For safety reasons, and in accordance with the ADA, there are specific guidelines on permissible mobility devices used on park grounds. Thank you for your cooperation to help ensure a safe and successful visit for yourself and other park guests.
To maintain a safe pedestrian environment, the Zoo does not allow guests to bring or use most wheeled vehicles within the grounds. Bicycles, tricycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and similar modes of transportation are not allowed. The Zoo allows strollers as well as traditional mobility devices for guests with disabilities such as manually-operated and power-driven wheelchairs, 3-wheel electric scooters, walkers, canes and other manually-operated mobility aides in all areas that are open to the public.
Please review additional details below. For additional information or questions, contact guestrelations@wcs.org or call 718-220-5103 in advance of your visit.
Mobility Devices for Rent
Manual Wheelchairs: A limited supply is available for loan. Available on a first-come, first-served basis at any entrance gate.
Child Strollers – Single rental $14.70; Double rental $20.25: A limited supply is available for rent. Available on a first-come, first-served basis at any entrance gate. Stroller parking is required at some exhibits and attractions. Please self-park your stroller when instructed and take your belongings with you. Stroller and contents left at your own risk.
Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) - $50.63 rental: A limited supply is available for rent from SOUTHERN BOULEVARD GATE ONLY. Users must be 18 years or older and present a photo ID. Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Due to the heavy-duty, 4-wheel construction and maneuverability of this rental ECV, there are some restrictions for use in the zoo:
- ECVs cannot be loaded onto the Zoo Shuttle or other rides. ECVs must be parked prior to entry at Bug Carousel, Monorail.
- ECVs are not permitted into Budgie Landing. For animal safety, ECV must be parked before entry to the attraction. If additional mobility assistance is needed, please see the staff at ticket booth.
- ECVs are also not permitted into Himalayan Highlands exhibit (snow leopards/red panda), due to steep incline and uneven surface.
Personal Wheelchairs
Guests are welcome to bring and use their own manual wheelchairs and power-assisted wheelchairs throughout the park.
Mobility Accommodations
Strollers Used As Wheelchairs: Many exhibits have stroller restrictions and require guests to self-park strollers prior to entering. As accommodation is available for guests with disabilities who need to remain in a stroller while visiting an indoor attraction. Please contact Guest Relations in advance of your visit to inquire about a Guest Assistance Card to designate this accommodation. Email guestrelations@wcs.org with Subject: Guest Assistance Card request; or call 718-220-5103.
Transportation Services Inside The Zoo
Zoo Shuttle: This transportation service runs seasonally and is unable to operate in rain or on wet road surfaces. The general operating schedule is subject to change and is always weather permitting.
- April, May & June: Daily
- July & August: closed on Wednesdays
- September & October: Weekends only
- November – March: Closed
Zoo Shuttle is not a tour of the zoo, but it provides transportation across the park. It is included with Bronx Zoo Admission ticket type. Free for seniors.
- LOADING at Southern Boulevard Gate to get off at Asia Plaza.
- LOADING at Asia Plaza/Nature Trek to get off at either World of Birds (Bx River Gate) or Southern Boulevard Gate.
Private Cart Tour: 1-hour tour, $160 for group of 6. Advance reservations are required. Offered year-round, based on schedule availability. Travel the zoo in style with our knowledgeable Wild Encounters Host. Transportation between exhibits on our iconic zebra-cart; wheelchair-accessible cart available. Tours do include walking. See program details under Wild Encounters information. Contact vipexperiences@wcs.org for more information.
Other Power-driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD)
The Zoo accommodates the use of some OPDMDs, which are vehicles that are not wheelchairs, but rather are electric devices designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility limitations such as seated, electric scooters. Guests must use caution when moving around the Zoo on their device to ensure their own safety and the safety of all visitors and staff. Consuming alcoholic beverages while operating an OPDMD is prohibited.
Allowable OPDMDs are generally electric single-seat scooters with three or more wheels that cannot exceed more than 5 miles per hour. Allowable OPDMDs must conform to the following specifications:
- Single seat with three or more wheels. Wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels or devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered and/or unoccupied are prohibited. Training wheels and/or modifications are not permitted.
- Devices must be manually or electrically powered. Gas-powered devices are prohibited.
- OPDMDs must be operated at a walking pace, not to exceed 5 mph.
- Devices cannot exceed 36 inches in width and 52 inches in length.
In the interest of maintaining a safe and pedestrian-friendly environment while at the same time ensuring that everyone has a positive experience at the Zoo, operating a mobility device at a speed significantly greater than the flow of the surrounding pedestrian traffic is prohibited. Devices must operate in turtle mode, if available on the device, and must not weave in and out of pedestrian traffic.
Prohibited OPDMDs include:
- Bicycles, trikes, and razor scooters;
- Any device that has only one wheel;
- Any device that has two tandem wheels (e.g., two-wheeled electric/motorized scooters);
- Any device that has been structurally or mechanically altered;
- Any gas-powered vehicle;
- Any device that has or should have a registered license plate;
- All Hoverboards and all Segways®; and
- Any golf carts or similar type vehicle.
For safety reasons, we reserve the right to inspect any mobility device to determine if it is safe to operate at the Zoo. We consider various factors, included but not limited to: the type, size, weight, dimensions, stability, and speed of the device.
For additional information or questions, please contact guestrelations@wcs.org or call 718-220-5103
