Friends of the Zoo
Docent-led Tours

Since 1970, the Friends of the Zoo have provided guided tours to groups - school children, scouts, families, adult groups -  interested in learning more about the animals and exhibits of the world famous Bronx Zoo.

How big is a baby python? Why does a camel have kneepads? What is the smallest mouse? These are just a few of the fascinating questions you and your group will explore on tours. 
The Friends of the Zoo invite your group to explore the Bronx Zoo with their helpful, trained guides.

There is a $35.00 non-refundable registration fee for each class or group. To schedule a tour for your class or group, call Bronx Zoo Group Services at 718-220-5198, at least 4 weeks in advance of your visit.

For those teachers or groups interested in more than a tour, our Education Department offers a wide variety of fee-based, on-site programs taught by professional zoologists and environmental educators.  For more information on these programs, please call the Bronx Zoo Education Department/Metro Programs at (718) 220-5131.

School Groups
Teachers can arrange a walking tour of selected exhibits for their
classes any weekday morning from late September through mid-June.

Organized Groups of 10 or more members
Leaders of organized groups, such as scouts, camera or similar clubs, may request these guided tours at any time during the year.

Families
Parents may also request these guided tours at any time during the year.

How to Register for a Guided Tour:

SCHOOL GROUPS
Guidelines for you visit:

• Please call the Group Services Office, (718) 220-5198, at least four (4) weeks before your visit to schedule your tour and to request admissions passes.
• There is $35.00 non-refundable registration fee per class (up to 32 students plus 4 adults).
• Tours for school groups are given Monday through Friday, from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon. Guides will meet your group in front of the Education building near the Sea Lion pool. 
• We will provide one guide for every 10 students in your class. You must provide one adult chaperone for every ten school-age children. If you do not have enough adult chaperones, some of your students will not be able to participate in a tour.
• For groups of children who have physical handicaps, please provide one adult chaperone for every two visitors.
• Tours will be given regardless of weather conditions.
• If you must cancel or reschedule your tour, please call (718) 220-5198.
• If your group is delayed on route, please make every effort to let us know by calling  (718) 220-5198.
• Regrettably the administrative fee cannot be refunded. However, we'll make every effort to reschedule your visit.

ORGANIZED GROUPS AND FAMILIES

• Please call the Group Services office at (718) 220-5198 at least four (4) weeks prior to your visit to schedule your tour.
• There is a non-refundable registration fee of $35.00 for a group of up to 5 people with a $5.00 fee for each additional person.