Queens Zoo

New York City, US

Queens Zoo
Queens Zoo
Location
New York City, US
Category
museums galleries
Coordinates
40.745, -73.848333333
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Queens Zoo, nestled within the expansive Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife of the Americas. Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), this urban oasis provides an intimate experience with animals ranging from bison and pumas to spectacled bears and various bird species. Visitors can traverse naturalistic habitats designed to reflect the native environments of its inhabitants, including a dedicated farm area showcasing domestic animals. It serves as an educational and conservation hub, emphasizing the importance of protecting North American wildlife. For those seeking places to visit in New York City that combine nature, education, and family-friendly attractions, the Queens Zoo is an excellent destination for an engaging day out. Discover what to do in the area by exploring the surrounding park and its historical World's Fair remnants.

General information

The Queens Zoo, nestled within the expansive Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife of the Americas. Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), this urban oasis provides an intimate experience with animals ranging from bison and pumas to spectacled bears and various bird species. Visitors can traverse naturalistic habitats designed to reflect the native environments of its inhabitants, including a dedicated farm area showcasing domestic animals. It serves as an educational and conservation hub, emphasizing the importance of protecting North American wildlife. For those seeking places to visit in New York City that combine nature, education, and family-friendly attractions, the Queens Zoo is an excellent destination for an engaging day out. Discover what to do in the area by exploring the surrounding park and its historical World's Fair remnants.

Did you know

  • The Queens Zoo focuses exclusively on animals native to the Americas, a unique specialization among major zoos.
  • A prominent feature of the zoo is its geodesic dome aviary, a distinctive architectural element that houses various bird species.
  • The zoo is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which also manages the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium.

History

The site of the Queens Zoo has a history intertwined with the World's Fairs held in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. A menagerie was first established for the 1939 World's Fair. The modern iteration, originally known as the Flushing Meadows Zoo, officially opened in 1968, four years after the conclusion of the 1964-65 World's Fair. It was closed for significant renovations in 1991 and reopened in 1992 as the Queens Zoo, with a renewed mission to focus on North American wildlife. This specialization marked a deliberate shift towards regional conservation and education, a philosophy maintained under the management of the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Cultural significance

The Queens Zoo holds cultural significance as a vital educational and recreational resource within New York City. As one of the five facilities operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, it contributes to broader conservation efforts by fostering appreciation for North American wildlife among urban populations. Its location within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, a site of two World's Fairs, connects it to a legacy of public assembly and cultural exchange. The zoo provides an accessible venue for city residents to engage with nature, learn about biodiversity, and understand the importance of wildlife preservation, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Queens and the wider metropolitan area.

Geography and landscape

The Queens Zoo is situated within the expansive 897-acre Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in the borough of Queens, New York City. The park itself is a significant urban green space, featuring lakes, recreational facilities, and historical structures from the 1939 and 1964-65 World's Fairs, such as the Unisphere. The zoo's specific landscape is designed to replicate the natural habitats of its North American animal residents, incorporating elements like wetlands for waterfowl, open plains for bison, and forested areas for other species. Its integration within the park provides a verdant, semi-natural setting amidst the dense urban environment of New York City.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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