Bronx Zoo History | A Journey Through Wildlife Conservation

From vision to wildlife haven: A timeline

1895: The New York Zoological Society (now WCS) is founded to promote wildlife conservation and education.
1899: The Bronx Zoo opens with 843 animals and sets new standards in naturalistic exhibit design.
1903: The zoo helps launch the American Bison Society, playing a key role in saving bison from extinction.
1940s–50s: It becomes a leader in breeding endangered species and advancing zoological science.
1972: The organization expands global conservation efforts through Wildlife Conservation International.
1999: The Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit opens, blending immersive design with real-time conservation support.
2003: The Madagascar! exhibit opens, highlighting the island’s rare and endangered wildlife.
2012: The zoo adopts eco-friendly practices, including solar energy and sustainable landscaping.
2020–2022: Virtual Wild Encounters and digital learning programs were launched during the pandemic.

History of the Bronx Zoo

Foundations and early conservation (1895–1930s)

The Bronx Zoo originated from the conservation movement of the late 19th century. In 1895, the New York Zoological Society, now known as the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), was established to promote zoological research, public education, and wildlife preservation.

The zoo officially opened in 1899, showcasing 843 animals across 22 exhibits. With support from President Theodore Roosevelt, the zoo bred bison and successfully reintroduced them into protected areas in the western United States.

Scientific progress and expanding global impact (1940s–1970s)

During the mid-20th century, the Bronx Zoo became a center for scientific research and breeding endangered species. It gained international recognition for its work with species such as the Arabian oryx, snow leopard, and Indian gharial.

The zoo evolved from merely being a display facility into a hub for field research and wildlife advocacy. In 1972, the parent organization launched Wildlife Conservation International, marking a formal commitment to protecting wildlife habitats worldwide.

Innovative exhibits and environmental stewardship (1980s–2010s)

From the 1980s onward, the Bronx Zoo transformed exhibit design and environmental education. In 1999, it opened the Congo Gorilla Forest, an immersive rainforest habitat that combined lush environments with interactive elements and supported conservation efforts in Central Africa.

Inspired by this success, the Madagascar! exhibit debuted in 2003, showcasing the island’s unique and endangered species. By the 2010s, the zoo adopted sustainability initiatives such as solar power, composting, and eco-friendly landscaping.

Reintroduction of blue iguana and overcoming challenges (2011–2023)

The Bronx Zoo and its partners began the reintroduction of the critically endangered blue iguana to its native habitat on Grand Cayman Island. By 2018, the program had released its 1,000th blue iguana.

Celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2019, the Bronx Zoo stood as a symbol of conservation progress. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed significant challenges, prompting the zoo to innovate with Virtual Wild Encounters and educational livestreams to engage audiences remotely.

The Bronx Zoo today

Today, the Bronx Zoo is home to over 11,000 animals representing more than 700 species and continues to lead in conservation, education, and sustainable innovation by blending technology with community outreach to inspire future generations.

The zoo remains managed by the WCS, which operates field programs in nearly 60 countries. Admission proceeds, store purchases, and premium experiences contribute to vital conservation efforts, both on-site and in the wild.

Frequently asked questions about the Bronx Zoo’s history

What was the Bronx Zoo originally called?

It was originally named the New York Zoological Park and wasn’t popularly referred to as Bronx Zoo until decades later.

Has the zoo always been focused on conservation?

No. In its early years, the focus was more on collection and display. Its global conservation mission expanded significantly in the 1970s with the establishment of Wildlife Conservation International.

Has the Bronx Zoo ever appeared in films?

Yes, several documentaries and the TV series The Zoo on Animal Planet were filmed at the Bronx Zoo, showcasing its animals and conservation work.

Has the zoo contributed to any animal reintroduction programs?

Yes, beyond the bison, the zoo has supported programs for species like snow leopards, Arabian oryx, and caimans.

What is the Bronx Zoo's most significant conservation achievement?

One major early success was helping to save the American bison from extinction in the early 1900s through captive breeding and reintroduction programs.