Below is a list of the top and leading Aquariums and Zoos in New York. To help you find the best Aquariums and Zoos located near you in New York, our team at Kev’s Best put together our own list based on this rating points list.
New York’s Best Aquariums and Zoos:
The top rated Aquariums and Zoos in New York are:
- Bronx Zoo
- Prospect Park Zoo
- New York Aquarium
- Bergen County Zoo
- Staten Island Zoo
Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo is a zoo located within Bronx Park in the Bronx, a borough of New York City. It is one of the largest zoos in the United States by area, comprising 265 acres of park lands and naturalistic habitats separated by the Bronx River. On average, the zoo has 2.15 million visitors each year as of 2009. The zoo is part of an integrated system of four zoos and one aquarium managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and it is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Products/Services:
Himalayan Highlands, Baboon Reserve, Jungle world, Monkey House, Madagascar, World of Reptiles, World of Birds, African Plains, Wild Asia Monorail, Congo Gorilla Forest, Children’s Zoo, Butterfly Garden, Mouse House Rusell B. Aitken Bird Colony and Aquatic Birds, Astor Court and Sea Lion Pool
LOCATION:
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10460
Phone: (718) 367 1010
Website: www.bronxzoo.com
REVIEWS:
“Just wonderful. It is pricey but some of these animals eat 200 pounds a day. Then, remember, Wednesday’s are free, so that you don’t have to be wealthy to experience it. But oh my, the depth of this place is beyond explanation. We spent 6 hours here and felt we could spend 6 days. If you have a passing interest in reptiles for example then the reptile house is phenomenal. If you’ve always wanted to see a rain forest, then you will. The tigers and the snow leopards were just great. And I am only scratching the surface in my description. Nice and clean. Cafe food better than expected. Loved it! What an experience.” -Paul Clayton
Prospect Park Zoo
Prospect Park Zoo is a 12-acre zoo located off Flatbush Avenue on the eastern side of Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York City. As of 2016, the zoo houses 864 animals representing about 176 species, and as of 2007, it averages 300,000 visitors annually. The Prospect Park Zoo is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). In conjunction with the Prospect Park Zoo’s operations, the WCS offers children’s educational programs, is engaged in restoration of endangered species populations, runs a wildlife theater, and reaches out to the local community through volunteer programs.
Products/Services:
World of Animals, Animal Lifestyles, Animals in our Lives, Educational programs
LOCATION:
Address: 450 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Phone: (718) 399 7339
Website: www.prospectparkzoo.com
REVIEWS:
“Great small zoo. Good for short trips. Lots of smaller animals indoors and out, including farm animals and ducks you can feed. Watch the sea lions be fed in the afternoon (check schedule). No larger animals (elephants, big cats, bears, etc)–for that go to the Bronx Zoo. Prospect Park Zoo is great for a short trip with small children. Warning: the cafeteria has only snacks essentially. Bring lunch if your trip covers lunchtime. There are tables outside where you can eat.” -Adam Segal-Isaacson
New York Aquarium
New York Aquarium is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States, having opened in Castle Garden in Battery Park, Manhattan in 1896. Since 1957, it has been located on the boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The aquarium is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as part of its integrated system of four zoos and one aquarium, most notably the Bronx Zoo. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Products/Services:
Aquatheater, Conservation Hall, Sea Cliffs, Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, Sharks, Rays and Turtles, 4-D Theater, Aquarium Quests, A Widl Encounter, Sea Otter Feedings, Wildlife Theater
LOCATION:
Address: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Phone: (718) 265 3474
Website: www.nyaquarium.com
REVIEWS:
“Lots of fun. The indoor tanks are meticulously cared for featuring coral they grow themselves. The 4D shark movie was lots of fun too. We missed out on the outdoor exhibits due to rain. The exterior of one of the buildings has a rather unique surface made up of tiny hinged stainless steel plates that move with the wind creating flowing wind sculptures.” -Robert Higbee
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Bergen County Zoo – Founded in 1914, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is among the top 10 percent of zoos in the country as an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is dedicated to connecting people to the natural world by providing engaging guest experiences, exceptional animal care, and unparalleled conservation education.
The zoo actively collaborates with Friends of the Zoo to provide its guests “the best day ever,” ensuring experiences that excite, memories that endure, and knowledge that inspires worldwide conservation.
Products/Services:
U.S.S. Antiquities cave, Diversity of Birds Aviary, Nocturnal Animals/Adaptations, Social Animals, Outdoor Birds, Penguin Coast, Wildlife Trail, Asian Elephant Preserve, Domestic Animal Barn
LOCATION:
Address: 1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: (315) 435 8511
Website: www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org
REVIEWS:
“Was a fantastic experience for the entire family. Pricing is very very reasonable for the whole family with ample parking. We grabbed a quick bite to eat their which was reasonable in pricing and food was good. Tons to see for all ages, and staff were fantastic if asked questions, or just interacting with them. This is accessible for all people walking or not. Boys ages 6 and 7 loved it, and on top of it, the weather was extremely hot so they set up spray areas all around the park so you can cool down, plus seating placed all throughout the park.” -David Sawin
Staten Island Zoo
Staten Island Zoo is an 8-acre suburban zoo in West New Brighton, Staten Island, New York City. The zoo is open year-round except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1988.
The history of the Staten Island Zoo (Barrett Park) can be traced back to three Staten Island War heroes: Colonel Edward Harden, Colonel Richard Penn Smith, and Major Clarence Barrett. In the 1800s, Staten Island was home to many ranking military leaders including Colonel Harden and Colonel Penn Smith whose estates were located right across from each other on opposite sides of Clove Road.
Products/Services:
Covered Pavilion, Clove Road Entrance, Indoor Tent, Cafe, Free Parking, Carousel, Spooktacular, Aquariums, Africa Exhibit, Tropical Forest Exhibit, Reptiles, Fox Exhibit, Outdoor Aviary, Temperate Forest Sculptures, Amur Leopard Habitat, Horse Barn, Dinosaur Sculptures
LOCATION:
Address: 614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310
Phone: (718) 442 3100
Website: www.statenislandzoo.org
REVIEWS:
“Considering that the zoo is only eight acres, I was quite pleasantly surprised. The animals seemed well taken care of, and seemed to have lots of toys for enrichment. The zoo had lots of information regarding conservation, including facts on their status and what you as an individual can do to help. When you visit, please keep in mind that this zoo is very small so don’t be disappointed that they don’t have any elephants or giraffes. That being said, there are many interesting animals to see and learn about :)” -Lucy
Kevin has been contributing to multiple news websites since 2015. He started his blog back in 2016 tackling technology and business tips. His passion towards journalism and sharing relevant information with global readers pushed his to take journalism major at Boston University. He is now a full-time contributor to Kev’s Best.