New York City Zoos

"New York City Zoos" by Joan Scheier

The Central Park Children's Zoo

"Nowhere does the union of play and learning exemplify itself more than at a Children's Zoo. As a child, growing up in New York, I remember the excitement of the next animal exhibit along the path. Always thinking "Which animal is in the next one? What will the animals be doing? Are the keepers there for a feeding?" Typically last, but not least, there was the wonderful interaction in the petting area where I got to experience the joy of being a licked by a goat. So go ahead and take the kids to one of the New York City's great zoos and be sure to stop by the children's zoos that have been part of the zoos since the 1940's. It will never be so easy to have some fun while your child learns."

Allen Esses

First Children's Zoo In New York City

The first of the Children's Zoo at The Central Park Zoo opened in 1961, It was a big attraction from the start. Many story book characters came to life along with a large fiberglass whale that came to be known as "Whaley" who acted as the entrance into the children's zoo.

Tisch Children's Zoo 1997

The Children's Zoo reopened as the Tisch Children's Zoo in 1997. The newest additions to the children's zoo are two pot bellied pigs, named Otis and Oliver. They are used to visitors coming over to greet them.

Alpacas

Two alpacas at the children's zoo are enjoying a cooling spray from their keeper. The fence along Fifth Avenue overlooks the children's zoo and is a favorite viewing area while out for a stroll.