Zoos and Aquarium
About Us
Founded in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society, the Wildlife Conservation Society was one of the first conservation organizations established in the United States.
Bronx Zoo
Opened in 1899 on 265 acres of Bronx Park, the Bronx Zoo is the flagship of the Wildlife Conservation Society and one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world. The zoo has been at the forefront of conservation since helping save the American bison from extinction in 1907. Today it is home to over 11,000 animals representing more than 600 species, offering visitors immersive, naturalistic habitats grounded in decades of conservation science.
Central Park Zoo
Situated in the heart of Central Park, the Central Park Zoo blends accessibility with a focused conservation mission. The zoo first opened in 1934, as part of a broader initiative to improve New York City's parks, and was substantially reimagined under WCS in the late 1980s. It remains one of the city's most visited wildlife destinations, offering an intimate setting for public engagement with conservation.
Queens Zoo
Located on the site of the 1964 World's Fair, the Queens Zoo has developed a distinct focus on wildlife native to North and South America, including coyotes, Andean bears, American bison, and bald eagles. Its exhibits emphasize the ecological connections between New York City and the broader Americas.
Prospect Park Zoo
Located in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, the Prospect Park Zoo offers an intimate, walkable setting for wildlife encounters. The zoo's programming emphasizes children's education and the restoration of endangered species populations, making it a key touchpoint for young New Yorkers' first experiences with conservation.
New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium traces its history to December 10, 1896, making it the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States. Now located in Coney Island, Brooklyn, it houses more than 4,500 aquatic wildlife. It remains WCS's dedicated platform for marine and freshwater conservation education.
Exhibits and Conservation
WCS's staff of field and zoo experts work together in the service of a single mission: to save wildlife and wild places. As our vets, curators, and keepers care for the animals in our four zoos and aquarium in New York, they share their insights with scientists working in the field to save wildlife. Field staff report back their observations of animal behavior and needs in nature, which in turn bolsters animal wellbeing in the parks.
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