23 Zoos in NEW YORK (Clean, Spacious, and Beautiful)
Do you love the idea of watching animals and learning about them?
Getting close and personal with animals that we usually only see in books and on television is always charming.
Zoos and wildlife reserves are fantastic places to visit because they allow you to view and learn about creatures from around the world in one location.
The State offers several opportunities to experience the wild.
It is home to the most impressive zoos in the world.
There are so many animal parks spread all over the State that you can visit one no matter where you are.
You will find one on this list of the best zoos in New York that you can check out and get cozy.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Aquariums in New York.
Zoos in New York City Area
1. Bronx Zoo
With ample acres of space, the Bronx Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world.
Many fascinating, distinctive exhibits are available at the Bronx Zoo, which draws people there often.
The habitat displays, such as the Congo Gorilla Forest and others, offer amazing experiences and shouldn’t be passed up.
It is home to over 5,000 animals and wild attractions, including an outdoor baboon reserve, a sea lion pool, and a Madagascar-specific exhibit with lemurs, fossa, Nile crocodiles, and a Madagascar tree boa.
They also offer a Big Bears exhibit where you can learn more about grizzlies and polar bears.
The zoo has researched, bred, and translocated animals to the wild to help rescue endangered species for more than 120 years, which is one of its best attributes.
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, New York 10460, United States
2. Staten Island Zoo
The Staten Island Zoo may not be the biggest or most exotic zoo in the world, but praised for its Serpentarium, which houses a sizable collection of rattlesnakes,
African wild animals, Amur Leopards, and other warm-blooded animals are in this eight-acre, highly educational little big zoo.
Kids will undoubtedly experience huge thrills as they observe American bobcats hanging close along secure glass partitions.
Their indoor spaces are kid-friendly and easily accessible for strollers or tiny toddlers.
Families should take a day excursion to this location, a fantastic local attraction.
They also offer a lovely outside area with many trees and flowers, giving the impression that you are strolling in a park.
Indeed, You’ll never regret choosing to visit the Staten Island Zoo.
Address: 614 Broadway, Staten Island, New York 10310, United States
3. Central Park Zoo
A forerunner in re-creating natural ecosystems in urban settings, the Central Park Zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers of all ages.
The zoo is home to red pandas and other endangered animals, polar bears, sea lions, poison dart frogs, monkeys, and emerald tree boas.
Their 4D Theater and Tisch Children’s Zoo, a petting zoo with more than 30 animals, including goats and cows, are specifically made to captivate kids.
The location is tidy, well-kept, and reasonable.
You cannot pass Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard Display, where young children can look for those nearly extinct animals in a stony, lush environment designed to represent the forested areas of Central Asia.
The best aspect is that your day excursion may continue after the zoo because you have quick access to the remainder of Central Park and Manhattan.
Address: East 64th Street, New York, New York 10021, United States
4. Queens Zoo
North American animals are the focus of this outdoor facility, which spans 18 acres in size.
This well-maintained wildlife park shows several unusual and wild species like four-horned lambs, bison, pudu deers, and pronghorn antelope.
Children can anticipate seeing Spangles and Cisco, the couple of South American spectacled bears at the zoo, hugging one other.
Also available for viewing are some feathery companions, including a bobwhite quail that recently relocated to the borough.
With the help of colleges, other NGOs, federal and State agencies, and breeding programs, conservationists at the Queens Zoo have brought endangered species into captivity for eventual release in habitats that are suited for them.
If you go to Queens Zoo, your days will always be exciting.
Address: 53-51 111th St, Queens, New York 11368, United States
Also see our article on Safari in New York.
Zoos in Central Park, New York
1. Animal Adventure Park
The interactive, educational Animal Adventure Park lets visitors meet and learn about incredible ambassador animals by going behind the scenes with the keepers.
They allow you to hand-feed various domestic and exotic animals and get close to the adorable but less cuddly carnivores.
Please bring your camera, but keep one hand free while interacting with animals worldwide by feeding them and building friendships.
Everything about the setting was calm, open, and tidy.
Visitors can see arctic wolves, sugar gliders, African black-footed penguins, emperor scorpions, rare white kangaroos, and many other animals.
With so many different species of animals at Animal Adventure Park, a day trip is always exciting.
The park has many restrooms and rest spots with covered pavilions.
Address: 85 Martin Hill Rd, Harpursville, New York 13787, United States
2. Ross Park Zoo
One of the nation’s oldest zoos is the 90-acre Ross Park Zoo, which features many exhibits with more than a hundred distinct species.
The zoo has developed an outreach program that serves over 20,000 individuals and heavily emphasizes environmental education.
This zoo is quite lovely and among the best available for the money.
The zoo is home to seven endangered species, such as the African penguin, Amur leopard, red panda, and red wolf.
Additionally, the zoo’s midsection has a playground for kids and a picnic area.
Pizza, hot dogs, and sandwiches are available at a concession stand close to the zoo’s center, along with other food like chips or ice cream.
Without a doubt, Ross Park Zoo is a fantastic destination.
Address: 60 Morgan Road, Binghamton, New York 13903, United States
3. Utica Zoo
The Utica Zoo offers a wide range of educational programs designed to provide memorable experiences and encourage a love of animals among the general public through instruction, conservation, and recreation.
Children can participate in spring and summer camp programs at the Utica Zoo, where they can experience being naturalists by watching animals or learning about the Adirondacks’ flora and fauna.
The Friday family fun at their Beaversprite Center is a must-visit event for school-aged children.
If you’ve been to the Utica Zoo before, it doesn’t hurt to go again, especially now that they have a new concessionaire, an upgraded red fox habitat, and a new bounce pillow, to name a few.
A wonderful shaded space to eat and a playground where you can avoid the sun are now available.
Visit the zoo today for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Address: 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, New York 13501, United States
4. Joseph L. Popp Jr. Butterfly Conservatory
The Joseph L. Popp Jr. is a 3000- sq ft Butterfly Conservatory with an indoor tropical garden showcasing exotic birds and butterflies.
Visitors can view and interact with all the living, free-flying butterflies worldwide in their indoor conservatory-herbarium.
It has an exhibit of live tropical butterflies that are magnificently and entrancingly displayed.
Numerous exotic species are in their botanical garden.
The helpful staff will provide a wealth of knowledge about many species of animals at the Conservatory.
Visitors can pet numerous cute creatures, feed birds, have butterflies land on them, and even watch an ancient tortoise stroll around the site.
There are numerous opportunities to engage with nature at the Joseph L. Popp Jr Butterfly Conservatory.
The host is a sweet, modest, kind person who knows everything she houses.
Address: 5802 NY-7, Oneonta, New York 13820, United States
5. Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo
Children of all ages can enjoy interesting animal interactions at Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo.
It is home to many domestic and foreign animals, highlighted in their daily interactive educational shows.
The degree of animal care that Fort Rickey provides, where the animals residing there are pampered, adored, and given everything they require for their physical and mental well-being, is something they take great pride in.
A prevalent zoo feature is the “Maternity Ward,” where visitors can enter the baby pygmy goat play yard and hold and cuddle the animals.
Jumbo Jumper pillow bounce, Water Wars balloon game, tube slide maze, and enormous tunnel are fascinating elements that thrill guests.
Admission included the use of a huge play area and a jumping pillow.
Address: 5135 Rome-New London Road, Rome, New York 13440, United States
Also see our article on Alpaca Farms in New York.
Zoos in Brooklyn, New York
1. Prospect Park Zoo
The Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn is a terrific choice for animal enthusiasts looking for a quick day excursion.
Kids may explore the Discovery Trail at this interactive wildlife center and get up and personal with beautiful North American river otters, dashing dingos, and enormous emus playing in their distinctive habitats.
They provide three large indoor exhibits that can keep guests busy all year.
On the weekends, you may visit the Discovery Center for interactive nature experiences where kids can do a fictitious medical exam and discover some rather revolting information about animal poo.
Be sure to observe a sea lion feeding while you stop for your lunch.
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime memory with your family at the zoo.
Address: 450 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11225, United States
2. New York Aquarium
New York Aquarium is a must-see on Coney Island’s renowned boardwalk.
Visitors can see various East River creatures and a living replica of the Pacific seaboard at the New York Aquarium.
This year-round attraction is devoted to educating people about sharks, their significant role, and their threats while showcasing the beautiful biodiversity off our New York beaches.
Families can observe feedings of seas, otters, penguins, and walruses in addition to the Aquatheater’s regular entertaining sea lion performance.
Kids could play in a pleasant interactive section there.
The NY Aquarium is a fantastic location to check out, mainly because it seeks to inform and engage visitors and entertain them.
Address: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11224, United States
Also see our article on Dog-Friendly Activities in New York.
Zoos in Syracuse, New York
1. Rosamond Gifford Zoo
The distinctive Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Burnet Park is a haven for many threatened and endangered species.
It is home to more than 700 creatures, including Asian elephants, Humboldt penguins, Amur tigers, snow leopards, a diversity of monkeys, numerous kinds of tropical birds, and fish.
There are many distinctive opportunities to see and engage with animals at Rosamond Gifford Zoo, including indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational programs for all ages, school break zoo camps, animal presentations, and encounters.
The HoneyBee Cafe and Curious Cub Gift Shop are two additional attractions that provide tourists with refreshments and drinks.
About 60% of the zoo’s exhibits are indoors; however, some outdoor displays are still open throughout the winter. ‘
The zoo opens every day of the entire year.
Address: 1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse, New York 13204, United States
2. Wild Animal Park
The Wild Animal Park is a menagerie that offers tourists a different chance to discover more about various species.
A petting zoo, bouncy houses, refreshments, and live animal shows are available at the park.
They provide various animal interactions, including up-close encounters with giraffes, sloths, rhinos, parakeets, and much more.
Instead of driving your car, taking the “beast” on the safari excursion is well worth it with a witty and experienced guide.
More than one visit to the park is needed because it is constantly updated.
Additional amenities and attractions add every once in a while.
It’s a terrific site for adventure, education, and family fun because it has various domestic and exotic animals worldwide.
Visit the zoo so you and your family can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Address: 7621 Lakeport Rd Chittenango, New York 13037, United States
Also see our article on Dog Breeders in New York.
Zoos in Western New York
1. Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
Everyone of all ages will enjoy visiting Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, a four-season attraction ideal for everyone.
Visitors to the park can experience a Wild Game Safari drive-through using their vehicles to travel across 2.3 miles of paths on 63 acres of land.
Guests can also stroll among the smaller, amiable animals in the Small Animal Adventure.
In addition, The Lodge at Hidden Valley and The Trailside Grill are excellent dining establishments you can visit while in the park.
The park provides a beautiful atmosphere and a memorable, enjoyable learning experience that is perfect for those looking for an informative trip.
This is a beautiful spot for youngsters to enjoy interacting with some animals up close.
Address: 2887 Royce Road, Varysburg, New York 14167, United States
2. Aquarium of Niagara
The Aquarium of Niagara is the first inland oceanarium in New York to provide visitors the chance to get so close and personal with animals and marine life.
They provide fascinating and instructive exhibitions that are entertaining for the whole family.
You can personally encounter penguins that waddle around or meet and greet a trained seal.
They offer excellent day camps that provide participants with a terrific experience by including themes that concentrate on ecological science topics with lots of hands-on learning.
Their most popular nature trail treks take you on a stroll to the river gorge while you take in tales about the ecology.
Another fantastic site for exploring and making lasting memories is the Aquarium of Niagara in New York.
Address: 701 Whirlpool St., Niagara Falls, New York 14301, United States
Also see our article on Amusement Parks in New York.
Zoos in Upstate New York
1. Buffalo Zoo
The Buffalo Zoo is the best location to see a wide range of domestic and exotic animals year-round in realistic surroundings.
With its diverse variety of species, including American bison, Hellbenders, and African lions, this 23.5-acre Buffalo Zoo is the third-oldest in the United States.
Fans of invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and birds will all find much to see here.
The Buffalo Zoo offers a range of general and specially designed programming for kids and adults of all ages.
All these fantastic courses and programs happen inside and in the neighborhood.
Their summer camp offers opportunities for learning and discovery through excursions to wildlife habitats, intimate experiences with animals, hands-on projects, crafts, and painting.
Address: 300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
2. Lamb Farms, Inc
Visit Lamb Farms, Inc. if you’re up for a fun day with the cows.
Here, you can look at how cows generate foamy, nourishing milk daily and learn more about it.
You can climb the stairs for an unguided tour and look down at the nearby free-stall barn and the carousel milking parlor, which can milk 60 cows at once.
The barn doesn’t have partitions, so the calves are free to roam the space, giving you the finest opportunity to get near them.
For added comfort, there are rubber cushions on the floor, and staff members even constructed a bed of sand in the sleeping area.
Children will undoubtedly enjoy their time on this farm, home to friendly cows and workers.
Address: 6880 Albion Rd, Oakfield, New York 14125, United States
3. Wolcott Farms 4 Seasons of Fun
Wolcott Farms is a lovely equestrian facility that provides exceptional horses for sale, riding lessons, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and wagon trips.
The farm has many lesson horses, ranging in skill level from beginning safe to more experienced.
Beginner to expert riders can take lessons that cover topics other than animal care and the planning required for each ride.
They provide exceptionally safe riding programs because they emphasize preserving your and your horse’s safety and seek to develop future horse owners.
The farm is open all year round so that guests can take in the splendor of wildlife anytime.
You’ll adore the ride into the fields when you feed a young cow.
This fantastic equestrian center is very deserving of your visit.
Address: 4085 Quakertown Rd, Warsaw, New York 14569, United States
4. Seneca Park Zoo
If you’re looking for a zoo that shows animals and takes the lead in conservation efforts, The Seneca Zoo is another great place to go.
There are countless ways to enjoy the beauty and instructional delight of the Seneca Park Zoo, from staff chats to feeding zoo animals.
While modest compared to other zoos, it provides visitors with a powerful visual impact.
Visitors can watch and feed Giraffes at their feeding platforms.
They can also get up close and interact with other rare animals inside the zoo.
You can better understand the animals and their habitats by participating in their 90-minute guided tour traveling across the zoo.
After a fun-filled day at the zoo, guests can dine, rest, and purchase souvenirs at the Trailside Cafe, Crater Canteen, and ZooShop.
Address: 2222 St Paul St, Rochester, New York 14621, United States
5. New York State Zoo at Thompson Park
The spacious New York State Zoo near Watertown is the only zoo in the world with species that are, or once were, native to New York State.
It focuses on New York’s wild animals and wild areas.
The zoo aspires to be the top zoological park with a concentration on the ecosystems of New York State via preservation, instruction, research, and recreation.
You can learn about the zoo’s animal population, habitats, and daily lives on the guided tours, which take you on a facility walkthrough with a staff member or educator.
If you would love to go local and humble at first, the New York Zoo at Thompson Park is the best place to get to know regional faunas.
The zoo offers a variety of activities and has a lovely gift shop.
For outdoor gatherings, there is a sizable pavilion available.
Address: 1 Thompson Park, Watertown, New York 13601, United States
6. Bailiwick Ranch and Discovery Zoo
Bailiwick Ranch and Discovery Zoo is a beautiful choice for a zoo with additional amenities.
You can also play paintball and horseback riding because it is a semi-ranch.
They provide beginner to advanced instruction in English and Western riding for children and adults on sound, well-behaved horses.
The zoo has a variety of farmed farm animals in its petting and feeding area, as well as wild species, including chimpanzees and black bears.
It has a playground, picnic spots, areas for petting and feeding animals, and daily educational shows.
Children can interact directly with various amazing farm animals.
The entire area is unquestionably a must-visit for families because it offers three incredible attractions: a paintball park, a zoo, and horseback riding.
Address: 118 Castle Rd, Catskill, New York 12414, United States
7. Adirondack Animal Land
Adirondack Animal Land is a wildlife park created to give more than 500 animals a home in entirely natural settings.
With the animals in their natural habitats, you can experience watching and getting close to them just as they are in their natural environment.
You will not sadly see them as caged animals.
Visitors can view various birds, camels, bears, and deer.
Additionally, they can take a safari trip across the grounds, where more than 100 animals can roam.
The kids will have a blast feeding the animals from the car windows at the drive-through safari.
It informs guests and ensures you have an exciting and enjoyable time there.
The environment, staff service, and overall wildlife experience are all excellent at this lovely animal park.
Address: 3554 NY-30, Gloversville, New York 12078, United States
8. Dakota Ridge Farm
Are llamas anything that you find fascinating? Dakota Ridge Farm is the ideal location for you, then.
The 42-acre Dakota Ridge Farm offers farm tours, llama treks, animal-assisted therapy, educational visits, llama sales, and the rescue and rehoming of llamas.
Their scheduled excursions allow you to get up close and personal with llamas, which you may pet, brush, feed, and walk.
The llamas were a lot of fun to pet and pose with, and their staff was pleasant.
They will take you inside each barn so you can see the animals up close and take pictures of them.
Additionally, you may spend a few hours “working” to shear one or more llamas, or you might provide a hand in doing one.
They also have llamas available for sale if you want to bring home one.
Address: 189 E High St, Ballston Spa, New York 12020, United States
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Looking beyond New York? Check out our article on the best Zoos in California and Illinois.