The Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo in New York is the world’s biggest metropolitan zoo. The Bronx Zoo opened in 1899 and accommodates close to 6000 animals, belonging to around 700 different species. A number of these species are native American animals, which are very impressive to see. Other areas of the zoo are dedicated to animals from Asia, Africa and Madagascar, among others. Quite a few of the species at the zoo are endangered, so when visiting this New York zoo you’ll really see a very special collection of animals. The Bronx Zoo is a great place to visit with kids. It’s also a perfect attraction for everyone who would like to leave hectic Manhattan for a few hours and enjoy nature.

Buy your Bronx Zoo tickets here

American animals at The Bronx Zoo

What’s really unique about The Bronx Zoo is that there’s a large selection of animals that are native to the United States. You not only see the classic zoo animals, like zebras and giraffes but there’s also a herd of American bison, some (rescued) grizzly bears and even bald eagles. If you’re in doubt about which New York zoo to visit and you’re looking for the most impressive animals, you should definitely choose The Bronx Zoo.

Bronx Zoo when it rains

On days the weather isn’t at your side, it’s good to stroll around JungleWorld; an imitated Asian rainforest, including corresponding temperatures. Animals like otters, tapirs and gibbons all live in the same space here, just as in nature. Or visit the 4D cinema. The 4th dimension upon the HD 3D films that are showing consists of special effects like wind, mist, light and fragrance.

Bronx Zoo with Children

When you’re wondering what to do in New York with kids. The Bronx Zoo is a very good choice. The special Children’s Zoo is something you cannot skip when you visit the Bronx Zoo with kids. The Children’s Zoo is like a mixture of a playground and a petting zoo, where children learn how to live or move like an animal, and where they can feed lambs or llamas. Also the Madagascar! part of Bronx Zoo will put smiles on their faces, especially with kids who know the movie. At Madagascar! you will not only find the animals that belong on the African island – you will find them in an environment that is a perfect imitation of their own surrounding.

Visiting The Bronx Zoo

Coming from Manhattan, the quickest way to get to the zoo is to take express bus BxM11. You can hop on at one of the bus stops at Madison Avenue, for example, the one at the corner of Madison Avenue and E 39 Street, and pay with a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard or Apple Pay on your phone, connected to a credit card. You can get off at the stop named ‘Bronx River Pkwy & Bronx Zoo Entrance’. The Bronx Zoo opens at 10:00 and closes its doors between 16:30 and 17:30, depending on the season. As the park is quite big, I would recommend you to have a look at the map and plan your route beforehand.

Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden

Next to The Bronx Zoo, you find the New York Botanical Garden. These two attractions are therefore great to combine. I would recommend starting at the Botanical Garden. You can easily get here by taking subway trains 4 or D to Bedford Park Boulevard and from there walk in about 15 minutes to the north entrance of the garden. If you visit the garden from north to south, you can exit at what is actually the main entrance. From there you can walk to the Belmont entrance of the Bronx Zoo, which is located at 2348 Southern Boulevard.

Practical Information

• Location: 2348 Southern Boulevard, The Bronx
• Opening hours:
  • April 1st – November 4th, 2024:
    • Mon – Fri: 10:00 to 17:00
    • Weekends & holidays: 10:00 to 17:30
  • November 5th, 2024 – March, 2025:
    • Daily: 10:00 to 16:30
• Children under 3 visit for free

Buy your Bronx Zoo tickets here

The Bronx Zoo tickets are also included in the Sightseeing Flex Pass