About
Central Park Zoo Children & Family Programs include visits to the Tisch Children’s Zoo and opportunities to watch Penguin Feeding and Sea Lion Feeding. At the Tisch Children’s Zoo, children see goats, sheep, some of the world’s most unique ducks, and the only cow who lives in Manhattan. The zoo features three major biomes called the Tropic Zone, Temperate Territory, and Polar Circle, and it has one of the nation’s largest colonies of Antarctic penguins, including 74 chinstrap, gentoo, macaroni, and king penguins swimming daily in Polar Circle.
• Schedule: Daily zoo schedule includes 10:00 AM opening, Penguin Feeding at 10:40 AM and 2:30 PM, Sea Lion Feeding at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM last entry, and 5:00 PM closing
Manhattan’s Central Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country and first opened on its current site in 1861. In the 1980s, the Wildlife Conservation Society took over management under a contract with the City of New York and completed a five-year transformation, and the zoo reopened in 1988. Since reopening in 1988, the stated mission has been to engage future generations of conservationists and create wildlife champions by inspiring visitors and connecting them to the plight of animals in the wild and the conservation work being done to protect them. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s network of five urban wildlife parks reports that it has inspired and educated more than 400 million guests since first opening, and visitors are invited to join this mission with a visit during a trip to New York City. The Wildlife Conservation Society manages Central Park Zoo under a contract with the City of New York, and Mary Dixon is listed as the Central Park Zoo Public Relations and Media contact.
Parent and visitor comments include: “Our first trip to Central Park Zoo was amazing. The exhibits they offer are not only fascinating, but super informative.” (Ayana, Yelp). Another visitor shared, “This zoo blew my mind. For being so small it packs a serious punch and is absolutely gorgeous.” (Jen, TripAdvisor). A third comment notes, “A great experience on every visit. The staff is always helpful, the park is always clean and everyone is willing to help at any time.” (Marcos, Google).
Last updated May 28, 2026.
• Schedule: Daily zoo schedule includes 10:00 AM opening, Penguin Feeding at 10:40 AM and 2:30 PM, Sea Lion Feeding at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM last entry, and 5:00 PM closing
Manhattan’s Central Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country and first opened on its current site in 1861. In the 1980s, the Wildlife Conservation Society took over management under a contract with the City of New York and completed a five-year transformation, and the zoo reopened in 1988. Since reopening in 1988, the stated mission has been to engage future generations of conservationists and create wildlife champions by inspiring visitors and connecting them to the plight of animals in the wild and the conservation work being done to protect them. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s network of five urban wildlife parks reports that it has inspired and educated more than 400 million guests since first opening, and visitors are invited to join this mission with a visit during a trip to New York City. The Wildlife Conservation Society manages Central Park Zoo under a contract with the City of New York, and Mary Dixon is listed as the Central Park Zoo Public Relations and Media contact.
Parent and visitor comments include: “Our first trip to Central Park Zoo was amazing. The exhibits they offer are not only fascinating, but super informative.” (Ayana, Yelp). Another visitor shared, “This zoo blew my mind. For being so small it packs a serious punch and is absolutely gorgeous.” (Jen, TripAdvisor). A third comment notes, “A great experience on every visit. The staff is always helpful, the park is always clean and everyone is willing to help at any time.” (Marcos, Google).
Last updated May 28, 2026.
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