Bronx Zoo
Park Large urban zoo with diverse global animal collections
New York City’s Bronx Zoo attracts families and researchers with large mammal and aviary exhibits, conservation programs, seasonal events and urban wildlife displays across expansive enclosures.
The Bronx Zoo is a major urban zoological park located in the Bronx borough of New York City, administered by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Established at the turn of the 20th century, the zoo covers roughly 265 acres and houses thousands of animals representing hundreds of species.
The site contains large, habitat-style exhibits such as the Congo Gorilla Forest, Tiger Mountain, African Plains areas and specialized galleries for birds, reptiles and invertebrates, plus a Children’s Zoo and seasonal outdoor exhibits. Guest facilities include tram and shuttle services, educational programmes and multiple food and retail outlets across the park.
Founded by the New York Zoological Society and opened to the public in 1899, the Bronx Zoo grew through the 20th century into a centre for public education and wildlife conservation under the Wildlife Conservation Society. Many of its major exhibits have been developed to reflect modern zoo design and conservation priorities.
The zoo occupies a large portion of Bronx Park in northern Bronx, approximately 10 miles (around 16 kilometres) north of Midtown Manhattan, adjacent to the New York Botanical Garden and served by local transport links.
- Size and management: Covers about 265 acres within Bronx Park and is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, housing several thousand animals across hundreds of species.
- Visitor planning: Open seasonally with special exhibits and educational programmes; check the Wildlife Conservation Society site for current ticketing, timed entries and seasonal events.
What to See #
- Congo Gorilla Forest: Congo Gorilla Forest, a large walk-through habitat designed to house western lowland gorillas and other central African species, emphasises immersive viewing and conservation messages.
- Tiger Mountain and Asian exhibits: Tiger Mountain and Asian Highlands exhibits featuring large enclosures for big cats and hoofed mammals, designed for close public viewing from paths and overlooks.
- Children's Zoo: Children's Zoo and petting areas offering interactive exhibits for families and child-focused displays of domestic and small species.
How to Get to Bronx Zoo #
The Bronx Zoo is in Bronx Park with its main entrance on Southern Boulevard/Fordham Road. It’s a short walk from the Fordham area: the Metro‑North Fordham station is within walking distance (a roughly 10-20 minute walk) or a few minutes by taxi. Several local NYC bus routes serve Southern Boulevard and nearby streets for direct access to the zoo entrances.
Driving from Manhattan is typically done via the FDR Drive north then the Major Deegan Expressway/river crossings depending on start point; parking is available at the zoo.
Tips for Visiting Bronx Zoo #
- Aim for opening time on a weekday to see active animals with fewer visitors and to reach popular exhibits like the Congo Gorilla Forest and Madagascar before lines build up.
- Use the Bronx Zoo's main entrance on Southern Boulevard (the zoo address is 2300 Southern Blvd) to access the central map and tram/visitor services quickly on arrival.
- Purchase timed-entry tickets online to skip the ticket line and check the daily schedule for keeper talks and feedings-those short presentations concentrate crowds at specific times, so planning around them helps avoid bottlenecks.
Best Time to Visit Bronx Zoo #
The Bronx Zoo is best visited in spring or fall for milder weather and fewer crowds; weekends and holidays are the busiest times year‑round.
Weather & Climate near Bronx Zoo #
Bronx Zoo's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1171 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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