Visiting the Central Park Zoo

Plan Your Visit

The Central Park Zoo is open year-round, on the east side of Central Park between 63rd and 66th Streets. All visitors are required to reserve date-specific tickets in advance. Book your visit here.

The Zoo is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, and each exhibit is designed to recreate the animals' natural environment.

Exhibits and Animals

The Central Park Zoo is home to animals from three major biomes — tropical, temperate, and polar. Not sure where to start? Read on to learn about each region and its exhibits:

• Tropic Zone: Experience what it's like to be in the Amazon rainforest and encounter an exotic collection of animals, from the lower depths of the forest to the enveloping tree canopy. See lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, cotton-topped tamarins, and more. Be sure to look up to catch a variety of tropical birds flying freely above.
• Temperate Zone: Looking for something not too hot and not too cold? Find some of the rarest animals in the world, like red pandas and snow leopards, and be sure to check out the snow monkeys — the Central Park Zoo is the only zoo in New York City where they can be found.
• Polar Zone: Grab your jacket and winter boots! The Polar Circle features animals well-suited for colder temperatures, including polar bears, sea lions, puffins, and 74 penguins. Fun fact: in 2015, the Central Park Zoo became home to the first king penguin ever hatched in NYC.
• Central Garden and Sea Lion Pool: Located in the center courtyard, the sea lion pool and tank features a talented group of seals performing acrobatic tricks.
• Tisch Children's Zoo: Looking for a family-friendly activity in NYC? Home to sheep, goats, pigs, zebu, and the only cow in Manhattan, the Tisch Children's Zoo is perfect for young zoo enthusiasts. Kids can hang out with the bronze animal sculptures found here, or head over to the aviary to spot frogs, turtles, and birds. Admission is included in your Central Park Zoo ticket.

Tips for Zoo-Goers

• Please follow all zoo rules and safety guidelines, including not feeding animals or throwing objects into exhibits.
• Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire.
• Hungry or thirsty? Visit the Zoo's Dancing Crane Café for snacks, beverages, and desserts.
• Stop by the Zootique for merchandise, collectibles, and souvenirs.

History

While animals have roamed throughout Central Park's 843 acres since the 1870s, early plans for the Park did not include a zoo. In response to the growing collection of animals in the Park, several enclosures were built in front of the Arsenal while plans were made for a permanent facility. In 1934, the Parks Department created that permanent home — featuring buildings, sculptures, and a courtyard that still exist today. Since 1988, the Wildlife Conservation Society has helped update and expand the Zoo, dedicated to creating a space for future conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.

Conservation Efforts

Like other facilities managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Central Park Zoo is committed to conservation efforts for endangered animals and species. Various initiatives and educational programs raise awareness about ongoing threats to wildlife, and about efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats. Learn more here.