than Central Park Zoo?
Bronx Zoo is amazing, and a whole day affair. Central Park Zoo is much smaller, but offers many other adventures. Rent bikes, walking tours, lots of rock formations for kids to play and climb on.
What is included in the total experience at the Bronx Zoo?
Bronx Zoo Admission tickets give you unlimited access to a host of premium exhibits and activities including Bug Carousel, JungleWorld, Nature Trek, and Congo Gorilla Forest. In summer, the Total Experience Ticket also includes Zoo Shuttle, Butterfly Garden, Childrens Zoo, and Wild Asia Monorail.
How long does it take to see the whole Bronx Zoo?
Does Tracy Morgan own the Bronx Zoo?
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Which Is A Better Day To Visit The Bronx Zoo
From Friday June 16th – Sunday June 18th I will have a chance to visit the city and one of the places I have wanted to see is the Bronx zoo. So on this venture in I plan on visiting, since I believe school is out at that time in NYC area, I wasn’t sure if there would be much of a difference in going to the zoo either on the Friday or on the Sunday. Our plan is to bus into the city, get a bite to eat and be to the zoo around 10amish via the subway. We plan on spending a few hours and taking in what we can, a lot will depend on crowd and weather, but I doubt we will be there till it closes at around 5pm. So at that time of the year is there much difference crowd wise between a Friday and a sunday?
I believe Wednesdays are free so avoid that day as it’s a mob scene.
Summer weekends can be pretty busy. I can’t imagine the weekdays would be more busy, so I’d try for the Friday. Though unless you have your heart set on certain attractions that could have lines it really shouldn’t make a difference, especially if you are going early. The biggest issue for some is parking which won’t be a problem for you.
Last day for NYC pubic schools is Wednesday, June 28th. There might be field trip there in the Friday, but I still think that day is your best bet. .
Weather will play a major role as the zoo on a rainy day is not so much fun. Be flexible just in case.
” Our plan is to bus into the city, get a bite to eat and be to the zoo around 10amish”
Harlem first.
New York City
Is The Bronx Zoo Free On Wednesdays 2021
General admission is free all day on Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo! Come see thousands of animals at one of the largest zoos in the world. ADVANCE TIMED TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. The Wednesday Ticket Store will open on Monday at 5:00pm for that Wednesdays reservations.
Do you need to be vaccinated to go to the Bronx Zoo?
Vaccine Policy 226, all guests age 12 and older must show proof of vaccination in order to enter indoor exhibits**. Children 11 years and younger are permitted into indoor exhibits with vaccinated adult chaperone.
Do you have to wear a mask at the Bronx Zoo?
MASKS: Masks are required for all rides* and all indoor areas for all guests over the age of 2 years, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated guests over the age of 2 years are also required to wear a mask at all outdoor areas where social distancing cannot be maintained.
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Children’s Museums Zoos And Gardens With Free Times
The Bronx Zoo General admission is free on Wednesdays, but reservations are required. The Wednesday Ticket Store opens at 5pm on Mondays. Total Experience activities cost extra.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Winter Weekdays are pay-what-you can. Children 11 and under are always free.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum Amazon Free Hours on Thursday afternoons are from 2pm-5pm. Reservations should be booked in advance.
The Jewish Museum Saturday admission is free. Timed-entry reservations are required.
New York Aquarium Pay-what-you-wish Wednesday afternoons from 3pm to last entry, which varies by season. Reservations are required and the Wednesday Ticket Store opens at 3pm Monday.
New York Botanical Garden Free grounds admission for NYC residents all day Wednesdays. Book timed-entry tickets in advance.
New-York Historical Society Pay-what-you-wish Fridays from 6-8pm. Admission to the on-site DiMenna Children’s History Museum is included. Purchase timed-entry tickets in advance.
Queens Botanical Garden Free admission daily from November through March.
Staten Island Zoo Free on Wednesdays after 2pm. Timed-entry tickets are required.
Wave Hill Free on Thursdays from 10am-4:30pm. The garden also hosts special free arts events throughout the year. Check the calendar for more info.
Make a donation of your choice at the American Museum of Natural History. Photo by R. Mickens