An Animal Lover’s Guide to the Central Park Zoo

If you’re looking to take a walk on New York’s wild side, there’s nowhere quite like the Central Park Zoo. Nestled in the Southeast corner of Central Park, the zoo is home to dozens of different animals, and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Not only is it a fun spot to spend an afternoon but it’s also one you can feel good about visiting, as the Zoo works tirelessly in their conservation efforts for the health and wellbeing of the species that call the Zoo home.

We could sit and watch the animals do their thing all day, especially when they’re most active in the Summer months. Exhibits featuring bears, penguins, monkeys, and more make the zoo one of the most interesting things to do in the city, and an absolute must for your trip to Central Park.

Here are some of our favorite attractions that make the Central Park Zoo worth the trip.

Snow Leopards

Snow Leopards are one of the world’s most alluring and mysterious creatures. Rarely seen in the wild—thanks to their camouflaged coat and remote natural habitat—they’re a favorite sight here at Central Park Zoo. Hopefully you can catch them when they’re in a playful mood: when they’re excited, these big cats are as cute as they are majestic.

Sea Lion Feeding

See the always-entertaining sea lion feedings—in which the marine mammals show off their multifaceted skills—each day at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.

Tisch Children’s Zoo

Whether you have kids in your party or not, animal lovers of all ages can agree that petting baby goats is a winning afternoon activity. There are also opportunities to feed some of the critters, and daily shows involving the animals. Just make sure to hit the hand sanitizer on your way out!

The Views

Where else can you go to see grizzly bears and snow leopards amidst iconic, timeless skyscrapers? The Central Park Zoo’s unique location creates a unique atmosphere that is both urban and untamed at the same time. Visit in the Summer for a particularly lush experience, where if you squint your eyes, you just might be able to convince yourself you’re in the jungle.

DISCOVER MORE OF NYC

Get even more recommendations on what to experience in Manhattan on our New York City travel guide, curated by The Knick.