Central Park Zoo

Central Park Zoo is a small 6.5-acre zoo located within Manhattan’s Central Park in New York City, operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society. It combines outdoor animal exhibits, an indoor tropical house and a dedicated children’s zoo area.

The sea lion pool, penguin and temperate species exhibits, an indoor tropical house, and the family-focused Tisch Children’s Zoo. The site is compact and designed for short visits as part of a Central Park itinerary.

The zoo traces its origins to the 19th century park menagerie and was substantially rebuilt in the late 20th century; it now emphasizes education and species conservation alongside public display. Facilities include visitor amenities and seasonal programming for families.

The zoo sits in the southeast quadrant of Central Park, between 63rd and 66th Streets, close to the park’s East Drive and accessible from many parts of Manhattan by public transport.

• Size and operator: The zoo occupies roughly 6.5 acres within Manhattan's Central Park and is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society as a compact urban zoo focusing on a limited number of species and educational exhibits.
• Popular exhibits and crowding: Major attractions include the sea lion pool, penguin and temperate-climate exhibits; it is busiest on weekends and during school holidays.

What to See #

• Tisch Children's Zoo: A small interactive area and petting collection aimed at children, with domestic and educational animal displays located within the zoo complex.
• Delacorte Clock: A decorative clock with rotating animal figures that marks time near the park-side entrance and is a familiar meeting point for visitors.