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Daytripper: Central Park Zoo

08/27/2008 - By by Teja Anderson

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“Someone told me it’s all happening at the zoo. I do believe it, I do believe it’s true!”
- Simon & Garfunkel, 1968

Billed as the wildest ticket in town, the Central Park Zoo (CPZ) is easy to get to, conveniently located, and a whole lot of fun for the entire family. The exhibits are varied, unique, manageable, and beautifully laid out, guaranteeing that you will see most of the animals on any given day. This small but encompassing zoo, located in the heart of Manhattan, has existed only since 1988, yet its full history stretches back to the last century. The evolution of this city landmark really helped launch the modern trend in urban zoos around the nation – the transformation of cages and menagerie-style zoos into natural habitat exhibits that educate, involve, and connect people to our natural world. Instead of just gawking at animals through bars in a captive, man-made setting, they could now be observed surrounded by their natural flora and fauna, acting pretty much as they would if you happened upon them in the wilds of their own countries and domains.
 
New Yorkers have always had a fascination and curiosity for animals, and since the 1860’s many different species could be found at Fifth Avenue and 64th Street in Central Park. At first, the collection was simply a growing group of donated animals, such as 72 white swans and 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 what still occupies the site today – the Central Park Zoo. A Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, this tiny “storybook” zoo set a standard for its time, but sadly, over the decades it became a woefully inadequate facility for its inhabitants.
 
Fortunately for both the animals and for us, in April of 1980, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) signed an agreement with the New York City to renovate and operate the zoo for the Department of Parks and Recreation. WCS animal and exhibit experts, along with 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 Central Park Zoo opened to record crowds and enthusiastic reviews. Today, this “newest, oldest” zoo attracts nearly 1 million visitors a year.
 
The CPZ is anchored at its center by its sea lion tank – a great central meeting spot, or a place to just hang out and watch the sea lions swimming and frolicking about. Here these mammals are easily observed both below and above the water, and if you time it just right you can catch one of the many shows they offer throughout the day. When the sea lions start lining up on the rocks and watching the area over at the penguin exhibit, chances are they know (from experience) that their trainers are about to arrive with buckets of fish treats. This is a terrific and entertaining show, so try to get a good spot up front!
 
From there, one can take a stroll through the varying heights of the lush, steamy rainforest, one of the few completely enclosed exhibits at the zoo. If you have the time to spend and can stand the humidity, you can spot and identify most of the tropical birds, including the brilliant Fairy Bluebirds and many varieties of playful Tamarins. For those who enjoy creepy crawly things, there are darkened rooms for watching bats, reptiles, and insects do their thing. This cool-air, indoor exhibit may be just the place to visit on a really hot, sunny day.
 
Straight across from the sea lion tank is the only other enclosed exhibit – the icy Antarctic penguin habitat. Here you can either step back in the darkness of the room and enjoy the hilarious interactions between the many species of penguins on their rocky ice caps, or join the throngs of kids with their faces pressed against the glass walls of the tank. shrieking with delight at the diving, preening, swimming antics of the agile penguins!
 
Just to the left of the penguins are the most famous zoo denizens – Gus and Ida, the polar bears. Born in 1968, these two have never known life in the wild, and are regular crowd pleasers with their shows of affection, strength, and repetition. Children and adults alike stand transfixed as Gus floats toward them on his back, bumping into the glass walls of the tank, and then pushing off with a huge back paw that seems like it is sure to break the glass between himself and his fans. He glides his 1,000-pound frame effortlessly through the water and out of view, only to return minutes later, oblivious to the cheering and gasps of surprise that echo from his observers.
 
If ever there was a case for evolution, it could be made after spending a few minutes watching the Snow monkeys in their open-air habitat, an island of rock surrounded by a watery moat. As the younger monkeys tease and taunt each other, play tag and hide-and-go-seek, and pester their elders while they cuddle and groom one another, it’s difficult not to think of our own family members. These guys are definitely aware that they are being watched and will crank it up a notch when they hear laughter and cheering, so be prepared for a bit of zaniness.
 
For the hands-on zoo visitor, The Tisch Children’s Zoo (added in 1997) allows young animal lovers to meet gentle creatures up close. Year-round education classes and innovative public programs, including the zoo’s “Wildlife Theater” encourage all ages to learn more about our natural world and how to become involved in its protection. Through the American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s (AZA) Species Survival Program, the CPZ is actively involved in helping endangered species, including the rare Tamarin monkeys, Wyoming toads, thick-billed parrots, and red pandas.
 
With more than 1,400 animals to watch and enjoy just an hour away, this is one day-trip adventure that should not be missed!  

 

Central Park Zoo
830 Fifth Avenue
(64th Street and Fifth Avenue)
New York, New York
www.centralpark.com
212-439-6500
 
Hours
November 3 – March 21
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
March 22 – November 2
Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Weekends/Holidays: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
 
Admissions
Adults: $8.00
Children (3-12): $3.00
Seniors (65+): $4.00
Children under 3 years are always free!
 
Food
Leaping Frog Café has an extended menu, including kids’ favorites, as well as transfat-free items.
 
Accessibility
The zoo is handicapped accessible.
Guests who rely on service animals may bring them, provided that the animals remain properly leashed. Guests are solely responsible for the care and control of their animals.
 
Visitor Rules
NO pets, bikes, rollerblades, or skateboards.
 
School Group Admissions
There is no group rate for schools or other groups. Admission is $3 for children (ages 3–12); $8 for adults (ages 13 and up); and $4 for senior citizens. Cash or school checks are accepted at the gate.
 
School Group Programs
Many educational programs are offered. The fee is $130 per class and includes admission; reservations are required. For more information, contact the Education Department Registrar at (212) 439-6583.
 
*Check website for sea lion and penguin feedings schedules.

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