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Central Park Zoo

830 Fifth Avenue, New York City, NY 10021 (Manhattan)
212 439 6500
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Ranked #165 of 718 attractions in New York City
Type: Zoos
Owner description: Oasis of wildlife in downtown Manhattan where visitors can encounter more than 1,400 animals in a variety of habitats, including a tropical rain... more » Owner description: Oasis of wildlife in downtown Manhattan where visitors can encounter more than 1,400 animals in a variety of habitats, including a tropical rain forest to view rare birds and icy Antarctica to view penguins and other chilly creatures. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children
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499 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
new york, ny
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW via mobile

This is a quaint zoo nestled in Central Park. I appreciate this zoo for what it is. I actually liked the layout of the zoo. Many of the exhibitions were spread out enough to make you explore the zoo but also small enough that it was t overwhelming for toddlers. Since this is a smaller zoo you will not see... More

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See 3 more reviews by strawbebi for New York City
Staten Island, New York
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

This place is small, expensive, and crowded. If that is what you are used to I guess its good. I've been to quite a few Zoo's and would rank this as the worst one. Definition of a tourist trap.

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See 6 more reviews by Brett E for New York City
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

We had a great time here. My daughter loved it especially the polar bear and penguins. When your walking round you forgot there was a huge bustling city on the other side. I had been told it wasn't that great so I was pleasantly surprised. Ideal for smaller kids as its A small zoo. Could do with better signposting but... More

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See 2 more reviews by Lizjasnat for New York City
Montreal, Canada
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

considering the zoo is in the middle of manhattan, I guess it is pretty good, but comparatively speaking it ranks very low with dozens of zoos around the world. Every one of them that i have been to is much better than central park zoo. Still the staff were very friendly, the grounds were clean, though for example the windows... More

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See 3 more reviews by arnaldo for New York City
Chicago, IL
Top Contributor
122 reviews 122 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

There's something very special about this zoo nestled among the giant buildings that you aren't even aware of most of the time. The landscaping is gorgeous and the displays are excellent. Highly recommend that you watch the sea lion feeding, which is actually more of a show. They are great entertainers. And if you are lucky like we were, you... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 61 more reviews by leslie06 for New York City
Berlin, Germany
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

This zoo so centrally and accessibly situated is ideal for casual entertaining Sunday and holidays strolls, specially with children. It is superbly organised and equipped alowing maximium safe exposute to many species and great entertainment for children from 3 to 89 yo The selection of animals will not inspire an ambitious zoologist, but is great to provide informative entertainment for... More

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See 7 more reviews by Geomeller for New York City
San Diego, California
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
33 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

A very small zoo easily accessible to Manhattan. The entrance is a little hard to find as a docent told me that it was not an original part of Central Park. Its is nice for laid back stroll with the kids to burn off energy on an afternoon. Visiting from out of town, it was not really worth it. The... More

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See 8 more reviews by Joe T for New York City
Carnoustie, Scotland
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

We picked a lovely sunny day to visit zoo. Friendly staff take your photo on arrival and you have the opportunity to buy if you wish. Gorgeous big polar bear is the main attraction and although he was sleeping we got some lovely pictures. Penguins are fun as are the monkeys. Tropic house has some amazing birds. There is a... More

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See 3 more reviews by footydk for New York City
us
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

It was cool seeing a zoo in the middle of a big city...cant say I would go back not a lot to see...4d movie was good Save money and buy your tickets on line before you go or on your smart phone worked fine for me and saved enough to pay for lunch ...the line was very long to buy... More

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See 8 more reviews by bwareee for New York City
Brooklyn, New York
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

I love zoos, and I've been coming to this one every year for at least six years. I mainly love the petting zoo but its on the smaller side. They have one cow, and several goats, llamas, and sheep. Its perfect for little kids. The butterfly enclosure is pretty nice too, maybe it was my bad timing I didn't see... More

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