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 shaded, tree-lined paths and visit amazing animals in world-class exhibits.

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We’ll also include some tips to help you beat the heat and have a cool (in every way) experience during your visit!

Here’s your first tip: stay hydrated! To help keep your water bottle full, you can visit complimentary Water Refill Stations at Dancing Crane Pavilion, Asia Plaza, and Astor Court, as well as at restrooms near Congo Gorilla Forest, Big Bears and Dancing Crane Cafe! You can locate them on our Interactive Map here.

If you’ve ever visited the Bronx Zoo before, you know that it’s a big place! The zoo encompasses 265 acres of hardwood forest, to be exact. It offers a whole world of experiences and the chance to visit faraway places without leaving New York City. We’ll help you hit some of the highlights during your visit**.

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.

Keeping it Cool! You can beat the heat by visiting air-conditioned indoor exhibit buildings, including World of Birds, World of Reptiles, and Mouse House!

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 Yu, who loves to get up close to visitors and can often be seen observing people through a window in her gallery.

Keeping it Cool! For a breezy ride through the treetops, climb aboard Wild Asia Monorail, where you’ll feel the wind in your face and visit tigers, rhinos, elephants, and more.

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.

Insider Tip: For more activities for kids, don’t miss Nature Trek*, where you and your family can navigate together through tunnels, across bridges, over balance beams and weave through obstacles for a fresh perspective on nature. It’s the perfect place for everyone to stretch their brain and body.

Keeping it Cool! Did somebody say soft serve? Ice cream and cold beverages are available at The Patio, adjacent to the Children’s Zoo, and also at Dancing Crane Cafe.

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.

Keeping it Cool! Stick to the shade and enjoy the tree-line pathways throughout the zoo. The old-growth forest in which the Bronx Zoo is located provides welcome relief from the summer sun.

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.

Keeping it Cool! Visit our misting station located at the Bronx Zoo Store.

125th Birthday
Celebrations

We’re also celebrating our 125th year on select weekends throughout the spring and summer with parades, performances, crafts, Wildlife Theater, and much more. Click here for dates & details!

Insider Tip: A Private Cart Tour is a great way to see the zoo in style without breaking a sweat! Climb aboard a zebra-mobile and an expert guide will whisk you on your way to animal adventures.

Keeping it Cool! Animals have their own ways to beat the heat. When you visit, you’ll see them splashing in pools, wallowing in mud, and resting in the shade. Keep an eye out for the natural behaviors many species use to stay cool!

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Be sure to use the Interactive Map on your smartphone to view real-time info and GPS point-to-point directions: bronxzoo.com/today

*Included within Bronx Zoo Admission ticket type, 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.

Check out our interactive map!

Maximize your next trip to the zoo. Check out bronxzoo.com/today on your smartphone to view real-time info and our interactive map.

Need some direction? Access real-time info and our interactive map.

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