CENTRAL PARK ZOO, A small oasis in the heart of NYC
Written: Jun 22 '04 (Updated Feb 02 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small contained area with much to see.
Cons: May disappoint some looking for a full zoo.
The Bottom Line: A fine stop on a nice day to break up your day. Even so, I would put it on the B list of things to do in NYC.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Central Park Wildlife Center |
First I want to compare size. The Bronx Zoo is almost 500 acres in size. The Central Park Zoo encompasses only 5 acres. We are not talking about a huge area so please don't be disappointed in the amount of animals you may see.
For those of you that may have visited this zoo prior to its 1980's renovation, this is now a very different zoo. No longer can you find lions, tigers, elephants, hippos and rhinos. This is actually an improvement because, at that time, these animals were caged in small surroundings with little natural habitat. As a child I enjoyed seeing these animals in those environs but now realize that their living conditions were much to restrictive and inhumane for these great animals. The Bronx Zoo is the place to go and see them in NYC.
LAYOUT
Even though those wonderful animals are no longer housed in Central Park, it still has a very interesting array of creatures to see.
This zoo is perfect for a one and a half to two hour or so visit, though one could spend much more time if you liked. The zoo is located off Fifth Ave at 64th Street. It's a short walk from many mid-town hotels.
The Central Park Wildlife Center, as it is known, is anchored by the Sea Lion pool. This is one of the original features of the zoo. It has been redesigned but holds the original feel, I remember, of years gone by.
It is near here that the entrance to the zoo is. Admission prices were $6.00 for adults, $1.00 children, and $1.59 for seniors. Children under 3 are free.
The sea lions can be observed a few times a day getting fed. This happens to be an active time for them. They know when the staff will be coming with buckets of fish. The animals do their own unannounced show of swimming, splashing and climbing on and off their rocky California like shores as they await their meal. Be sure to notice the huge eagles that guard the entrances to the sea lion area. There are eight in all. These statues, I remember so well as a child, are in many of our family pictures. The Central Garden is the area immediately around the pool. It's nicely landscaped and a treat to look at and photograph.
In a sort of circle around the pool are the three climate zones that make up the facility. There is the Polar Circle, the Temperate Zone and the Tropics. A leisurely walk brings you from one to another. There are hills and steps while at the same it is also designed to be wheel chair accessible. Be sure to pick up a small guide when you pay at the entrance. If I recall it also states feeding times for some of the animals and special walks and talks. Times are also posted near the animal's habitat.
POLAR CIRCLE
A favorite is the penguin house where it seems like a hundred penguins waddle to the waters edge off a simulated ice pack, hence the name of the exhibit, "Edge of the Ice Pack." The penguins drop into the water and scoot up and down along the glass that divides them from you. This house does get a bit crowded at times but it's worth staying a while to get good position for viewing. Smaller children can move up t the front. Puffins can be seen too. We get to see these in the wild on our trips to the Maine coast.
Next door is a three level habitat that is home to two polar bears. There were three until last week when one bear, Lily, had to be euthanized due to an inoperable cancerous growth. All three bears are 18 years old. These bears live to about 20 years in captivity and in the wild.
This display where they live and the animals play within it can captivate an audience for quite a while. The Polar bears have toys like barrels that they toss in the water and then dive after. The multiple views allow you to see them from above and even below the water. You really get to see their massive size when the swim right up to the glass making it so you are just inches away from them. It is fascinating watching them swim. Gus and Ida are the names of the surviving bears. Gus drew notoriety when he was being treated but a psychiatrist because of his anxiety that manifested itself in continuous repetitive movements back and forth in a small area, hours on end. It seems that he and doc worked things out. Gus seems much more acclimated to his surroundings and fellow partner. To me the bears are the highlight of the zoo.
TEMPERATE ZONE
As you continue walking around the park you are led to the Temperate Zone that features Japanese Snow monkeys in an outdoor habitat. Sometimes they are active, sometimes not. Th temperate zone also has North American animals. In the back area red pandas can be found. Though they are related to the much larger black and white Pandas, they are smaller and look more like a raccoon than the giant pandas we all know.
A lake-like area has swans, turtles and many other animals that can easily be spotted with a little spying. Throughout this small overlook area are small signs that give minimal information about the animals you may see. This really isn't much of a learning zoo. Few attendants are around, no real literature is available about the park and the signs are minimal in amounts and information. It is however a nice stroll, interesting environs, and beautiful grounds.
The TROPIC ZONE
This is another favorite. It is all enclosed and is a warm place to enjoy on a cold winter day. The multi-level area features monkeys and birds that is easily viewed. You will be immersed in a rain forest. It is pretty cool. No, I mean warm. Well you know what I mean.
I like that you can spend time hanging out watching the animals or if you prefer, just keep moving along. Though this area maintains the same temperature year round, it is especially stuffy and humid feeling in the summer.
EATS in the ZOO
Nearby the Tropic zone are restrooms that are generally fairly clean. This is also where you can find a cafe that has some moderately priced foods like burgers, fries, sandwiches and salads. Tables are outside but cannot be used for picnic lunches. You can picnic just outside the zoo grounds and there are many beautiful spots to do just that. Central Park has so much more to offer than just the zoo.
There are vendors at most of the entrances to the zoo that sell soft pretzels, hot dogs, sodas and the like. Also remember, you are in NYC and there are many fine places to get some good food. Personally though I would grab something at the zoo or nearby and then just stroll to the next location.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
The Children's Zoo is just a few blocks north in the park. It is well worth a visit. I would give it four stars and I will have to review it after another visit there. Be sure to stop, see and listen to the Delecorte Clock. It is on the walk between the two zoos and features a clock tower above an arched walkway. On the hour two sculptured monkeys ring a bell with hammers. Underneath the bell is a platform where, on cue, 6 sculptured animals dance around playing instruments. The kids and you get to see a kangaroo playing a horn, a bear with a tambourine, a penguin with drums, a hippo with a violin and more. Different nursery rhymes are played hourly and on the half hour.
If you are leaving the zoo going downtown, be sure to walk through the park. You will go through an area with many street artists that do excellent work in pastels, pencils, and pen and ink. Just a few blocks beyond on 5th and 59th Street is FAO Shwartz that is a multi-level wonder of toys and games. If you venture further you then enter Times Square and the Theatre District. You can't go wrong there.
CLOSING REMARKS
The zoo is open daily 10AM-5PM, a little later on Saturdays and Sundays. The zoo is perfect for a few hours visit. It is nicely landscaped and the animal habitats are diverse and interesting. The price is right too. I would make a trip to the zoo a small part of a NY day.
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Tavern on the Green Another romantic restaurant in Central Park
The Metropolitan Museum of ART A fifteen minute walk uptown from the Zoo on 5th Ave.
Museum of Natural History across from Central Park West
NYC MUSEUMS
TKTS half price tickets to Broadway. It's in Times Square
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Recommended:
Yes
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