Central Park Zoo sits on the southeast corner of Central Park at East 64th Street and Fifth Avenue, a compact 6.5-acre wildlife park run by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Its roots trace back to an informal 1864 menagerie, making it one of the oldest public zoos in the United States, though the zoo in its current form dates to 1934 and underwent a major $35 million naturalistic redesign by architect Kevin Roche that reopened in 1988.
Despite its small footprint, the zoo is organized into distinct habitat zones, including the Tropic Zone rainforest, the Temperate Territory, and the Polar Circle, home to snow leopards, red pandas, grizzly bears, and a variety of penguin species. Its central sea lion pool has long served as an unofficial gathering spot for park visitors, and the zoo has been home to notable animals over the decades, from Gus the polar bear to Pattycake the gorilla.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Central Park, Manhattan, New York City
- Opened: 1934 (current zoo); renovated 1988
- Size: About 6.5 acres
- Species: Around 130+ species, roughly 1,400 animals
- Annual Visitors: About 1 million paid admissions
- Operator: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
- Famous For: Sea lion pool and Gus the polar bear
Habitats and Exhibits
The zoo is divided into three main climate zones. The Tropic Zone recreates a rainforest with flying foxes, tamarins, and macaws, while the Temperate Territory houses red pandas and snow leopards. The Polar Circle features grizzly bears, penguins, and puffins around a chilled habitat, and the central sea lion pool anchors the zoo’s entrance with regular feeding demonstrations.
History in the Heart of Manhattan
What began as an informal 1864 menagerie of donated and surrendered animals grew into a formal zoo by 1934. By the 1980s, outdated cramped cages prompted a full redesign; the WCS reopened the zoo in 1988 with naturalistic habitats designed by Kevin Roche, a layout that still largely defines the visitor experience today.
Explore more: Explore more zoos and aquariums.
Central Park Zoo FAQs
How big is Central Park Zoo?
Central Park Zoo covers about 6.5 acres, making it one of the smallest major zoos in the country despite its central Manhattan location.
Who operates Central Park Zoo?
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) operates Central Park Zoo as part of its network of NYC zoos and the New York Aquarium.
When did Central Park Zoo open?
An informal menagerie existed in the park as early as 1864, but the zoo in its modern form opened in 1934 and was substantially redesigned and reopened in 1988.
Get More from Central Park Zoo
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Central Park Zoo, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: Tim Rodenberg / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.