The Bronx Zoo

Fordham Road and the Bronx River Parkway

Bronx, New York

(718)367-1010

Written by Scott Messmore

With more than 250 acres of parks and habitats, the Bronx Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the nation with more than 4,000 animals. The Bronx Zoo's most recent addition is the Congo Gorilla Forest, home to 22 gorillas, monkeys, chimpanzees and mandrills. The Congo Gorilla Forest is

six acres of bamboo, rocks and waterfalls that recreates the gorilla's natural environment. The Congo Gorilla Forest is the largest African Rain Forest ever built, densely packed with thousands of plants and animals.

Flaherty Learning Center

The Flaherty Learning Center is an educational area where parents can use zoo-provided binoculars, magnifying glasses and other scientific gear to guide their children through the Congo Gorilla Forest. For more information about the Congo Gorilla Forest, call 718-367-1010.

The Bronx Zoo Children's Zoo

The Bronx Zoo has a Children's Zoo where kids can get up close and personal with their favorite furry friend. Parents can really let their kids act like animals when they crawl through

simulate spider webs, try on a turtle's shell or slither through a prairie dog's tunnel from the western plains. The Bengali Express is a two-mile monorail ride overlooking animal exhibits. The World of Darkness is a place to see bats and other animals that only come out at night. Kids who can't get enough of slithering snakes, frogs and fierce crocodiles won't want to miss the Bronx Zoo's large Reptile House.

Hours of Operation and Location

The Bronx Zoo address is the Bronx, New York, NY 10460. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and until 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays. The Bronx Zoo is open every day

of the year. Admission to the zoo is: adults, $9; seniors, $5; children ages two to 12, $5. From Jan. 3 to March 31 admission to the Bronx Zoo is only $4 for adults and $2 for senior citizens and children. All kids under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult. For special group rates call 800-YES-2868. Food and snacks are available at several locations in the zoo. Baby and adult strollers are also available. Adult strollers must be reserved at 718-220-5188.