The Bronx Zoo, located within its namesake borough of New York City, is the largest metropolitan zoo in the U.S.—and certainly one of the most famous. More than two million visitors come each year to explore the zoo’s 265 acres of parklands and animal habitats.The Bronx Zoo has special activities, programs and unique exhibits to delight visitors of all ages.
What to See at the Bronx Zoo
From mid-March through October, the Butterfly Garden attracts over a dozen different butterfly species, which flutter through its meadow and greenhouse, gathering in large numbers by nectar trays. If you’re lucky, one might land on your elbow.
The Children’s Zoo is a farmyard where younger kids can pet sheep and donkeys. It’s also home to more exotic critters, such as an anteater, two-toed sloth, prairie dogs, mini Nubian goats and alpacas.
The zoo has several primate habitats, called Congo Gorilla Forest, Baboon Reserve and Jungle World, housing small monkeys to large gorillas from various places in Africa and Asia. Other naturalistic enclosures showcase large cats, birds of prey, reptiles, bears and bison.
You can ride a camel, a bug carousel or a monorail. The monorail, through the Asian Wilderness, puts you face to face with red pandas, elephants and rhinos.
In 2017, the zoo introduced Nature Trek, 12 covered rope bridges between towers, elevated tunnels and smaller obstacles, plus a play area with a sandbox, water sprinklers and structures to climb on. Also in 2017, the zoo opened its Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure with ropes courses for various ability levels and a 400-foot zipline that traverses the Bronx River.
Popular Exhibits and Attractions at the Bronx Zoo
The Butterfly Garden – Well over a dozen different butterfly species flutter through the meadow and greenhouse, yet species seem to stick together. Often times, a large number of the same type are seen gathered at one nectar tray.
Congo Gorilla Forest – Gorillas are among our closest relatives in the wild and that’s pretty clear watching those at the Bronx Zoo. From cautious to playful to nurturing, each has a unique personality. It’s always a thrill to see them interact.
Madagascar! – There are about 97 lemur species native to the island of Madagascar, among them Coquerel’s Sifaka. Those at the Bronx Zoo are often active, using their strong hind legs to leap from limb to limb and rock to vine.
Hours & Ticket Information
Through November 4, 2023, the Bronx Zoo will be open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. On weekends and holidays, the zoo is open from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. From November 5 until March 2024, the zoo will be open daily from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Ticket prices for the winter season are as follows:
Adult (13 & over) $37.75
Child (3-12) $28.75
Senior (65 & over) $33.25
Child (2 & under) Free
“You are surrounded by woods, amazing animals and atmosphere and you forget you are in the Bronx! The zoo is amazing.”
—Robyn M., Trip Advisor
Take Amtrak to the Bronx Zoo!
Visit exciting exhibitions and attractions at the Bronx Zoo via Amtrak to Moynihan Train Hall in New York City—Don’t forget to use the See NewYork and Save 15% discount!
From Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station take the 2 subway line to Pelham Parkway, or, take the BxM11 express bus which makes stops along Madison Avenue, between 26th and 99th Streets, then travels directly to the zoo.
