How to Have a Spectacular Summer at the Bronx Zoo
This year, we’re celebrating 125 years of the Bronx Zoo, so your next visit could be a truly historic occasion! Whether you’re interested in family-friendly things to do, date ideas, or just a relaxing escape into fresh air and natural surroundings, this guide will help you make the most of your day as you wander down tree-lined paths and visit amazing animals in world-class exhibits.
Animal Chronicles & 125th Birthday Celebrations
Don’t miss our brand NEW immersive walking trail, Animal Chronicles. With 68 innovative animal eco-sculptures, Animal Chronicles showcases key achievements in the Bronx Zoo’s history of saving animal species and connecting visitors to wildlife. We’re also celebrating our 125th year on select weekends throughout the spring and summer with parades, performances, crafts, Wildlife Theater, and much more.
Insider Tip: Animal Chronicles is FREE with your Bronx Zoo ticket; you’ll find the entrance at Fountain Circle.
Congo Gorilla Forest
The 6.5 acre Congo Gorilla Forest* is one of the Bronx Zoo’s true jewels. Gorillas are among our closest relatives. From cautious to playful to nurturing, each has a unique personality. It's always a thrill to see them interact.
Insider tip: The outdoor areas of Congo Gorilla Forest are closed during colder weather, but you can still see animals in the indoor areas. If it happens to be cold and/or rainy on the day of your visit, our Rainy Day Guide might save the day.
JungleWorld
The jungles of Asia are home to amazing biodiversity - and JungleWorld* reflects that truth by bringing you face to face with creatures ranging from ebony langurs to majestic leopards. You’ll also spot tree kangaroos, tapirs, white-cheeked gibbons, Indian gharials, Asian small clawed otters, and many other species.
Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for white-cheeked gibbon Chi Chi, who loves to get up close to visitors and can often be seen observing people through a window in her gallery.
Children's Zoo
The Children’s Zoo* offers wildlife fun for kids of all ages. Visit the farmyard to meet, greet, and pet goats, sheep, alpacas, and donkeys. (Farmyard area opens March 29. The rest of the exhibit trail opens later in April as the weather warms up.)
Insider Tip: For more activities for kids, don’t miss Nature Trek*, where children can navigate through tunnels, across bridges, over balance beams and weave through obstacles for a fresh perspective on nature. It’s the perfect place for kids to stretch their brain and body.
African Plains and Himalayan Highlands
Where else but the Bronx Zoo can you cross the globe in just a few steps? Follow the African Plains loop to see savannah-dwelling species including nyala antelope, lions, gazelles, giraffes, ostriches, African wild dogs, hyenas, and zebras. Then head to the Himalayan Highlands for snow leopards, red pandas, white-naped cranes, and dholes.
Insider Tip: You might spot our two newest snow leopard cubs, both born at the Bronx Zoo in summer 2023 to mother Dariga and father Naltar. Naltar is the offspring of Leo, who came to the Bronx Zoo in 2006 after being rescued as an orphaned cub in Pakistan.
Bug Carousel
On the Bug Carousel*, you’ll climb aboard a long-legged praying mantis, a bright green grasshopper, or your favorite insect of choice for a very unique carousel ride.
Insider Tip: The Bug Carousel is the first and ONLY carousel featuring an all-insect lineup. Choose from 64 different types of insects that you can mount — including fireflies, beetles, grasshoppers, and ladybugs. There are also two stationary chariots: a monarch butterfly (wheelchair accessible) and a dung beetle.
...and you'll find so much more to see and do through the zoo's 265 acres of hardwood forest, including Butterfly Garden, Budgie Landing and Wild Asia Monorail (opening 4/28)! We hope you have fun discovering a whole world of experiences, and visiting faraway places without leaving New York City.
Be sure to use the Interactive Map on your smartphone to view real-time info and GPS point-to-point directions: bronxzoo.com/today
Policies are subject to change, and all guests must abide by the park rules in effect on the
date of visit. When changes happen, we make every effort to align our website and park
signage with updates. Always check before you arrive for the most up-to-date information at
bronxzoo.com/planahead
*Included within Bronx Zoo Admission, which includes park entry and unlimited Star Attractions. Limited Admission tickets are for park entry only.
**Some exhibits and attractions are seasonal. Availability is also subject to unforeseen conditions including weather, mechanical, safety, capacity, crowding and/or animal-related considerations.
Become a WCS Family ZOOS Plus Member for year-round free admission to the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo, as well as free admission to Bronx Zoo StarAttractions including Congo Gorilla Forest, JungleWorld, Children’s Zoo, and more.