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Quick Information

ADDRESS

New York, NY 10021, USA

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

VISITORS PER YEAR

37500000

TICKETS

From $19.94

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

3

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

The zoo is one of NYC’s oldest; its origins going all the way back to the 1860s.

Don’t let its size fool you. Central Park Zoo houses over 130 species in just 6.5 acres all right in the heart of Manhattan.

The sea lions are one of the most coveted attractions, owing to their lively personality and interactive feeding sessions.

Featured exhibits

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

Black-and-white ruffed lemur perched on a tree branch in a forest setting.

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.

Red panda on a rock at Bioparc Fuengirola, surrounded by lush greenery.

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.

Gentoo penguin swimming in Antarctica Zone of Atlantis Aquarium.

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.

Zoo keeper feeding a sea lion with fish at a facility.

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 bears in a natural habitat at Yellowstone National Park, USA.

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.

OVA Orto Verde Animali zoo entrance with visitors in Florence, Italy.

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.

​Check out more animals at Central Park Zoo here

Unforgettable Central Park Zoo experiences

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

Sea lion with open mouth at New York Aquarium.

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.

Children wearing 3D glasses at Zoomarine Algarve 4D Cinema experience.

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.

Penguins swimming in the Central Park Zoo's aquatic exhibit, New York City.

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 animals of Central Park Zoo

Snow leopard resting on rocks at Dubai Safari Park.
Red panda in a tree at Central Park Zoo.
Two King Penguins standing on a sandy beach in a natural habitat.
Harbor seal resting on a rock in San Francisco Bay.
Keel-billed toucan perched at Central Park Zoo enclosure.
Grizzly bears in their natural habitat at Yellowstone National Park, USA.
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Snow Leopards

These elusive big cats are a highlight in the Temperate Territory, offering a glimpse into the lives of these endangered predators.

Red Pandas

Residing in the Temperate zone, these charming creatures are known for their tree-climbing prowess and distinctive rust-colored fur.

Penguins

The Polar Circle is home to 74 penguins, including king, macaroni, chinstrap, and gentoo species, making it one of the largest penguin colonies in the U.S.

Sea Lions and Harbor Seals

Also in the Polar Circle, these marine mammals captivate visitors with their playful antics and acrobatic displays.

Tropical Birds and Lemurs

The Tropic Zone recreates a rainforest environment, featuring black-and-white ruffed lemurs and a variety of vibrant bird species.

Grizzly Bears

In the Temperate Territory, visitors can observe these formidable bears in a setting that mirrors their natural habitat.

Conservation at Central Park Zoo

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 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.

Where is the Central Park Zoo located?

The park is located at New York, NY 10021, United States.

When did the Central Park Zoo open?

The zoo opened on December 2, 1934.

Can I feed animals?

Animal feeding is only allowed during the animal feeding sessions.

More reads

Visitors at the sea lion exhibit in Central Park Zoo, New York City.

Timings

White tiger resting on rocks at Central Park Zoo.

Animals

Tourists boarding a bus in Rome, Italy for a guided city tour.

Directions