Central Park Zoo: The Jungle in New York!
Central Park Zoo is a must-see family attraction in New York! This unique zoo is even the star of the famous Madagascar animated film.
Booking Central Park Zoo Ticket
What to Know About Central Park Zoo
- Central Park Zoo sits in the southeast corner of the park, near 64th Street and close to the Upper East Side of New York. The zoo covers just 2.6 hectares (6.4 acres), yet it’s a remarkable destination. You’re in the heart of Manhattan, but you’ll travel across five continents.
- Central Park Zoo was founded in 1864 as a modest menagerie. It became a true zoo in 1934. Today, the Wildlife Conservation Society manages it—a nonprofit dedicated to preserving wildlife and habitats worldwide, with special focus on Africa. The organization also runs the Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium.
- If your kids loved the animated film Madagascar, Central Park Zoo is a must. The zoo is the setting for the wild adventures of Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the hypochondriac giraffe.
- The zoo also appears in the 2011 film The Smurfs. The Smurfs are transported to New York through a space-time portal that opens in Central Park.
What to See at Central Park Zoo
- Central Park Zoo is home to nearly 1,500 animals representing 163 different species, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Expect surprising encounters as you explore.
- Just past the entrance, you’ll find the sea lion pool—these playful animals are always entertaining. To the right of the sea lion pool, you’ll meet the penguins, zoo stars ever since Madagascar. Continue to the grizzly bear den, completely renovated in 2015.
- Other animals you’ll encounter include impressive snow leopards, red pandas, and primates.
- End your visit in the tropical zone, where you’ll find charming lemurs with their distinctive black-and-white fur—a species found only in Madagascar.
Book Your Central Park Zoo Tickets
- Skip the entrance line by booking your tickets on our site. You’ll also avoid currency conversion fees and bank charges on your dollar transaction.
- Go to our Central Park Zoo ticket reservation module. Select your visit date, enter the number of tickets, and complete payment on our site.
- You’ll receive your tickets immediately by email as QR codes to present at the entrance. Display the code on your phone or print it out.
Zoo Map
Visiting Central Park Zoo
- Address: Central Park Zoo is located in Central Park at 64th Street and Fifth Avenue. Once in the park, signs clearly direct you to the zoo.
- Subway: Lexington Ave–63 Street (lines F, N, Q, and R).
- Hours: open daily from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays, until 5:30 pm on weekends.
- Admission: $22.95 for adults, $16.95 for children ages 3–12, $18.95 for seniors. Prices do not include taxes. We recommend buying all-inclusive tickets through our zoo ticket reservation module.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to visit Central Park Zoo?
The zoo welcomes visitors of all ages. Families are well cared for—staff go out of their way to make children happy. Everything is organized with families in mind, and children will love the experience.
When is the best time to visit Central Park Zoo?
If possible, avoid visiting on weekends—crowds are heavy and the experience is less enjoyable. Weekdays are better, especially mornings. When the zoo opens, you’ll have plenty of space to explore without the rush.