New York zoo facts for kids

Zoos are wonderful places where you can discover animals from all over the world! They play a super important role in protecting endangered species and teaching everyone about wildlife. New York State has some amazing zoos, including five right in New York City and one in Buffalo. Each zoo gives you a special chance to see incredible creatures and learn how we can help keep them safe.

Zoos in New York City

Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is the biggest city zoo in the United States! It covers a huge area of 265 acres in the Bronx, New York City. This zoo first opened its doors in 1899. It's famous for having a massive collection of animals, with more than 10,000 animals from over 700 different species. The Bronx Zoo is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), an organization that works all around the world to protect animals and their natural homes.

What You Can See at the Bronx Zoo

You can explore many different habitats at the Bronx Zoo. There's the "Congo Gorilla Forest" where you can see gorillas and other African animals. The "Tiger Mountain" is home to majestic tigers. You can also visit "JungleWorld," an indoor rainforest with monkeys, gibbons, and more. The zoo focuses on creating natural-looking homes for its animals. They also have special programs like the "Bug Carousel" and a "Treetop Adventure" for extra fun!

Central Park Zoo

The Central Park Zoo is a smaller, charming zoo located right inside Central Park in Manhattan. It's much older than the Bronx Zoo, with its roots going back to the 1860s. This zoo is also managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society. It's known for its beautiful design and for being a peaceful escape in the middle of a busy city.

Animals at Central Park Zoo

Even though it's smaller, the Central Park Zoo has many interesting animals. You can see snow leopards, grizzly bears, and red pandas. There's also a popular "Tropical Zone" with colorful birds and monkeys. Don't miss the "Polar Circle" where you can watch sea lions and penguins swim and play. It's a great place to learn about animals from different climates.

Queens Zoo

The Queens Zoo, also known as the Flushing Meadow Zoo, is located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens. This zoo focuses on animals that are native to North America. It first opened in 1968 and was later renovated to better represent American wildlife. It's also operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Discover North American Wildlife

At the Queens Zoo, you can learn about animals you might find right here in North America. You can see American bison, bears, and pumas. There are also various birds, including bald eagles. The zoo has a special "Farm" area where you can meet domestic animals like alpacas and goats. It's a great place to connect with the wildlife of our own continent.

Prospect Park Zoo

The Prospect Park Zoo is located in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Like the other New York City zoos, it's managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society. This zoo opened in 1935 and was later rebuilt to focus on conservation and education. It's designed to be a fun and educational experience for families.

What to See at Prospect Park Zoo

The Prospect Park Zoo is home to many fascinating animals. You can see red pandas, dingos, and various types of monkeys. They have a popular "Animal Lifestyles" building where you can observe animals in different environments. The zoo also has a "Barn and Garden" area with farm animals and a "Discovery Center" for hands-on learning. It's a perfect spot for younger visitors to learn about animals.

Staten Island Zoo

The Staten Island Zoo is located on the North Shore of Staten Island. It was one of the first zoos in the United States to be designed specifically for educational purposes. It opened in 1936 and is famous for its large collection of reptiles, especially snakes.

Reptiles and More at Staten Island Zoo

The Staten Island Zoo is often called "The Biggest Little Zoo." While it's not huge, it has a fantastic collection of animals. Its reptile house is a major highlight, with many different kinds of snakes, lizards, and turtles. You can also see animals like lemurs, kangaroos, and various birds. The zoo focuses on teaching visitors about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting all creatures, big and small.

Buffalo Zoo

The Buffalo Zoo is located in the city of Buffalo, New York. It is the third oldest zoo in the United States, having been founded in 1875. This historic zoo is a major attraction in Western New York and plays an important role in animal conservation and education for the region.

Animals and Exhibits at Buffalo Zoo

The Buffalo Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. You can visit the "Arctic Edge" exhibit to see polar bears and arctic foxes. The "Rainforest Falls" exhibit features animals from tropical environments, including jaguars and sloths. They also have giraffes, lions, and many different types of birds and reptiles. The zoo is actively involved in breeding programs for endangered species, helping to ensure these animals survive for future generations.