Bronx Zoo: New York’s Largest Zoo

What to Know About the Bronx Zoo

• The Bronx Zoo is located in the Bronx, at the northern edge of New York City. It’s the largest zoo in New York and one of the largest in the United States, spanning over 100 hectares (250 acres)—roughly the size of 140 football fields. The zoo welcomes more than 2 million visitors each year.
• The Bronx Zoo opened in 1899. Back then, it was much smaller, with fewer than 900 animals. It quickly grew in size and reputation, acquiring many rare species.
• Today, the Bronx Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals representing 650 species. Get ready for a true safari across five continents.
• The zoo is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, a major American nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting animals worldwide. The organization also manages the Central Park Zoo and the New York Aquarium in Coney Island.

What to See at the Bronx Zoo

• Be prepared: one day won’t be enough to see everything. The zoo offers an extensive route with countless activities for the whole family.
• Start with the African Plains, where you’ll encounter lions, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Then head into the Gorilla Forest for an unforgettable face-to-face encounter.
• In the center of the zoo, visit the tigers on their mountain. Nearby, step into the World of Birds, a large aviary.
• The zoo also caters to children with a children’s zoo and an encounter with lemurs from Madagascar, inspired by the films. Older kids can test their courage on the Dinosaur Safari.
• Adults aren’t left out: adventurous visitors can zip line across the park. The 120 m (394 ft) course passes over the animals and the Bronx River.

Practical Information

• Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, New York.
• Hours: In winter, the Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm. In summer, it stays open until 5 pm, and until 5:30 pm on weekends.
• Admission: Purchase tickets through the Bronx Zoo ticket reservation system. Your ticket includes access to the main zoo, the children’s zoo, a 4D cinema, and the Central Park Zoo. Children under 2 are free. The zoo also offers free admission on Wednesdays from 3 pm to 5 pm, but you must request these free tickets on Monday for Wednesday entry. Keep in mind that two hours is quite short given everything the zoo has to offer, and additional attractions inside the zoo cost $7 extra. Also note that Wednesdays at this time tend to be crowded with local visitors, so it may not be the best way to enjoy the zoo.
• Holiday Lights: Each year, the Bronx Zoo lights up for the holiday season. A special ticket is required. Visit the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights page for details.

Map to the Bronx Zoo