The Bronx Zoo in New York has been around for over 125 years, having opened back in 1899. It is the largest zoo in the U.S. today making it a popular tourist spot. 

The place offers something for children and youth of all ages. It is the perfect spot to visit during a group trip to New York. Spanning about 265 acres, the zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals and birds including porcupines, anteaters, sloths, flamingos, monkeys, herons, and more. 

5 Things to do at the Bronx Zoo

Children’s Zoo

The Children’s Zoo is a perfect visiting place for school aged children, although it is ideal for children under 11 years of age. The zoo is designed for younger children to enjoy, as most attractions are at eye-level for them. 

At this zoo, children are allowed to have close encounters with interesting birds and animals including prairie dogs, North American porcupine, and fennec foxes. Another major attraction here is the petting zoo where children can meet and pet farm animals including sheep, goats (children can even feed them), and alpacas. 

Children’s Zoo, Bronx Zoo 

(Image credits: Wildlife Conservation Society)

JungleWorld

The JungleWorld is designed to replicate an Asian jungle, making it a must-visit exhibit! It is home to a number of small and large animals, and birds. Animals include Indian gharials, bats, tapirs, leopards, various species of monkeys, and others. Birds include storks, lorikeets, waldraps, and many others. This spot can be visited year round.

JungleWorld, Bronx Zoo

(Image credits: Wildlife Conservation Society)

Himalayan Highlands

The Himalayan Highlands is home to animals that are native to Central Asia. The park includes endangered species originally belonging to mountains and grasslands of Asia, including snow leopards, red pandas, and white-naped cranes. You can visit Himalayan Highlands anytime of the year. 

Himalayan Highlands, Bronx Zoo

(Image credits: Wildlife Conservation Society)

African Plains

Unlike most zoos, African plains at the Bronx Zoo homes many animals, which is a sight that cannot be missed. The place provides an atmosphere that is similar to African Plains for the wildlife to survive comfortably. Here, you can see animals such as nyalas, giraffes, lions, African painted dogs, hyenas, slender-horned gazelles, aardvarks, antelopes, zebras, and more.  You can also see birds including ostriches, grey-crowned cranes, and more. 

The best time to visit African Plains is from March to November, when animals are out and about the area. 

African Plains, Bronx Zoo

(Image credits: Wildlife Conservation Society)

The Bronx Zoo offers exclusive programmes for adults including Migratory Bird Day Outing, WFZ: Work From Zoo (includes free WiFi, coffee, and snacks), and more. 

The WCS Career Lattice for youth is the zoo’s integrated career pathways program where youth can enroll to volunteer, or serve internships and part-time jobs. 

Arrange a fun and successful group trip to the Bronx Zoo in New York with an experienced tour operator that will help you in creating the best itineraries. The tour operator will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for your group.