Bronx Zoo

You don’t expect to lock eyes with a snow leopard in the middle of the Bronx, but that’s exactly what happens here. The Bronx Zoo, one of the biggest in the world, spans 265 acres and is home to over 6,000 animals from every corner of the globe. One minute you’re hearing the subway rumble, and the next it’s Amur tigers and Nile crocodiles.

This zoo is a space to reconnect with nature, wonder, and the vital mission of conservation. Each visit is a step into something much wilder.

2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460

Where to Explore

JungleWorld

Start your adventure in JungleWorld, a lush indoor rainforest where you’re transported to Southeast Asia. The path winds through misty trails and over shaded bridges, as gibbons swing from the canopy and tapirs wander through underbrush. Birds call out from branches just above your head. The immersive design makes it feel less like an exhibit and more like a real ecosystem. There are no cages or bars here—just glass and clever architecture that blur the lines between your world and theirs. Kids love spotting animals hiding in plain sight, and grown-ups tend to linger, soaking in the peaceful vibe and warm, humid air.

Congo Gorilla Forest

The Congo Gorilla Forest spans 6.5 acres, making it one of the largest exhibits at the zoo. As you walk along the trail (about a third of a mile), you’ll pass lush greenery and hear the sounds of waterfalls and streams. Currently, 20 western lowland gorillas call this space home. The exhibit also showcases nearly 400 plant species, from towering 50-foot trees to delicate orchids. It’s a chance to see these incredible animals and journey into a thriving, diverse ecosystem. Your admission helps fund conservation efforts in the Congo Basin, so every visit makes a difference.

Himalayan Highlands & Beyond

If big cats are more your style, make your way to the Himalayan Highlands. Snow leopards prowl their rocky terrain with quiet grace, camouflaged against stone. Nearby, in Tiger Mountain, Siberian tigers stretch out in the sun or stalk silently through the grass. These aren’t quick-view enclosures—they’re expansive, multi-layered environments designed to encourage natural behavior. Watching these animals move, play, and interact is not only thrilling—it’s a reminder of how vital it is to protect their dwindling wild habitats.

Things to Do at the Bronx Zoo

Watch the Giraffes Eat

Yes, they’re as tall and majestic as you imagined—and yes, you can watch them eat, which they do a lot, at the Carter Giraffe Building. During the warmer months, the giraffe feeding station is open for visitors to see leafy snacks being fed to these gentle giants. It’s a favorite for families and makes for an incredible photo op. There’s something unforgettable about looking into those long-lashed eyes and seeing curiosity looking back.

Ride the Bug Carousel

This one’s for the kids—or for the kid in you. The Bug Carousel is delightfully offbeat, featuring oversized ladybugs, grasshoppers, and even praying mantises to ride. It’s whimsical, a little weird (in the best way), and completely charming. Plus, it’s right near the Children’s Zoo, which makes it an easy stop on a family day out.

Explore Nature Trek

For a bit of active fun, don’t miss Nature Trek—a series of rope bridges, climbing towers, and elevated paths that take you into the treetops. It’s a chance to burn some energy while exploring in a hands-on way. And it’s not just for little ones—adults often end up having just as much fun.

Participate in a Wild Encounter

Want to get even closer? The Bronx Zoo offers Wild Encounters—behind-the-scenes experiences that might include feeding penguins, meeting a sloth, or learning how keepers care for big cats. These limited programs offer an unforgettable layer to your visit and are perfect for birthdays, animal lovers, or just adding a little extra thrill to the day.

Did You Know?

The Bronx Zoo was the first in the world to launch a zoo-based wildlife conservation program, and that commitment is still going strong today. They’ve played a major role in reintroducing species like the American bison, working to protect snow leopards, and safeguarding endangered turtles across the globe. The zoo's efforts are felt far beyond the city limits, and every ticket, visit, and donation helps fuel their mission to protect wildlife and preserve natural habitats.

Attractions Near Bronx Zoo

Staying at The Opera House Hotel near the Bronx Zoo means you’re not just close to the animals—you’re also near some of the Bronx’s best cultural attractions.

Yankee Stadium

Just a short ride away, Yankee Stadium offers everything from baseball history to high-energy game days. Even non-fans will enjoy the food, views, and sense of pride that fills the stands.

Bronx Museum of the Arts

Explore contemporary art with a focus on underrepresented voices. The Bronx Museum of the Arts is free and refreshingly approachable—an inspiring stop before or after the zoo.

Arthur Avenue (Little Italy in the Bronx)

Cap off your day with a visit to nearby Arthur Avenue, also known as Little Italy in the Bronx, for its authentic Italian markets, bakeries, and family-owned restaurants. Grab cannoli, sit down for handmade pasta, or pick up some fresh mozzarella to take back to the hotel.

Staying near the Bronx Zoo means easy access to wildlife, art, food, and fun. It’s the perfect base for a fresh, exciting trip full of surprises.

Snow Leopard Cub at Bronx Zoo - Image by MattDC

Ebony Langur in Bronx Zoo - Image by susana valera

Bronx Zoo Entrance - Image by STUDIO MELANGE / Shutterstock.com

Luxury Comfort

Other Rooms

When you stay at Opera House, luxury accommodations are part of our Bronx hotel experience, notably central to some of the most exciting neighborhoods.

Superior Queen

Accessible Superior Queen/Queen Lowered Fixtures/Switches

Accessible Deluxe Queen with Lowered Fixtures and Switches

Studio Suite

Deluxe Queen