Central Park Zoo: Animals, Exhibits, & Conservation

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Featured Central Park Zoo exhibits

Feast your eyes on some of the Central Park Zoo's most coveted exhibits, showcasing animals from over 130 species.

Tropic Zone, The Rainforest

Escape into a lush, two-story indoor jungle, alive with tropical birds, playful monkeys, and lemurs. This exhibit immerses you in the diverse sights and sounds of a thriving rainforest ecosystem.

Temperate Territory

Wander scenic paths to encounter animals from across Asia. Observe the elusive Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopards, red pandas, and snow monkeys in environments designed to mirror their native habitats for an authentic Central Park Zoo exhibit.

Polar Circle

Journey to the icy extremes and meet charming penguins; Gentoo, chinstrap, and king species; waddling and diving. This cool Central Park Zoo exhibit also features delightful puffins, offering a captivating glimpse into the lives of these cold-weather birds.

Central Garden & Sea Lion Pool

At the zoo's heart, marvel at the intelligence and agility of the California sea lions during their feeding sessions. This iconic pool offers fantastic views, making it a central Central Park Zoo experience and beloved exhibit.

Grizzly Bear & Treena's Overlook

Come face-to-face with majestic grizzly bears in a habitat reflecting their rugged North American wilderness. Treena's Overlook provides an unparalleled Central Park Zoo exhibit vantage point to observe these powerful animals as they forage and explore.

Tisch Children's Zoo

A world of wonder designed for young explorers to connect with gentle farm animals. Kids can enjoy feeding goats and sheep, and meet Manhattan's only cow, offering a hands-on and memorable Central Park Zoo experience.

Unforgettable Central Park Zoo experiences

Engage with an immersive theater and the zoo's interactive animals, making way for a unique combination of experiences.

Animal Feedings (Sea Lions & Penguins)

Don't miss these lively daily events! The sea lion and penguin feedings are exclusive Central Park Zoo experiences, offering insight into animal care as you watch these fascinating creatures enjoy their meals with keeper commentary.

4-D Theater

Elevate your visit with an immersive cinematic adventure! The 4-D Theater combines 3-D films with thrilling sensory effects like wind and mist, creating unforgettable Central Park Zoo experiences that bring wildlife stories vividly to life.

Zoo Quests

Embark on fun, interactive missions throughout the zoo! These self-guided Quests have been engaging Central Park Zoo experiences for all ages, connecting you with wildlife and conservation efforts in a playful and educational way.

The Central Park Zoo, operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), plays a vital role in global wildlife conservation. It was the first North American zoo to breed the critically endangered scaly-sided merganser and has advanced efforts with the superb bird-of-paradise, both threatened by habitat loss. These initiatives help sustain healthy animal populations and support reintroduction into the wild. Beyond breeding, WCS works in nearly 60 countries to protect species like great apes, big cats, and marine life, inspiring visitors to support conservation through education and advocacy.

Frequently asked questions about the Central park zoo

How many animal species are present in the zoo?

The Central Park Zoo is home to over 130 species, including snow leopards, red pandas, penguins, and tropical birds. The zoo's exhibits are thoughtfully designed to replicate the natural habitats of these animals, offering visitors an immersive experience.

Are all the exhibits and experiences open year-round?

Yes, the Central Park Zoo operates 365 days a year, including holidays. However, it's advisable to check the zoo's official website or contact them directly for any temporary closures or maintenance schedules.

Can I purchase tickets at the zoo entrance?

No, all tickets must be purchased online in advance. This policy helps manage visitor flow and ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.