How to Enjoy a Trip to the Bronx Zoo

Whether you are a lifelong resident of Manhattan or a visitor to the Big Apple, plan a visit to the Bronx Zoo for a day of animal kingdom enjoyment. Two-dozen exhibits feature almost 1,000 animals throughout the zoo. The Bronx Zoo has a long history of protecting wildlife, with more than 250 acres dedicated to the study of animals and the education of zoo visitors.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Enjoy the Bronx Zoo every day of the year, including major holidays. Special rides and certain exhibits have seasonal hours, but most of the zoo is open year-round.

2. Print a map of the Bronx Zoo from the Web site or obtain one at the main gate. Get to know the zoo, the locations of animals and exhibits of interest, and outline your visit to the zoo. This reduces the chance for major surprises.

3. Get an access map as well. This map shows wheelchair access, distances between exhibits, terrain of the zoo, ATM and public phone locations, and emergency/first aid information. Having an access map addresses many unknowns and eliminates frustration with individual circumstances.

4. Take advantage of the shuttle or aboveground Skyfair for easy transportation within and through the zoo for a small fee.

5. Leave the stroller or wheelchair at home and use those available at the zoo. Call to check availability during the busy season.

6. Visit the seasonal hot spots at the Bronx Zoo when there is special animal activity. Different animals have different mating seasons, birthing seasons, hibernation activities and other rituals. Check with zoo personnel or the Bronx Zoo Web site for that day's events.

7. Catch one of the scheduled events, such as primate training, bird feeding or tiger enrichment sessions for a unique zoo event.

8. Dine outdoors at any one of the cafes located throughout the zoo. The Zoo Restaurant can cater company picnics and even wedding receptions for a fee.

9. Plan a gala social event at the Bronx Zoo for a party everyone will enjoy. Gather in the treetops with monkeys and gorillas, host a cocktail party with Siberian tigers on Tiger Mountain or have the wedding reception in the Congo Gorilla Forest.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out the snow leopards and bison at the Bronx Zoo, the first animals studied at the zoo when it began more than 100 years ago.

• Become a Bronx Zoo member through the Wildlife Conservation Society online.

• Dine at the Bronx Zoo year-round at the Dancing Crane Cafe. All other eating establishments open when attendance is high and weather is optimal.