The Bronx Zoo visitor guide starts with the address. The zoo sits at 2300 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx, and it has more than one gate, so pick yours before you leave. Hours, tickets and exhibit closures change through the year. Check the Bronx Zoo’s official website on the day you go.
This guide covers how to reach the zoo, which entrance suits you, what to see and how to pace a long day outdoors. We left out ticket prices and opening times on purpose. The zoo changes both, and you should read the current numbers at the source.
Why the Bronx Zoo Is Worth the Trip
The Bronx Zoo opened to the public on November 8, 1899, with 843 animals in 22 exhibits, according to Wikipedia. The Wildlife Conservation Society, which began life as the New York Zoological Society in 1895, still runs it. The same organization also manages the Central Park Zoo, the Queens Zoo, the Prospect Park Zoo and the New York Aquarium.
That long history shows in the buildings. Heins & LaFarge designed the original Beaux-Arts pavilions around Astor Court, and you can still walk past them. Today the park is a big, green, animal-filled day out that suits families, solo travelers and anyone who wants a break from Midtown.
If this is your first time in the borough, read our South Bronx heritage story for the human side of the Bronx. For more green space, see our guides to the New York Botanical Garden and Central Park.
Plan Your Bronx Zoo Visit
Getting There by Subway, Bus and Train
Public transit works well. The zoo’s getting here page lists the current subway, bus and Metro-North options. Wikipedia’s entry notes subway stops at West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue, East 180th Street and Pelham Parkway. Several Bx buses and the Q44 Select Bus Service also serve the area, and Metro-North stops at Fordham.
Never ridden the subway? Our NYC subway guide for visitors walks you through fares, transfers and etiquette. Allow extra time from Manhattan, because a trip to the Bronx often takes longer than it looks on a map.
Driving and Ride-Share
The zoo runs two main parking lots. One sits on Southern Boulevard and the other sits off the Bronx River Parkway. For the Southern Boulevard side, enter 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460 into your GPS. For the Bronx River side, use the intersection of Bronx River Parkway and Boston Road. The lots can fill up, and the zoo suggests nearby alternatives such as Fordham University when they do.
If you take a car service, the zoo recommends a drop-off at the Southern Boulevard gate, at the pedestrian entry on Southern Boulevard and 185th Street.
Tickets, Hours and Accessibility
Buy tickets from the Bronx Zoo’s official website, not from a reseller. The site shows today’s schedule, the last entry time and the time exhibits close. It also lists park accessibility details and visitor rules. Look at those pages before you leave, especially if you travel with a stroller or a wheelchair.
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What to See at the Bronx Zoo
The Rainey Memorial Gates
Start with the gates in our photo. Sculptor Paul Manship designed the Rainey Memorial Gates, and the zoo dedicated them in 1934. Bears, deer, birds and other animals crowd the bronze. The gates joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, so take a minute to look closely before you rush inside.
Astor Court and the Rockefeller Fountain
Astor Court holds the zoo’s original Beaux-Arts pavilions around a large circular sea lion pool. Near the Fordham Road Gate, the Rockefeller Fountain stands in the gardens. Biagio Catella built it in 1872 for the lakeside main square in Como. William Rockefeller bought it in 1902 and brought it to the zoo.
Congo Gorilla Forest and JungleWorld
Wikipedia lists Congo Gorilla Forest and JungleWorld among the zoo’s paid attractions. Both recreate rainforest habitats indoors and out. Exhibit lineups change, so check the zoo’s site for what is open on your day. Some attractions need a separate ticket or a timed entry.
Tiger Mountain, World of Birds and the Bison Range
Tiger Mountain, World of Birds and the Bison Range appear in the zoo’s long list of free exhibits on the same Wikipedia page. The zoo’s home page points to its history of saving animals, from toads to bison. Walk the outdoor paths on a dry day, since much of the zoo sits outside.
Feeding Times and Daily Events
The zoo’s home page shows a daily schedule. On the day we checked in November 2026, it listed sea lion, penguin and bee-eater feedings, plus the time the zoo opens and closes. Plan one or two feedings into your route and work the rest of your day around them.
How to Spend Your Time
The park is large, and most visitors cover only part of it. Pick three or four priorities and skip the rest. Start at the entrance nearest your transit stop, then loop through the sections you care about most.
A relaxed plan looks like this:
- Morning: Arrive early, see the Rainey Gates and Astor Court, then head to your top exhibit while the crowds are small.
- Midday: Take a lunch break, and use the zoo map or app to find the next stop.
- Afternoon: Catch one feeding, then leave time for gift shops and the walk back to transit.
Want a second stop nearby? Arthur Avenue is the Bronx’s famous market and restaurant district. Our Arthur Avenue guide explains why it still feels like a neighborhood from another era. It also makes a good lunch plan after the zoo.
Visiting With Kids, Groups or a Tight Budget
Families make up a big share of zoo crowds, so plan around nap times and snack breaks. Choose a meeting spot at the start, because the park is wide and phone signal can drop in some areas. Set a clear goal for each child, such as one big cat, one bird and one feeding. A short list keeps the day fun for everyone.
On a tight budget, remember that Wikipedia lists many exhibits as free once you are inside, and a few as paid add-ons. Read the zoo’s ticket page before you arrive to see what each ticket covers. Then decide which add-ons are worth your time. Bringing your own water and checking the visitor rules on food can also save money.
Solo travelers and photographers can enjoy the zoo as well. Go early, when the light is soft and the paths are quiet. The Rainey Gates, Astor Court and the gardens near the Rockefeller Fountain all photograph well. Respect other guests and the animals, and never block a path for a shot.
Tips for a Better Visit
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The park covers a lot of ground.
- Check the weather. Many exhibits sit outdoors, and some animals hide in rain or heat.
- Read the visitor rules on the official site before you pack food or bags.
- Download the zoo app or open the live map on your phone for directions inside the park.
- Leave before the last entry time passes. Last entry comes before the zoo closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Bronx Zoo?
The Bronx Zoo sits at 2300 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx, New York 10460. Our Bronx Zoo visitor guide recommends picking a gate before you travel, since the Southern Boulevard and Bronx River entrances serve different transit and parking routes.
How do I get to the Bronx Zoo from Manhattan?
Take the subway or a Metro-North train to the Fordham stop, then connect by bus. You can also drive or take a car service. The zoo’s getting here page lists the current options and drop-off points.
Is the Bronx Zoo worth visiting for tourists?
Yes, if you enjoy animals, historic architecture and a long outdoor day. The zoo has been open since 1899 and ranks among the best-known zoos in the country. Pair it with Arthur Avenue or the New York Botanical Garden for a full Bronx day.
How much time do I need at the Bronx Zoo?
Plan on most of a day. The park is large, and feedings and special exhibits can take extra time. Check the zoo’s daily schedule on the official site and choose a few must-see stops.
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