Central Park Zoo and Tisch Children's Zoo (Manhattan, NY)

In a steamy rain forest or in an icy Antarctic penguin habitat, the Wildlife Center at the Central Park Zoo introduces visitors to fascinating animals – from tiny leafcutter ants to tremendous polar bears. Explore the Tropic Zone, a beautiful tree filled rain forest environment, the Temperate Territory, where sea lions and monkeys frolic, or the Polar Circle, where you can watch polar bears swim underwater thanks to a plexiglass wall.

If you are visiting with kids, don’t miss the wonderful Tisch Children’s Zoo, designed especially for children age 6 and under, letting little animal lovers meet gentle creatures up close. This “Enchanted Forest” features a petting zoo with goats, sheep, cows, pigs and other furry animal friends. Admission to the children’s zoo is included in the price of admission to the main zoo.

Through the American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s (AZA) Species Survival Program, the zoo is actively involved in helping endangered species, including rare tamarin monkeys, Wyoming toads, thick-billed parrots, and red pandas. 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 become involved in its protection.