The Central Park Zoo is a 6.5-acre zoo located at the southeast corner of Central Park in New York City. It is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), an integrated network of four zoos and an aquarium spread throughout New York City. The zoo is situated on a plot in Central Park and can be accessed through the Fifth Avenue entrance or from within Central Park.

Main Zoo Areas

The zoo is divided into three major exhibit areas: tropic, temperate, and polar. These areas are housed in discrete buildings of brick trimmed with granite and are masked by vines. The exhibit areas are centered around a square central garden that contains a square sea lion pool in its center. The sea lion pool is surrounded by glass fencing to allow visitors to observe the sea lions and their daily feedings.

Other Noteworthy Features

The Arsenal

Located outside the zoo, the Arsenal was completed in 1851 and originally intended as a weapons and ammunition storehouse for the New York State Militia. It once served as an actual zoo building but now contains NYC Parks Department offices.

4D Theater

Located to the north of the Arsenal.

Gift Shop and Ticket Booth

Located to the south of the Arsenal.

Intelligence Garden

Located on the southern side of the central garden, it was inspired by a rare-animal menagerie created by King Wen of Zhou in 1100 B.C. This area was originally the site of the menagerie’s horned animal/small mammal house.

Dancing Crane Cafe

A cafeteria located to the south of the Intelligence Garden.

Art and Conservation Programs

Public Art

The zoo features several works of public art, including five structures preserved from the original zoo built in 1934 with animal-themed limestone friezes sculpted by Frederick Roth. Additionally, there are bronze statues such as Dancing Goat and Dancing Bear that flank the zoo’s southern entrance.

Breeding Programs

The zoo coordinates breeding programs for endangered species as part of the Species Survival Plan, including thick-billed parrots and red pandas.

Educational Programs

The zoo offers educational venues and exhibits, including a volunteer program that engages members of the community and provides outreach and educational programs for adults and students.

Planning and Creation

The zoo was not part of the original Greensward Plan for Central Park created by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. However, a menagerie near the Arsenal, on the edge of Central Park, was part of the original plan.

Zoo Map and Visitor Information

Zoo Map

The Central Park Zoo provides a detailed map to help visitors plan their trip. The map includes information on exhibit locations, amenities, and directions.

Park Hours and Admission Rates

• Park Hours:
• March 29 — November 2, 2024: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Weekends & Holidays, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• November 3, 2024 — March 2025: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Last entry is 1 hour prior to closing.
• Admission Rates:
• Adult (13 & over): $19.95
• Senior (65 & over): $16.95
• Child (3 – 12): $14.95
• Child (2 & under): Free.

Getting to the Zoo

• By Subway: Take the N, R, or W trains to the Fifth Avenue/59th Street station in Manhattan, and walk north four blocks to 64th Street. Alternatively, 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.
• By Bus: The following buses stop on Fifth Avenue, between 59th and 65th Streets: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M66, Q32.
• Car Parking: While there is no parking at the Central Park Zoo, visitors can reserve parking near the zoo through SpotHero.

The Central Park Zoo is a unique and fascinating attraction that offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of animal habitats and learn about conservation efforts. With its carefully designed layout, public art, and educational programs, the zoo provides an engaging and informative experience for all who visit.

References:
– Central Park Zoo Wikipedia
– Central Park Zoo Map
– Central Park Zoo Plan Your Visit
– Central Park Zoo Getting Here
– Central Park Zoo Quest 2022