Made famous during the aughts due to a little indie film called Madagascar, the Central Park Zoo is a must-visit for all those spending time in NYC. While you won’t find any of the animals featured in the film there, this is Manhattan, after all, there is no space for a lion or a zebra. You’d have to visit the Bronx Zoo for that. Or possibly to that apartment in the East Village that always has the “free manure” sign outside the door. Regardless, the Central Park Zoo is a New York gem that is a worthy backdrop to your latest Instagram post.

How Long Does It Take?

As the Central Park Zoo is host to only twelve different species of animals, a trip here should take 2 hours at the most if you visit both zoos and the 4-d theater. Unless you’ve really got a thing for snow leopards. Then take all the time you need. No judgment.

What’s The History Of This Place?

The zoo, which is tucked away into an inconspicuous corner of the park, like everything else in New York, is full of history. It was initially opened as a menagerie in the 1860s. But after a succession of exotic animals that had been “gifted” to the park (I have questions) started to pile up, a charter was given to establish it as a public zoo in 1864—making it the second oldest zoo in the country.

Over the next century, it served the people of New York City before falling into dilapidation. It was closed in 1983. After an extensive renovated made by what was then known as the New York Zoological Society, it reopened in 1988 to the delight of children all across the city. The larger animals had been moved uptown, while all of the cages and habitats had been enlarged to humanely accommodate their residents.

In 1997, the children’s zoo was renovated with a grant from the Tisch Foundation. Twenty years later, the Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard Exhibit opened, saving three of the Bronx Zoo’s snow leopards from the of horrors of having to remain living in the outer boroughs.

When’s The Best Time To Go?

Since we know that you love snow leopards, wouldn’t it be awesome to see them in the actual snow? As the zoo is open all year round, it is more than a possibility. While there, check out the Chinstrap Penguins and the Snow Monkeys too. They’ll be in their element as well. Recommended For... While a visit here is great for the whole family, it also makes for an incredibly creative date night as well. Stop by with your longtime love in early March when the snow is just starting to thaw. It will be a welcome break from your daily routine. You’ll have your love and joy brought on by the adorable faces of the animals to keep you warm.

How To Get There?

Central Park is, well, centrally located at 64th Street & 5th Avenue New York, NY 10065 and is easily accessible by train or bus. By Subway, take the N, R, or Q trains to the Fifth Avenue/59th Street station in Manhattan and walk north four blocks to 64th Street. Or take the Lexington Avenue #6 train to the 68th Street/Hunter College station, walk west 3 blocks to Fifth Avenue, then take a left and walk four blocks south. If you are coming by bus, take the following lines to Fifth Avenue, between 59th and 65th Streets: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M66, Q32. The Central Park Zoo does not offer parking, their website suggests reserving parking near the Zoo through Parking Panda.

Adventure Scale

As a New Yorker, you are used to dealing with people who behave in some ways worse than wild animals, so you know how to handle yourself at the zoo. Just don’t antagonize them or stand too close. ‘Cause monkeys are gonna monkey, you know?

Price scale

For those 13 and up the price of general admission is 12 dollars. 7 dollars for children 3-12, 9 dollars for seniors. Children under two are free. 3 For the complete experience, both zoos and the 4-D theater, it is $18 for adults, children ages 3-12, $15 for seniors and free for children under 2.

Where To Buy/Sign Up?

You can buy tickets online and save 10% or in person at the ticket booth.

The Ultimate Travel Guide for the Central Park Zoo