On the eastern side of Brooklyn's Prospect Park lays the Prospect Park Zoo with its extensive exhibits of nearly 700 animals. Contained in six red brick buildings in a semi-circular formation surrounding a seal pool, the zoo presents three main exhibits.
Beginning in one building and extending outdoors is the World of Animals exhibit where a variety of animals from around the world live in their natural habitats. Take the Discovery Trail path through the building and outside to see emus, prairie dogs, porcupines, and pandas. Here, you become engulfed in the habitats of these animals; at one point along the trail, you have the opportunity to crawl in an underground tunnel to observe the prairie dogs.
Among the main exhibits is also Animal Lifestyles, featuring habitats in the water, on land, and in the air. It is here that the capybara, the largest rodent in the world, can be seen living in its semi-aquatic environment. The "on land" area contains animals such as Emerald Tree boas and cottontop tamarin monkeys who can be seen climbing their way through the exhibit. This exhibit also provides seating in front of a glass-encased hamadryas baboon habitat.
With indoor and outdoor components, Animals in our Lives is another main exhibit, intended to show the interconnectedness of humans and animals. At an art station, you are invited to use provided art supplies to sketch the animals you observe. Some have long been the subject of human art, while others are unusual subjects. Another component of this exhibit explores how animals adapt to their environment, including how they use color to attract one another and blend into their surroundings. Outside, a barn filled with farm animals shows the usefulness of such animals to human productivity and well-being.
In addition to its primary exhibits, the Prospect Park Zoo hosts a variety of activities. You can see up close -- and maybe even touch -- a selection of animals through the Animal Encounters program. This program is located in the Discovery Theater on Saturdays and Sundays year round, four times per day. Every day at 11:30am, 2pm, and 4pm, visitors are welcome to watch the sea lion feedings, as trainers tell the audience about care for the animals and encourage them to show their tricks.
A perfect place for kids, the Discovery Center holds an array of learning stations for youngsters. Open on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm, children can have the opportunity to see animals up close, learn about veterinarian techniques, and read books about the animals they visit at the zoo.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Winter hours (through April 2): 10am to 4:30 pm daily
- Summer hours (April 3–Oct 31): Monday through Friday: 10am to 5:30pm, Weekends and Holidays: 10am to 5:30pm
- Admission:
- Adults: $7, Children: $3
- Subway Stop:
- B, Q, S trains to the Prospect Park Station
- Contact:
- Location: 450 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, New York
- Phone: 718-399-7339
- Website: www.prospectparkzoo.com
