The Central Park Zoo, Our Urban Oasis
Written: Aug 19 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The polar bears will blow you away!
Cons: The prices at the snack bar will blow you away!
The Bottom Line: A great day trip to the city, where unless you look up and see the skyscrapers, you'd sware you were a million miles away!
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| Kelamandasmom's Full Review: Central Park Wildlife Center |
Oh my goodness, talk about memories! My father used to take my cousin and I to the Central Park Zoo back in the eighties. Back then, it was poorly run, and not much fun. I remember one time in particular overhearing a zookeeper tell another zookeeper that a monkey escaped the zoo's grounds and ran across nearby 5th Avenue! Too funny! The monkey was returned unharmed, so don't worry!
The Central Park Zoo has been a staple of New York City for over 100 years now. The following is borrowed from the Wildlife Conservation Society's Central Park Zoo page (www.wcs.org).....
Since the 1860's, animals could be found at Fifth Avenue and 64th Street in Central Park. At first, the collection was simply a growing group of donated animals - from 72 "white swans" to a black bear cub. In 1864, the State Legislature authorized the city Parks Commission to establish a zoo, and the more formal Central Park Menagerie was established. In 1934, then- Commissioner of Parks Robert Moses remodeled the Menagerie into the Central Park Zoo. A Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, this tiny "storybook" zoo set a standard for its time - but over the decades, became a woefully inadequate facility for its inhabitants.
In April of 1980, WCS signed an agreement with the City of New York to renovate and operate the zoo for the Department of Parks and Recreation. WCS animal and exhibit experts, and architects Kevin Roche, John Dinkeloo and Associates, led the project. Demolition of most of the buildings began in the winter of 1983 and continued in 1984; construction began in the spring of 1985. On August 8, 1988, the new Wildlife Center opened to record crowds and enthusiastic reviews. Today, this "newest, oldest" zoo attracts nearly 1 million visitors a year.
So that my friends is the history of this wonderful zoo. Now for a New Yorker's perspective. I love it! When my husband suggested going to the Central Park Zoo recently, I was in shock. Even though my husband is a native New Yorker, he hates "the city", aka Manhattan. He has happily lived in the outer boros of New York for 25 years now, cringing at the thought of subways, city crowds, and hot dog vendors.
I, on the other hand, cannot get any more New York. People call me for subway directions, I cannot live without 24 hour entertainment, and I am a proud New York University alumni (class of 1993!). So of course I jumped at the chance to go to the zoo! So, on a warm and breezy Saturday afternoon, my husband, two daughters, and myself hopped the "R" train from Woodhaven Blvd. in Queens to 5th Avenue in "the city".
We arrived at the Central Park Zoo, located inside Central Park at 5th Avenue and 64th street, around 1pm. The zoo's cafe and gift shop are the first and last thing you see as you enter and leave the zoo. They do need to make their money you know! Through the tall metal gates we went, as I was pleasantly surprised at the zoo's admission price. Adults tickets are just $3.50. Children ages 3-12, just 50 cents. And seniors and students are $1.50. A small price to pay compared to the Brox Zoo's general admission price of $9.00. So, right from the get go,I was a happy camper.
I was a bit weary though. Knowing that most zoo's charge an arm and a leg for extras, like shows and special exhibits, I had a bad feeling that the wonderful admission price was a teaser. I was wrong! That one price covered both the zoo admision, and the children's zoo admission as well. The shows and demonstrations we saw were included in that one low price! Yeah for me!
We sat down with our map, and planned our course of action. Now let me just state that this zoo is no big city zoo. Just 5 acres, it is just the right size for an hour or two of fun. The first attraction we saw was the sea lion pool. A large magestic pool is the zoo's central focal point. What I loved about this exhibit was the way the pool was built. With 3 small steps going downward, your on a level where you can actually watch these beautiful creatues swim under the water! The glass surrounding the pool gives you a bird's eye view of the sea lions both under and above water. That alone was worth the price of admission!
Onward to the penguin and puffin house, where we once again got a "bird's eye view". HAHA! Kelly made a funny! The penguin exhibit once again showcased the underwater affect, where you can watch these hams swim right up to the glass and wave hi! Truly a breathtaking sight! My three year old loved this. My newborn just yawned. Can't please everyone!
And speaking of hams, have I told you about Gus? Gus is a polar bear with a heart of gold, and an ego to match! The polar bear exhibit was by far the best I have ever seen. From many different viewpoints, you can watch Gus swim right up to the glass (underwater once again), or you can watch him lounging on his rocks from high above. Take a camera for this one. When Gus swims up to the glass, he is totally underwater. He hams up for the crowd by laying on the glass, showing how big he truly is! This is one you can't miss.
We saw other wonderful exhibits as well. From the sea otters (who we watched during feeding time) to an unusally cool ant exhibit, this zoo was a treat! Another treat was all the activities in the zoo. Posted throughout the zoo are times for feedings, chats about the animals, and shows. We watched the sea lions put on a great show during feeding time, and a "lion king" type show for the kiddys. All in all, a good time was had by all.
We also stopped at the Tisch Children's Zoo, which is located down the road from the main zoo. With your general fare of feeding the pigs and sheep, interactive exhibits like a large spider web, and a cute kiddy show, this was also fun. What I really appreciated was the large fountains they had by the feeding zoo areas. Meant for hand washing, but used for splashing, these fountains spurt water across an area when you stomp your feet in a certain spot. I loved that my kids can rinse off after getting slobbered by the goats, and cool off a bit on a warm Augest day.
Before we left, we decided to have a snack in the zoo's cafe. The good news is that they have a nice assortment from their grill and deli. The bad news is that you're talking Manhattan prices. For a bacon cheesburger and french fries, chicken fingers kids meal, one hot dog and a large soda, we payed about $17.00. As I said at the beginning of my review, they need to make their money somewhere! What I did appreciate was the ample seating throughout the cafe area. Clean and spacious, I was once again happy.
We did of course hit the gift shop, and my daughter and I were happy campers with a snow leapord and a dolphin beanie, priced at $5.95 each. I talked my husbandd out of buying our youngest a $15.00 tee shirt, and we once again boarded the "R" train home.
All in all, a good day was had by all. Outside food and beverage is permitted, so have a great day at he zoo, and then picnic in central park. I hope you enjoy it!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Kelamandasmom
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Kelly Paulson-Koch
Location: NYC, New York
Reviews written: 67
Trusted by: 109 members
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