The Bronx Zoo Gondola, also known as the Skyfari, is a captivating cable car ride that offers visitors a unique bird’s-eye view of the Bronx Zoo. This 56-person capacity ride takes passengers on a journey over the Butterfly Garden and parts of the African Plains exhibit, connecting the Zoo Center and Asia Plaza.
The Bronx Zoo Gondola: An Aerial Adventure
The Bronx Zoo Gondola, or Skyfari, is a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the Bronx Zoo. This cable car ride provides a one-of-a-kind perspective, allowing visitors to soar above the zoo’s diverse habitats and observe the animals from a unique vantage point.
Each gondola can accommodate up to four passengers, offering a comfortable and scenic ride. The journey takes visitors over the Butterfly Garden, where they can witness the graceful fluttering of these delicate creatures, and across the African Plains exhibit, providing a bird’s-eye view of the zoo’s iconic African wildlife.
The Incident: A Temporary Setback
In July 2008, the Bronx Zoo Gondola experienced a notable incident that temporarily disrupted its operations. A wheel on one of the gondolas became dislodged from the overhead cable, triggering the emergency mechanism and leaving approximately thirty passengers stranded for nearly five hours.
The incident resulted in the rescue of 37 individuals, including seven children, who were suspended at varying heights between 60 and 100 feet. Rescue teams employed a crane with a basket to safely retrieve the passengers, and the ride was subsequently closed for several days while the State Department of Labor conducted a thorough investigation.
The Closure: Maintenance Costs and Replacement Plans
Despite the 2008 incident not being the direct cause of the Bronx Zoo Gondola’s closure, the ride has since been grounded due to the high maintenance costs associated with its operation. Zoo officials have expressed interest in building an indoor theater as a replacement attraction, offering visitors a different type of immersive experience.
Exploring the Bronx Zoo: Alternative Experiences
While the Bronx Zoo Gondola is currently not operational, the zoo offers a wide range of other exciting experiences and exhibits for visitors to explore. Some of the notable attractions include:
- Animal Chronicles
- Budgie Landing
- Bug Carousel
- Nature Trek
- Penguin Feedings
- Sea Lion Feedings
- Wild Encounters
- Zoo Shuttle
Additionally, the Bronx Zoo features seasonal exhibits, such as the Wild Asia Monorail, which operates from May to October. This exhibit provides an immersive view of Asian wildlife and is included with the Bronx Zoo Admission ticket type.
It’s important to note that the Wild Asia Monorail has specific accessibility guidelines for guests using motorized scooters or wider wheelchairs, and stroller parking is required.
Conclusion
The Bronx Zoo Gondola, or Skyfari, was a unique and captivating attraction that allowed visitors to soar above the zoo’s diverse habitats and observe the animals from a bird’s-eye perspective. While the ride is currently not operational due to maintenance costs, the Bronx Zoo continues to offer a wide range of engaging experiences and exhibits for visitors to explore.
Whether you’re interested in witnessing the graceful movements of butterflies, observing the majestic African wildlife, or immersing yourself in the wonders of the Himalayan Highlands, the Bronx Zoo has something for everyone. Plan your visit and discover the many enchanting sights and experiences that this renowned zoo has to offer.