Before the Central Park Zoo housed breeding programs for endangered species like the tamarin monkey and animal habitats like ones found in the wild, the Central Park Zoo's animals were cooped up in traditional black menagerie cages. Before that, the zoo was just another couple acres of Central Park; the designers of Central Park, Fredrick Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, had no intention of including a zoo in the park's original plan. Five years after the park opened to the public in 1873, the collection of exotic pets and other animals that had been donated were housed in the Arsenal building at Fifth Avenue, creating the second publicly-owned zoo after the Philadelphia Zoo. Sixty years later, brick and limestone buildings were added to house the expanding zoo in 1934, with special acclaim given to the sea lion pool, built specifically for the habits of the animals.
It took almost 50 years before the next phase of the zoo's life began with a $35 million, five-year renovation that closed the facility to the public. The zoo reopened in its current incarnation in 1988 and was split into three zones: tropic, temperate, and arctic. Glass-topped, vine-covered pergolas protect the walkways between these areas, and new brick buildings are trimmed in granite. The sea lion pool, now redesigned, is still a central feature of the zoo, and the sea lion feedings are a highlight of most visits.
Among the animals guests can view, the most popular are red pandas, polar bears, anteaters, and penguins. For children, the Wildlife Theater Players put on skits with puppets and songs to give lessons on nature and animals. The shows take place at the main stage in the Sea Lion Court and run during the weekend. Tisch Children's Zoo is also a great attraction for kids, where adventure and animals are combined in a walk-through, hands-on exhibit.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- April 4th through November 1st: Monday through Friday: 10am to 5pm, Weekends and Holidays: 10am to 5:30pm
- November 2nd through April 3rd: 10am to 4:30pm daily
- Admission:
- Adult: $10, Children: $5, Seniors: $7
- Subway Stop:
- N, R, W trains to the 59th Street/5th Avenue Station
- F train to the 63rd Street/Lexington Avenue Station
- Contact:
- Location: Enter at 5th Avenue south of 65th Street, New York, NY
- Phone: 212-439-6500
- Website: www.centralparkzoo.com
