Bronx Zoo

Overview

The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, home to over 6,000 animals from 700 species across 265 acres in the heart of the Bronx. Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, it combines animal exhibits with serious conservation science.

Highlights

• Congo Gorilla Forest: An immersive 6.5-acre exhibit simulating a central African rainforest, housing a large troop of western lowland gorillas.
• Wild Asia Monorail: A 25-minute narrated monorail ride through open-range habitats with tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses visible from above.
• Tiger Mountain: A naturalistic habitat for Siberian tigers with underwater viewing windows.

History

Opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo was one of the first zoos in the world built around naturalistic habitats rather than cages. The Wildlife Conservation Society, which operates the zoo, has led conservation efforts worldwide for over a century.

Visitor Tips

• Wednesdays: General admission is pay-what-you-wish on Wednesdays, though some premium exhibits have separate charges.
• Full Day: The zoo is enormous. A thorough visit requires a full day; prioritize exhibits in advance.
• Duration: 3–4 hours minimum.