Central Park Wildlife Center

Pros: Improved environment for all the animals
Cons: Still a zoo

These days it’s almost impossible to watch any TV show that is broadcast live in New York without seeing a story about the new creation in Central Park by the artist Christo, his Saffron Gates. What a sight it must be to see them in person, as ...

Pros: Small contained area with much to see.
Cons: May disappoint some looking for a full zoo.

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 ...

Pros: cheap admission, a lot of animals
Cons: Where did the Polar Bears go?

Pros: CHEAP admission, good variety, well-designed, fun for all ages, great location (lots nearby), quick visit
Cons: Not a lot of info on animal exhibits, small (but remember, VERY cheap!)

I go to New York City fairly frequently, and of course, always find something to do. This past trip, I was thinking of going to the Bronx Zoo, but we were a little short on time, so instead, came up with the idea of going to the Central ...

Pros: wonderful children's zoo, beautiful grounds, sea lion show
Cons: small, few animals, lack of staff roaming around, fail to hold scheduled talks

I've been making the effort to spend some time in Manhattan doing fun things when I have to go into ...

Pros: The polar bears will blow you away!
Cons: The prices at the snack bar will blow you away!

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...

Pros: Fun, interesting, more intimate than most large zoos.
Cons: I feel sorry for the animals on hot days

Ever since I was a child I have gone to the Central Park Wildlife Center. Until recently I thought is was the Central Park Zoo. But it does not matter what you call it, it is quite simply fun and educational.

I have been there in spring,...

Pros: Very conveniently located to midtown Manhattan
Cons: None that I can think of.

One of my earliest memories is that of my father taking me to the Central Park Zoo when I was a small youngster. At that time, the Central Park Zoo was the only Zoo that I had ever seen, and it was like nothing I had ever experienced before. I...

Pros: Just enough zoo for an hour or two.
Cons: Doesn't have many big-animal attractions.

Just because you don't have kids, don't overlook the Central Park Wildlife Center. My (childless) brother, who lives in New York City, recommended the zoo to me when I was in the city for a few days. The Center will be a great use of an hour-or-so...or...

Pros: inexpensive, lovely, fun
Cons: none I can think of, unless you hate animals

I will never forget the cold November day I
stumbled across the entrance to the Central
Park Zoo. I was leading an out-of-town friend
around. Inspired by the promise of cute, furry
animals we paid our adult admissions of 3.50...

Pros: Splendid setting, good variety of animals, close to mid-town
Cons: Fewer types of animals than in bigger zoos

Lions and tiger and elephants, oh my! Little ones prone to nightmares will find no growling at the Central Park Zoo. This gentle oasis near the 59th Street entrance to the park is home to playful monkeys, colorful parrots, clownish sea lions and the...

Pros: big bang for the buck
Cons: wish the zoo was bigger

We were vacationing in New York this summer and made the trip in to New York City. As we toured the City's sites we happened along the Central Park Zoo. What a wonderful surprise a bit of the country in the middle of the city.

It was under...

Pros: Excellent animals and exhibits
Cons: Small

My friend and I fell upon the Central Park Wildlife Center by accident on a recent get away in NYC. We went there in the middle of the week to see a Broadway Show. We decided to walk in Central Park. When we saw the zoo, I wanted to go in. My friend...

Pros: Intimate setting, Lots of animals, Very well designed
Cons: none

Central Park zoo is small and compact compared to the bronx zoo. It's design will take you in a basic circle so you have the chance to see everything there. If you're taking a child, this is a perfect zoo to go to. It's exciting but not overwhelming and children of different ages can take different amount of time going through the exhibits.

To see the Seal shows and the feedings, check the hours on the website or you'll miss it.

Great zoo, good size for taking your kids or even if you're walking through central park with some friends and spontaneously decide to go in. Admission is more than fair for what you get to see.

The best part of trips is standing near the clock waiting for the hour to strike so we could hear the famous tune and see the animals dance around the clock- the excitement of my little ones and even waiting for a full half hour once just to see it turn.