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New York Tickets Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo, NYC: Tickets and Info

This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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Bronx Zoo

Highlights

Discover diverse wildlife across extensive naturalistic habitats.

Enjoy unlimited access to all animal exhibits and amusement attractions.

Take advantage of the convenient Zoo Shuttle to explore the vast grounds easily.

Experience interactive and family-friendly areas like the Butterfly Garden and Children’s Zoo.

Support global conservation efforts through your visit to this renowned zoo.

Good to Know Before Visiting The Bronx Zoo

All guests must reserve a date-specific ticket online in advance as on-site ticket sales are not available.

The Bronx Zoo is a cashless environment, so ensure you have a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment method for all in-park purchases.

You should wear comfortable walking shoes, as the park covers 265 acres and involves significant travel between exhibits.

Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted, but glass bottles and plastic straws are strictly prohibited for animal safety.

Animal exhibits begin closing 30 minutes before the park’s scheduled closing time each day.

Re-entry is permitted on the day of your visit provided you have your hand stamped at an exit gate before leaving.

Several major attractions, including the Wild Asia Monorail and the Children’s Zoo, operate only during the peak season from April through October.

Smoking and vaping are prohibited everywhere within the zoo boundaries to maintain a healthy environment for guests and wildlife.

To avoid the largest crowds, plan to arrive at the 10 AM opening time and visit on a weekday if possible.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while inside the park.

Essential Visitor Info

The park opens daily at 10 AM. Closing times vary based on the time of year and day of the week:

Winter (November 2 - April 1): The park closes daily at 4:30 PM.

Spring/Summer Weekdays (April 2 - October 31): The park closes at 5 PM.

Spring/Summer Weekends & Holidays: The park closes at 5:30 PM.

Note that last entry to the park is permitted until 45 minutes before closing.

To ensure you see the wildlife, please be aware that animal exhibits close 30 minutes prior to the park's scheduled closing time.

Best Time to Visit

To maximize your experience, consider the following timing tips:

Early Arrival: Arriving right at 10 AM allows you to see many animals at their most active and beat the mid-day school groups and crowds.

Weekday Visits: Tuesdays and Thursdays generally see lower attendance than weekends.

Holiday Closures

The Bronx Zoo is closed on the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

About the Bronx Zoo

Established in 1899, the Bronx Zoo is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), an organization dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places worldwide. The park is recognized for its historic Beaux-Arts architecture and its groundbreaking approach to exhibit design, which replicates global ecosystems like the African Plains and the tropical rainforests of Asia. As a designated New York City Landmark, the zoo serves as both a cultural institution and a critical hub for international conservation research and animal welfare.

Today, the zoo houses over 600 species, many of which are part of vital breeding programs for endangered animals such as the Amur tiger and the Kihansi spray toad. Visitors can explore a diverse array of environments, including the climate-controlled JungleWorld and the expansive Wild Asia Monorail, which allow for close-up viewing of animals in settings that mirror their native homes. By integrating education with immersive exploration, the Bronx Zoo continues to inspire millions of guests each year to support the protection of the planet's biodiversity.

Total Area: 265 acres

Number of Animals: 6,000+

Number of Species: 700+

Annual Visitors: 2 million

Year Founded: 1899

Number of Major Exhibits: 20+

Ownership: City of New York

Management: Wildlife Conservation Society

Why Visit the Bronx Zoo?

World-Class Immersive Exhibits

The zoo is renowned for its naturalistic habitats that prioritize the well-being of the animals while offering guests an immersive experience. Exhibits like the Congo Gorilla Forest and the Himalayan Highlands allow visitors to see rare species in environments that closely mirror their wild origins.

Unmatched Biodiversity

With over 6,000 animals across 600 species, the park offers a level of biodiversity rarely found in urban settings. Visitors can observe everything from massive African elephants and Siberian tigers to delicate tropical butterflies and rare reptiles.

Conservation and Education

Every ticket purchase supports the Wildlife Conservation Society’s global efforts to save wildlife and wild places. The zoo serves as a living classroom, providing educational programs and interactive displays that teach visitors of all ages about the importance of environmental stewardship.

Seasonal Experiences and Attractions

Beyond animal viewing, the zoo offers seasonal attractions such as the Wild Asia Monorail and the Butterfly Garden that provide unique perspectives on the natural world. These experiences rotate throughout the year, ensuring that a visit in the fall offers a different atmosphere than a trip in the spring.

A Historic New York Landmark

Founded in 1899, the Bronx Zoo is a designated New York City Landmark known for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and expansive green spaces. It offers 265 acres of parkland, providing a significant outdoor retreat from the dense urban environment of the city.

Bronx Zoo - Additional Info

The Dancing Crane Cafe is the park's primary year-round dining facility, offering a variety of hot and cold meals including burgers, salads, and vegetarian options.

It features a large indoor seating area as well as an outdoor patio overlooking a natural marsh.

For a more casual experience, seasonal food stands and snack bars are positioned throughout the park, serving quick items like hot dogs, pretzels, and ice cream.

Visitors are also permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the park.

Designated picnic areas are available at the Bronx River entrance and near the Dancing Crane Cafe.

Please note that for the safety of the animals, glass containers and straws are strictly prohibited throughout the zoo.

Interesting Facts about the Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo opened its doors on November 8, 1899, with 843 animals across 22 exhibits.

It is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, spanning 265 acres of woods, ponds, and parkland.

The zoo played a critical role in saving the American bison from extinction by shipping zoo-bred animals to Western preserves in the early 1900s.

The Rainey Memorial Gates at the Fordham Road entrance are a designated New York City landmark featuring 22 sculpted animals.

The Congo Gorilla Forest is one of the world's largest man-made rainforests and has raised millions of dollars for African conservation through its entrance fees.

The Wild Asia Monorail travels through 38 acres of mudflats and forests to view animals like rhinos and tigers that are not accessible by foot.

JungleWorld is a massive indoor tropical habitat that maintains a constant warm climate for Asian species regardless of New York weather.

The Bronx Zoo was the first in North America to exhibit a snow leopard and continues to lead successful breeding programs for the species.

The park is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which operates conservation programs in more than 60 countries.

The Zoo Center features stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and was originally designed as the Elephant House in the early 20th century.

A colony of thousands of wild black-crowned night herons migrates to the zoo every year to nest near the aquatic bird exhibits.

The 4-D Theater offers an immersive sensory experience that combines 3-D film with physical effects like mist, wind, and scents.

The World of Reptiles building is the oldest animal power-house on the grounds and has been in continuous operation since 1899.

The zoo is home to several animals that are extinct in the wild, including the tiny Kihansi spray toad from Tanzania.

Over 6,000 animals live at the Bronx Zoo, ranging from the massive 4,000-pound rhinos to leaf-cutter ants.

FAQs about the Bronx Zoo

What is the mission of the Bronx Zoo?

The zoo is the flagship of the Wildlife Conservation Society, a global non-profit dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places through science and education.

How long has the Bronx Zoo been open?

The park originally opened to the public on November 8, 1899, with 843 animals.

Which organization manages the Bronx Zoo?

The zoo is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society on behalf of the City of New York.

What is the architectural style of the historic buildings?

The historic Astor Court area features stunning Beaux-Arts architecture designed by the firm Heins & LaFarge.

Is the Bronx Zoo considered a landmark?

Several areas, including the Rainey Memorial Gates and the Zoo Center, are officially designated New York City Landmarks.

How does the zoo support animal conservation?

Proceeds from every ticket go toward field programs in nearly 60 countries and local breeding programs for endangered species.

Are all animal exhibits open year-round?

While many habitats are open daily, seasonal attractions like the Wild Asia Monorail and Butterfly Garden only operate from April through October.

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

On-site ticket sales are not available; all guests must reserve date-specific tickets online before arrival.

Does the zoo accept cash for food or souvenirs?

The Bronx Zoo is a cashless environment and requires credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments for all transactions.

Is re-entry allowed if I leave the park?

Re-entry is permitted on the same day as long as you have your hand stamped at one of the exit gates before leaving.

Are outside food and beverages permitted?

You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but glass containers and plastic straws are prohibited for animal safety.

What time do the animal exhibits close?

Animal exhibits begin closing 30 minutes prior to the park's scheduled closing time to allow for end-of-day care.

Is the zoo open on holidays?

The park is open 361 days a year but is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Are strollers and wheelchairs available for rent?

Manual wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent at the Southern Boulevard and Bronx River entrances on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I bring my pet to the zoo?

Only ADA-compliant service animals are allowed; pets and emotional support animals are not permitted inside the park.

What should I do if I lose an item during my visit?

Lost and Found inquiries are handled at the Admissions booths located at each of the main entry gates.

How does the zoo replicate different global environments?

Groundbreaking exhibits like the Congo Gorilla Forest and JungleWorld use climate control and naturalistic design to mirror specific wild ecosystems.

How many species are currently housed at the zoo?

The park provides a home for over 6,000 animals representing more than 600 unique species.

What is the best way to avoid large crowds?

Arriving at the 10 AM opening time on a weekday is recommended for a quieter experience.

Are there special rules for visiting on a Wednesday?

Wednesday tickets are released at 5 PM on the prior Monday and must be reserved in advance for reduced admission.

This website sells official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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