Can you guess what is the world’s largest metropolitan zoo, with some 6,000 animals spread out over 265 acres of park land? You’re right, it’s our beloved Bronx Zoo! It’s been about 10 years since I last visited this urban oasis and it did not disappoint. My personal history with the zoo goes back to my grandmother who was born in the same neighborhood. The history of the zoo itself is quite interesting as well. It opened on November 8, 1899 and was meant to be a natural barrier (along with the Botanical Gardens) between the urbanization of the Bronx and Fordham University. The Bronx Zoo is the one of four zoos (Central Park, Prospect Park and Queens) and one aquarium (New York aquarium located in Coney Island) within the Wildlife Conservation Society which was founded in 1895.
As I researched the history of the zoo I came across this strange article from the New York Times that tells the story of Ota Benga, a pygmy man who lived at the zoo in 1906: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/06/nyregion/thecity/06zoo.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0. Check it out if you want an interesting but bizarre read.
So if you have a beautiful spring/summer day and nothing to do, jump on the 2 train (or drive) to the Bronx Zoo. Five hours was not enough to see everything so try to get there early. Also if you have the whole day upgrade to the Total Experience Pass. This will give you access to the animals you really want to see in Jungle Word and Congo Gorilla Forest as well as a ride on the Wild Asia monorail. Although expect to wait on line for the monorail and be a little underwhelmed. Food at the zoo is overpriced and not very tasty. Opt to bring a sandwich instead and save room for ice cream!
I’ve been to the Central Park Zoo but never Prospect Park, Queens nor the New York Aquarium. Has anyone been? Is it worth going? If so, I’ll add them to my summer list!
Me and dad at the Children’s Zoo circa 1987. Currently the Children’s Zoo is closed for the summer so take that into consideration for summer plans.
A little bit more grown up at Tiger Mountain. Clearly I could be eaten whole by this kitty cat.
The Primary Source 