From the famous Bronx Zoo in New York City to the intimate Adirondack Animal Land, there are various options to choose from if you want to get a taste of the wild in New York, no matter where in the state. New York is a city known for skyscrapers, and fancy shops, and is home to some of the most famous brand chains. Asides from being the world’s most developed urban center, this city houses a wide range of wildlife.
Best Zoo in New York and Their Locations
The following are the 10 must-visit zoos in New York
1. New York Aquarium
New York Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the United States. It is located on Coney Island’s famous alley in Brooklyn. It has over 14 acres and, houses an extraordinary collection of over 266 species of aquatic fauna. The aquarium draws in locals and tourists in large numbers.
The opening time is between 10 AM to 3.30 PM.
The entry fee is USD 26.95 for adults and USD 22.95 for children.
The parking fee is between USD 18 – USD 40, depending on the time.
Facilities available are Bathrooms, Concession stands, and seating areas. Wheelchairs are accessible and Service animals are allowed
Address: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn
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2. Van Saun County Park
The Van Saun County Park in New Jersey and New York is family to the Bergen County Zoo as well as playing fields, picnic areas, carousels, and pony rides.
The opening hour is between 10 AM to 4 PM.
The entry fee is USD 8.00 for the zoo and USD 1.50 for rides.
Parking is free. Available facilities are Concessions, Bathrooms, Park. Wheelchairs are accessible
Address: 216 FOREST AVENUE. PARAMUS
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3. Staten Island Zoo
Staten Island Zoo in New York City is the only zoo in the city not run by the Wildlife Conservation Society. It is said by local legends that the zoo once had ties with the Staten Island Reptile Club which explains why it has always had an extraordinary reptile collection.
The opening time is between 10 AM to 5 PM from April to October and 10 AM to 4.30 PM from November to March.
The entry fee is USD 9.95 for adults and USD 6.95 for Children. Parking is Free.
The facilities available are Strollers on rent, Concessions, Bathrooms, Quiet zones, Par. Wheelchairs are accessible too.
Address: 614 Broadway, Staten Island
4. Prospect Park Zoo
This zoo is located In Brooklyn, on the eastern side of Prospect Park. It was formerly a menagerie since the 1800s, the zoo has been officially open as a public zoo since 1935 and is still retaining some of its vintage sculptures.
The opening hours are between 10 AM to 5 PM from April to October and 10 AM to 4.30 PM from November to March.
The entry fee is USD 9.95 for adults and USD 6.95 for children. Parking is free of charge
The facilities available are Strollers on rent, Concessions, Bathrooms, Quiet zones, Park. Wheelchairs can be accessible
Address: 450 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn,
5. Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo located within Bronx Park is one of the landmarks of New York City. As one of the largest zoos in the country, it has about 200-acre zoo housing more than 600 species. It has a rich history of animal interactions and is known to have one of the world’s best exhibitions of endangered and rare animals. The opening hour is between 10 AM to 5 PM
The zoo’s entry fee is USD 39.95 for adults and USD 29.95 for children
The parking fee is USD 17 and the facilities available are Strollers for rent, Concessions, Bathrooms, Quiet zones, Park
Wheelchairs are accessible
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx.
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6. Central Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo is situated within Central Park in the heart of New York City. Being somewhat small due to its metropolitan location, this zoo wows visitors with its displays and draws in more than a million people every year. The opening hour is between 10 AM to 5 PM.
To enter, you will need to pay USD 13.95 for adults and, USD 8.95 for children
The facilities available are concessions, Bathrooms, and a Park
You can access a Wheelchair
Address: Southeast point of Central Park, Fifth Avenue near 64th Street.
7. Queens Zoo
Queens Zoo is an 18-acre expanse of architecture and wildlife. It is a great way to escape the urban areas of Queens.
The opening hour is between 10 AM to 5 PM. To enter, USD 9.95 for Adults and USD 6.95 for children
Guests are to park near Flushing Meadow Park for free. The available facilities are Strollers on rent, Concessions, Bathrooms, Quiet zones, and a Park
You can access a Wheelchair
Address: 53-51 111th Street Flushing, Corona
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8. Bear Mountain Trails Museum Zoo
It has four museums which include the Herpetology House, featuring native turtles, snakes frogs, fish, and more, the Nature Study Museum housing specimens collected by the Museum of Natural History, and the Geology Museum teaching guests about local natural resources and geologic formations, and the History Museum which explores humanity’s presence in the area, starting from the earliest Native American settlers. The attractions cover a wide range of area biodiversity. The zoo is undergoing construction of new animal habitats and may be closed every Monday through Friday. You will find a statue of the early American poet Walt Whitman and breathtaking views of the Hudson River. It is usually closed during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The facilities available are an inn, restaurant, carousel, and ice skating rink.
There is a suggested donation of $1 as the entry fee
The parking fee is USD 10
The opening time is between 10 AM to 4:30 PM daily.
Address: Seven Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain
9. Buffalo Zoo
Being the nation’s third oldest zoo, the Buffalo Zoo has been letting visitors revel in new and exciting animals, reptiles, and insects since 1875. The zoo houses African lions, American bison, and Hellbenders making it a site for lovers of mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and birds to enjoy. The Zoo has meal options for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
The parking fee is USD 5 for the first two hours and USD 2 per hour after that with a maximum of $10.
Buffalo Zoo is a partner with KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting “sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities.” Visitors can request a sensory bag, which
The entry fee is USD6.95 for ages 13 to 64, USD 14.95 for seniors, USD12.95 for children ages 2 to 12 and is free for children under 2.
Opening hour is between 10 AM to 4 PM daily.
Address: 300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo
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10. Wild Animal Park
The wild animal park is loaded with entertainment and animals. You can see baby Kangaroo and also the new exhibit added to the park including new cheetah cubs and a “catwalk” for a guest to walk under. Bengal tiger, Giraffes, and snow leopard are the attraction of this place. This place provides you an opportunity to see and interact with a wide range of animals from all over the world and provides you an opportunity to have play time with family while learning and being educated
Address: 7621 Lakeport Rd, Chittenango
Note: Many zoos in the United States have shut their bird exhibits to protect animals from a recent outbreak of Avian Influenza, which has been killing birds across the country.