Top 10 Zoos in New York - Complete Guide for Wildlife

New York has great variety of zoos that are both educational, conservation-based and entertaining. The state has some of the best animal experiences in the world with famous wildlife parks as well as small community zoos. These are best zoos in New York, which should be included in your travel list no matter whether you are having family vacation, school trip or weekend trip.

List of Top 10 Zoos in New York

1. Bronx Zoo – Bronx, New York City

Bronx Zoo is one of grandest wildlife attractions in New York and is among largest metropolitan zoos in world. It was started in year 1899 and it is over 265 acres and has in excess of 6,000 animals representing approximately 700 species.

Theatrical displays such as Congo Gorilla Forest, Tiger Mountain and Wild Asia Monorail. There is intensive concern about the conservation of wildlife and research on global scale. Educational programs, seasonal events and animal feedings.

• Get at least one whole day to sightsee.
• Go early in the morning to avoid crowd.
• Autumn and spring are most comfortable seasons.

Bronx Zoo is ideal for those tourists who are interested to get world-class experience of zoo in New York.

2. Central Park Zoo - Manhattan, New York City

Central Park Zoo is situated in central part of Manhattan and is dream to have break in hectic life of city. It is not so big but perfectly decorated and suited to families of young children.

Highlights:

• Sea lion pool, snow leopards and red pandas.
• Children farm with animated farm animals in Tisch Children's Zoo.
• Convenience straight off the major NYC attractions.

• Short visits.
• Families and zoo first-time visitors.
• Central Park sightseeing.

The zoo offers combination of urban and wildlife education with list of attractions and it is one of the most popular zoos in NYC.

3. New York Aquarium – Brooklyn

New York Aquarium located on legendary Coney Island boardwalk is oldest in operation in United States of America. It is concerned with marine wildlife and conservation of ocean.

• Shark displays with tunnels underwater.
• Environment of sea lions and penguins.
Touch pools and shows per day.

• Powerful schools on marine ecosystems.
• Perfect indoor attraction in colder seasons.

New York aquarium is place that should be visited by any person willing to learn about marine life in New York.

4. Queens Zoo - Queens, New York City

Queens Zoo has earned reputation of having contemporary design and walk-through exhibits that provide close simulation of natural environment. It primarily features the American animals.

• Bears of the Andes, bison, puma and bald eagles.
• Children farm and free-flight aviary.
• Calm, crowd-free environment

• Families who want to take leisurely tour around zoo.
• Half-day trips.
• Educational outings.

It is also one of most family friendly zoos in New York with its manageable size and well thought out design.

5. Prospect Park Zoo – Brooklyn

Prospect Park Zoo is small and interactive with Prospect Park Brooklyn. It specializes in animal behavior, conservation and applied studies.

• Children's Discovery Trail: This is children-based trail that covers topics like nature, education, rock climbing and activities like climbing the playground.
• Country animals and season shows.
• Wildlife habitats and tropical rainforests.

• Combine your entire visit of zoo with some other places of interest, such as Prospect Park Lake or Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
• This zoo is perfect for young families and educational visits.

6. Staten Island Zoo – Staten Island

Staten Island Zoo is sometimes referred to as biggest little zoo due to its huge range of reptiles and neighborhood-like feel.

• It is one of biggest collections of reptiles in U.S.
• Otter Falls and wildlife enclosures.
• Camping and educational programs.

• Reptile enthusiasts.
• Tourists seeking more tranquil zoo visit.
• It is one of lesser lesse known New York zoos.

7. Buffalo Zoo – Buffalo, New York

Buffalo Zoo is among oldest zoos in America having been founded in 1875. Although it has historical background, contemporary exhibits and conservation programs.

• Giraffes, rhinos, elephants and sea lions.
• Rainforest falls exhibit
• Heritage farm for children

• Easy to navigate.
• Good proportion of old and new architecture.
• Upstate New York has one of best zoos.

8. Seneca Park Zoo – Rochester, New York

Seneca Park Zoo is recognized to have immersive habitats and interest in conservation and education of wildlife.

• African savanna and giraffes and zebras.
• Snow leopards on cold Asia exhibit.
• Interactive activities among children.

• Nature lovers.
• Educational family trips
• Tourists who want an interactive zoo.

This zoo is always in list of top zoos in state of New York.

9. Animal Adventure Park - Harpursville, New York

Visitors who want closer contact with animals can find such an experience at Animal Adventure Park where they are allowed to have animal close encounters in safari like environment.

• Feeding of animals and backstage experiences.
• Drive-through safari adventure.
• Large diversity of exotic and domestic animals.

• Adventure seekers.
• Families that desire practical experiences.
• Photography lovers.

It is among interactive animal parks in New York.

10. Utica Zoo – Utica, New York

Utica Zoo is small, family-friendly and relaxed zoo in picturesque park called Roscoe Conkling Park.

Attractions:

• Lions, hyenas and foreign mammals.
• Petting zoo and inside exhibits.
• Educational programs and seasonal events.

• Budget-friendly.
• Great for young children.
• Easy walking trails.

Utica Zoo is ideal when it comes to spending casual day with family.

Conclusion

There is much more than exhibitions of animals in the zoos in New York, they can give people chance to know about conservation, biodiversity and nature. The paths traced by world famous Bronx Zoo to interactive Animal Adventure Park can satisfy anyone, irrespective of their age or preferences.

FAQs

Which is largest zoo in NY?

Bronx Zoo is largest metropolitan zoo in New York, US spanning 265 acres and housing more than 11,000 animals of more than 600 different species and is world renowned conservation park.

What are top five zoos in NYC?

Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and New York aquarium.

Is Central Park inferior to Bronx Zoo?

Bronx zoo is large, global zoo that provides full-day experience with large and various habitats whereas Central Park Zoo is smaller, adorable, convenient location in Manhattan that is filled with condensed lions, snow leopards and children zoo.

Which is smallest zoo in NYC?

The exhibits they present in Central Park Zoo are not only interesting but also extremely informative. This is because it is so tiny that it hits hard and is faultlessly beautiful.

Is Queens Zoo worth it?

Excellent family destination. ” The zoo is not excessively large but it is just the right one to visit in an afternoon with the kids and kids at heart.