Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is home to animals from tropical, temperate, and polar regions.
One of its most prominent features is the sea lion pool and tank, located in the center courtyard, which is visible from outside of the Zoo. Other exhibits feature snow leopards, grizzly bears, penguins, and more. The Tisch Children’s Zoo includes numerous exhibits for children and their caregivers, including animals to feed and pet. The Zoo is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Although a zoological garden or menagerie—as zoos were typically called in the 19th century—wasn’t a part of the original plan for Central Park, animals have been on display in the Park since the 1870s. In response to public donations of various animals to the Park, its administration created several temporary enclosures in front of the Arsenal and made plans for a permanent zoo in the North Meadow, which never materialized. In 1934, the Parks Department created a permanent facility consisting of various buildings, the courtyard, and works of sculpture, much of which are still visible today. The Zoo was updated and expanded in 1988.
Things you can do here
Self-Guided Tours
A Walk Through the Heart of Central Park
Journey through the center of Central Park.
Tags: Kids and Families / Art & Architecture
Self-Guided Tours
East Side Zofnass Walk
Spot more than 70 species of trees on this beautiful walk up the east side.
Tags: Plants and Trees
Also in the area
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About the Conservancy
Central Park's Iconic Chess & Checkers House is Revived and Kinderberg Restored
Central Park's iconic Chess & Checkers House and Kinderberg are newly restored. See how the Conservancy's expert team of landscape architects, architects, project managers, and historians worked to revive the site, a destination for kids of all ages for over 150 years.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / Park Design / About the Conservancy / Rustic Architecture / History / Park Experts / Landscape Design / Restoration and Maintenance
Park Information
Must-Visit Places in Central Park This Winter
Central Park offers endless opportunities for exploration, boasting an abundance of iconic landmarks, historic locales, and classic NYC backdrops. Our Central Park Conservancy experts put together this list of the best seasonal spots to visit in Central Park to help plan your trip this winter.
Tags: Families / Best for Kids / Staff Picks / All Ages / First-Time Visitors
Park Information
Celebrating Central Park in Children’s Books
Central Park is the setting for many terrific stories. Here’s a collection of children’s books—set in the Park—that are recommended by the New York Public Library.
Tags: Best for Kids
Things to See and Do
20 Ways to Enjoy Winter in Central Park
Tags: Tips for Visiting / Winter
Park History
A Timeless Masterpiece: The Secrets Behind Central Park’s Iconic Delacorte Clock
For over five decades, the Delacorte Clock near the Central Park Zoo has attracted visitors with its bronze animal sculptures and whimsical songs. Learn about this celebrated Central Park timepiece, its fascinating history, and how the Central Park Conservancy cares for it.
Tags: Families / Monuments / About the Conservancy / History / Highlights / All Ages / First-Time Visitors / Architecture / Restoration and Maintenance