View source for Bronx Zoo

{{Short description|Metropolitan zoo in the Bronx, New York}}
{{Other uses|The Bronx Zoo (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox zoo
| zoo_name         = Bronx Zoo
| logo             = Bronx Zoo logo.png
| logo_width       = 250px
| logo_caption     = Bronx Zoo logo
| image            = Bronx Zoo 001.jpg
| image_caption    = Asia Gate Entrance
| date_opened      = November 8, 1899<ref name="zoo_history">{{cite web |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Wildlife-Conservation-Society-Company-History.html |title=Wildlife Conservation Society |work=fundinguniverse.com |publisher=Funding Universe |access-date=May 28, 2010 |archive-date=April 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412072001/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Wildlife-Conservation-Society-Company-History.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
| location         = 2300 [[Southern Boulevard (Bronx)|Southern Boulevard]], [[Bronx Park]], [[The Bronx|Bronx]], New York 10460, U.S.
| coordinates      = {{Coord|40|51|01|N|73|52|42|W|region:US_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| area             = {{cvt|265|acre|ha}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bronxzoo.com/visitor-info/faqs |title=FAQs |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=January 17, 2018 |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209044225/https://bronxzoo.com/visitor-info/faqs |url-status=live}}</ref>
| num_species      = 650 (2010)<ref name="nyc_zoo_history"/>
| num_animals      = 4,000 (2010)<ref name="nyc_zoo_history"/>
|annual_visitors   = 2+ million
| members          = [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list/ |title=List of Accredited Zoos and Aquariums |work=aza.org |publisher=Association of Zoos and Aquariums |access-date=May 27, 2010 |archive-date=November 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101151357/https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list |url-status=live}}</ref>
| exhibits         = {{Indented_plainlist|
*African Plains
*Congo Gorilla Forest
*JungleWorld
*Madagascar!
*Tiger Mountain
*Wild Asia Monorail
*World of Birds
*World of Darkness
*World of Reptiles
*Zoo Center
}}
| management       = [[Wildlife Conservation Society]] (WCS)
| publictransit    = '''[[New York City Subway|Subway]]:'''
*{{NYCS White Plains local|time = bullets}} at [[West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue station|West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue]]
*{{NYCS White Plains 180th|time = bullets}} at [[East 180th Street station|East 180th Street]]
*{{NYCS White Plains north local|time = bullets}} at [[Pelham Parkway station (IRT White Plains Road Line)|Pelham Parkway]]
'''Bus:'''
*[[New York City Bus]]: {{NYC bus link|Bx9|Bx12|Bx12 SBS|Bx19|Bx21|Bx22|Bx36|Bx39|Bx40|Bx42|Q44 SBS}}
*[[Bee-Line Bus]]: BL60, BL61, and BL62
'''[[Metro-North Railroad]]''': [[Fordham (Metro-North station)|Fordham]]
| website          = {{URL|https://bronxzoo.com/}}
}}

The '''Bronx Zoo''' (also historically the '''Bronx Zoological Park''' and the '''Bronx Zoological Gardens''') is a [[zoo]] within [[Bronx Park]] in [[the Bronx]], New York City. It is one of the largest zoos in the United States by area and the largest [[Metropolis|metropolitan]] zoo,<ref name="nydailynews.com"/> comprising {{cvt|265|acre|ha}} of park lands and naturalistic habitats separated by the [[Bronx River]]. The zoo has 2.1 million average yearly visitors {{as of|2009|lc=y}}.<ref name="nydailynews.com"/> The zoo's original buildings, known as Astor Court, were designed as a series of [[Beaux-Arts architecture|Beaux-Arts]] [[pavilion]]s grouped around the large circular sea lion pool.<ref name="gathering" /> The [[Rainey Memorial Gates]] were designed by sculptor [[Paul Manship]] in 1934 and listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1972.<ref name="nris" />

The zoo opened on November 8, 1899, featuring 843 animals in 22 exhibits. Its first director was [[William Temple Hornaday]], who served for 30 years. From its inception the zoo has played a vital role in animal conservation. In 1905, the [[American Bison Society]] was created in an attempt to save the [[American bison]], which had been depleted from tens-of-millions of animals to only a few hundred, from [[extinction]]. Two years later they were successfully reintroduced into the wild. In 2007, the zoo successfully reintroduced three [[Chinese alligator]]s into the wild. The breeding was a milestone in the zoo's 10-year effort to [[Species reintroduction|reintroduce]] the species to the [[Yangtze River]] in China.

The Bronx Zoo is world-renowned for its large and diverse animal collection, and its award-winning exhibitions.<ref name="nydailynews.com" /> The zoo is part of an integrated system of four zoos and one aquarium managed by the [[Wildlife Conservation Society]] (WCS), and it is accredited by the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (AZA).<ref name="nycparks">{{cite web |title=Brooklyn Botanic Garden History |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/brooklynbotanicgarden/history |access-date=April 28, 2013 |website=NYC Parks |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103055821/http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/brooklynbotanicgarden/history |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{TOC limit|3}}

==History==
===Early years===
[[File:Bronx Zoological Park - DPLA - 0810d730971bf313f10ec4cd0d521a5e.jpg|thumb|left|Bronx Zoological Park, 1913]]
In 1895, a group made up largely of members of the [[Boone and Crockett Club]] founded the New York Zoological Society (later renamed the [[Wildlife Conservation Society]]) for the purposes of founding a zoo, promoting the study of [[zoology]], and preserving wildlife.<ref>{{cite book |title=Annual Report of the New York Zoological Society |date=1896 |volume=1 |publisher=New York Zoological Society |location=New York |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/66903#page/9/mode/1up |access-date=August 29, 2016 |archive-date=October 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019191617/http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/66903#page/9/mode/1up |url-status=live}}</ref> Credit for this belonged chiefly to Club members [[Madison Grant]] and C. Grant LaFarge.<ref>{{cite book |last=Grinnell |first=George |title=Brief History of the Boone and Crockett Club |date=1910 |publisher=Forest and Stream Publishing Company |location=New York, New York |page=7}}</ref>

The zoo (sometimes called the '''Bronx Zoological Park'''<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1903/11/27/105067396.pdf |title=New Antelope house |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=November 27, 1903 |access-date=February 28, 2011 |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423093729/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1903/11/27/105067396.pdf |url-status=live |quote=The antelope house at the Bronx Zoological Park was opened to the public yesterday.}}</ref> and the '''Bronx Zoological Gardens'''<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1911/05/24/105027894.pdf |title=Taft Enjoys Trip To The Bronx Zoo |work=The New York Times |date=May 24, 1911 |access-date=February 28, 2011 |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423093732/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1911/05/24/105027894.pdf |url-status=live |quote=President Taft paid a two-hour visit to the Bronx Zoological Gardens yesterday afternoon, as the guest of the New York Zoological Society.}}</ref>) opened its doors to the public on November 8, 1899, featuring 843 animals in 22 exhibits. Its first director was [[William Temple Hornaday]], who had 30 years of service at the zoo.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/03/07/archives/dr-w-t-hornaday-dies-in-stamford-noted-naturalist-82-was-the-first.html |title=Dr. W. T. Hornaday Dies In Stamford |work=The New York Times |date=March 7, 1937 |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615083143/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/03/07/archives/dr-w-t-hornaday-dies-in-stamford-noted-naturalist-82-was-the-first.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Heins & LaFarge]] designed the original permanent buildings, known as Astor Court, as a series of [[Beaux-Arts architecture|Beaux-Arts]] [[pavilion]]s grouped around the large circular sea lion pool.<ref name="gathering"/> In 1934, the [[Rainey Memorial Gates]], designed by sculptor [[Paul Manship]], were dedicated as a memorial to noted [[big game hunter]] [[Paul James Rainey]].<ref name="nrhpinv_ny">{{cite web |url=http://www.oprhp.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.asp?GroupView=634 |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration: Rainey Memorial Gates |date=May 1971 |access-date=January 12, 2011 |author=Stephen S. Lash |publisher=[[New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929120642/http://www.oprhp.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.asp?GroupView=634 |archive-date=September 29, 2011}}</ref> The gates were listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1972.<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2009a}}</ref>

The Rockefeller Fountain, which today adorns the gardens just inside the [[Fordham Road]] Gate, was once a landmark in [[Como]], Italy. Originally built by Biagio Catella in 1872, it stood in the main square (Piazza [[Camillo Benso|Cavour]]) by the lakeside.<ref name="newyork.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.newyork.com/articles/attractions/secrets-of-the-bronx-zoo-20399/ |title=Secrets of the Bronx Zoo |author=Mike Dunphy |date=April 6, 2015 |work=Everything New York |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408221814/http://www.newyork.com/articles/attractions/secrets-of-the-bronx-zoo-20399/ |archive-date=April 8, 2016 }}</ref> Bought by [[William Rockefeller]] in 1902 for [[Italian lira|lire]]&nbsp;3,500 (the estimated equivalent then of $637, and today of around $17,600), it was installed at the zoo in 1903. In 1968, the fountain was designated an official [[New York City landmark]], and is one of the few local monuments to be honored in this way.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bronx Monuments |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/bronxpark/monuments/789 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109001555/http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/bronxpark/monuments/789 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The New York Zoological Society's [[Seal (emblem)|seal]] was designed by famed [[wildlife artist|wildlife-artist]] [[Charles R. Knight]]. It depicted a [[Bighorn sheep|ram's]] head and an [[eagle]] to reflect the society's interest in preserving North American wildlife.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://untappedcities.com/2016/02/09/12000-vintage-photographs-from-bronx-zoo-and-new-york-aquarium-to-be-preserved/ |title=12,000 Vintage Photographs from Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium to Be Preserved |work=Untapped Cities |date=February 9, 2016 |access-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303135031/http://untappedcities.com/2016/02/09/12000-vintage-photographs-from-bronx-zoo-and-new-york-aquarium-to-be-preserved/ |url-status=live}}</ref> While no longer in use, the seal can still be found on the lawn in the center of Astor Court.{{or|date=April 2024}}

[[File:William Hornaday.jpg|thumb|Zoo Director [[William Temple Hornaday|William T. Hornaday]] feeding a [[greater kudu]] in 1920]]
On December 17, 1902, the zoo became one of the seven zoos outside of [[Australia]], and one of only two in the United States, to ever hold the [[extinction|now-extinct]] [[thylacine]]. The first was a male obtained from German [[animal dealer]] [[Carl Hagenbeck]]. It died on August 15, 1908. The zoo received a second male on January 26, 1912, from the [[Beaumaris Zoo]] in [[Tasmania]], who later died on November 20 of that year. The zoo received its final two animals from [[Sydney]] animal dealer [[Ellis Stanley Joseph|Ellis S. Joseph]]. The first was an unsexed individual who arrived on November 7, 1916, in poor condition and died seven days later. The second and final animal was a female purchased from the [[Beaumaris Zoo]] by Joseph for £25{{Clarify|date=August 2022 |reason=Is this in Australian pounds or British pounds? The source does not say.}} (~$35) and then was resold to the zoo, arriving on July 14, 1917.<ref name="naturalworlds.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.naturalworlds.org/thylacine/captivity/zoos/zoos_18.htm |title=The Thylacine Museum – The Thylacine in Captivity: Zoos, Circuses and Menageries (page 18) |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-date=August 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826194118/http://www.naturalworlds.org/thylacine/captivity/zoos/zoos_18.htm }}</ref> On a visit, the director of the [[Melbourne Zoo]], [[Dudley Le Souef|Mr. Le Souef]], said upon seeing the animal:
{{Blockquote|I advise you to take excellent care of that specimen; for when it is gone, you never will get another. The species soon will be extinct.}}

The thylacine died on September 13, 1919.<ref name="naturalworlds.org"/>

In early 1903, the zoo was gifted a pair of [[Barbary lion]]s, a [[subspecies]] which is extinct in the wild. The female was named Bedouin Maid and male Sultan, who went on to become one of the zoo's most popular animals. Displayed in the Lion House, Sultan was four years old at the time and described as being both "a perfect specimen" and "unusually good tempered". In May 1903, the pair produced three cubs, the first to be born at the zoo. On October 7, 1905, [[Charles R. Knight]] painted a portrait of Sultan and the animal went on to be the focus of many of the zoo's [[postcard]]s. Sultan was also the model for the lion which sits atop the Rainey Memorial Gates.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thewildlife.wbur.org/2016/02/17/sultan-a-king-among-lions/ |title=Sultan: A King Among Lions |work=WBUR's The Wild Life |access-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305002627/http://thewildlife.wbur.org/2016/02/17/sultan-a-king-among-lions/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1906, the Bronx Zoo put [[Ota Benga]], a young [[Mbuti people|Mbuti]] man from the Congo, on display along with monkeys and a bow and arrow. He was never returned home and later died of suicide at age 33.<ref>{{cite news |last=Newkirk |first=Pamela |date=June 3, 2015 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/03/the-man-who-was-caged-in-a-zoo |title=The man who was caged in a zoo |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

In 1916, the zoo built the world's first [[Veterinary medicine|animal hospital]] located at a zoo.<ref name="nydailynews.com"/>

In 1926, the Bronx Zoo and the [[Smithsonian Institution]]'s [[National Zoological Park (United States)|National Zoological Park]] simultaneously became the first in the country to exhibit [[shoebill]]s.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mann |first1=William M. |title=Wild Animals In and Out of the Zoo |date=1930 |publisher=Forgotten Books}}</ref>

The same year, [[W. Douglas Burden]], F. J. Defosse, and [[Emmett Reid Dunn]] collected two live adult [[Komodo dragon]]s—the first in America—for the zoo.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Burden |first1=W. Douglas |title=Look to the Wilderness |date=1956 |publisher=Little, Brown and Company |location=Boston |pages=169–193}}</ref>

In 1937, the zoo became the first in North America to exhibit [[okapi]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4802/Bronx-Zoo-Debuts-Its-Baby-Okapi.aspx |title=Bronx Zoo Debuts Its Baby Okapi |access-date=October 19, 2018 |archive-date=October 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020011613/https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4802/Bronx-Zoo-Debuts-Its-Baby-Okapi.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Recent years===
[[File:Entrance to Bronx Zoo 2008.jpg|thumb|Historical Fordham Road Entrance to the Bronx Zoo featuring Rainey Memorial Gates]]

In 1960, the zoo became the first in the world to keep a [[James's flamingo]], a species which had been thought to be [[Extinction|extinct]] until 1957. They were imported along with the similar [[Andean flamingo]].<ref>{{Cite journal |doi=10.1111/j.1748-1090.1980.tb00937.x |title=Andean and James' flamingos Phoenicoparrus andinus and P.jamesi in captivity |journal=[[International Zoo Yearbook]] |volume=20 |pages=17–23 |year=1980 |last1=Kear |first1=Janet |last2=Palmes |first2=Prunella}}</ref>

The zoo was one of the few in the world to exhibit [[proboscis monkey]]s outside of [[Southeast Asia]] and, in the 1976 ''International Zoo Yearbook'', the zoo reported having eight monkeys, seven of which were born at the zoo. As of March 1999, it only had two monkeys left, these two being the last members of their species kept in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://proboscismonkey.org/proboscis-monkeys-and-borneo-wildlife/proboscis-monkeys-in-captivity/ |title=ProboscisMonkey.org |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305031310/http://proboscismonkey.org/proboscis-monkeys-and-borneo-wildlife/proboscis-monkeys-in-captivity/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.ippl.org/newsletter/1990s/077_v26_n1_1999-04.pdf |title=Proboscis Monkeys Caught - Many Die |journal=[[International Primate Protection League|IPPL News]] |volume=26 |issue=1 |date=April 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005085701/https://www.ippl.org/newsletter/1990s/077_v26_n1_1999-04.pdf |archive-date=October 5, 2016}}</ref> In 2003, the pair were sent to the [[Singapore Zoo]].

On June 6, 1990, the zoo received a female [[Sumatran rhinoceros]] named Rapunzel. At the time, the zoo was one of only three in North America to hold the [[critically endangered]] species, with the [[Cincinnati Zoo|Cincinnati]] and [[San Diego Zoo]]s being the others, holding one female each. The three institutions were a part of the Sumatran Rhino Trust's plan to start a [[captive breeding]] program for the species.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/07/nyregion/at-bronx-zoo-a-damsel-in-distress-is-rescued.html |title=At Bronx Zoo, a Damsel In Distress Is Rescued |date=June 7, 1990 |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005114150/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/07/nyregion/at-bronx-zoo-a-damsel-in-distress-is-rescued.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Rapunzel was born in the wild in [[Sumatra]] and rescued from an area of [[rainforest]] that was slated to be cleared for a [[palm oil production in Indonesia|palm oil plantation]] in 1989. Though it's believed she bred in the wild, she never produced any calves in captivity. It was eventually determined that she was past reproductive age, at which point she was returned to the zoo in 2000, having been brought out for breeding purposes. She lived in the Zoo Center until her death in December 2005 in her 30s.<ref>{{cite web |last=Newman |first=Andy |title=Rapunzel the Rhino Is Mourned in Bronx |website=The New York Times |date=December 24, 2005 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/24/nyregion/rapunzel-the-rhino-is-mourned-in-bronx.html |access-date=April 13, 2016 |archive-date=November 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108210333/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/24/nyregion/rapunzel-the-rhino-is-mourned-in-bronx.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2006, the zoo opened up brand-new [[eco-friendly]] restrooms outside the Bronx River Gate. According to [[Clivus Multrum]], which built the [[composting toilet]]s chosen by the zoo, these facilities can serve 500,000 people and save {{cvt|1000000|U.S.gal|L}} of water a year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clivusmultrum.com/green-building-bronx.php |title=Bronx Zoo |work=clivusmultrum.com |publisher=Clivus Multrum |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=April 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421195114/http://www.clivusmultrum.com/green-building-bronx.php |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://poopthebook.com/blog/2007/03/11/composting-toilets-bronx-zoo/ |title=Composting Toilets, The Bronx Zoo, and Design that's Disgusting |work=Poop the Book |publisher=The Poop Culture Blog |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208070706/http://poopthebook.com/blog/2007/03/11/composting-toilets-bronx-zoo/ |archive-date=December 8, 2017 }}</ref>

In March 2007, the [[Wildlife Conservation Society]] and the [[Fordham University]] Graduate School of Education announced they would offer a joint program leading to a [[Master of Science]] degree in education and New York State initial teacher certification in adolescent science education (biology, grades 7–12). The program began the next year, and is the first joint degree program of its kind.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fordham.edu/campus_resources/enewsroom/archives/archive_1103.asp |title=New GSE Master's Program Approved and Ready To Roar |work=fordham.edu |publisher=Fordham University |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622075839/http://www.fordham.edu/campus_resources/enewsroom/archives/archive_1103.asp |archive-date=June 22, 2011 }}</ref>

[[File:Congressman Miller with Bronx Zoo Education Instructor Kate Ma (5620057984).jpg|thumb|[[George Miller (California politician)|Congressman George Miller]] with Bronx Zoo Education Instructor Kate Ma, 2011]]
In 2009, New York City{{Who|date=September 2020}} cut funding for the state's 76 zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens. The Wildlife Conservation Society as a whole suffered a $15-million deficit, and the zoo was forced to downsize its staff and animal collection. The budget cuts forced the [[buyout]]s of over 100 employees and [[layoff]]s of dozens more as well as the closure of four sections of the zoo: World of Darkness, Rare Animal Range, the Skyfari, and a small section of the overall still-open African Plains exhibit which featured endangered [[antelope]].<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/nyregion/07wildlife.html |title=Reorganization at City's Zoos Includes Buyouts and Layoffs |date=April 7, 2009 |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208122541/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/nyregion/07wildlife.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="dailyfinance.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/04/26/animals-and-money-bronx-zoo-lays-off-hundreds-of-unpopular-an/ |title=Animals and money: Bronx Zoo lays off hundreds of 'unpopular' animals |author=jason cochran |date=April 26, 2009 |work=DailyFinance.com |access-date=November 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308220535/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/04/26/animals-and-money-bronx-zoo-lays-off-hundreds-of-unpopular-an/ |archive-date=March 8, 2016 }}</ref> In the end, 186 staff positions (15%) were cut within the WCS. In 2012, [[Michael Bloomberg|Mayor Michael Bloomberg]] passed another budget cut that took $4.7-million from the funding of the zoo and the [[New York Aquarium]], also run by the WCS. This cut represented more than half of what the collections were receiving. However, Bloomberg also passed an [[energy subsidy]] that brought the cuts down to $3.7-million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/2011/05/19/news/economy/bronx_zoo_budget_cuts/ |title=Bronx Zoo animals could be affected by budget cuts – May. 19, 2011 |work=CNNMoney |access-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524152822/https://money.cnn.com/2011/05/19/news/economy/bronx_zoo_budget_cuts/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the summer of 2014, [[U.S. Representative|New York Representative]] [[Carolyn B. Maloney]] visited the [[Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding|Chengdu Panda Base]] in [[Sichuan, China]] and announced her plan to bring [[giant panda]]s to New York City. Initially, she aimed to exhibit them at the [[Central Park Zoo]], though switched her attention to the Bronx after deciding the 6.5-acre zoo didn't have the resources to care for the animals. Maloney and her supporters, which included [[Maurice R. Greenberg]], [[Newt Gingrich]], and [[John A. Catsimatidis]], were met with many obstacles throughout their campaign. Initially, the largest issues were the lack of support from [[Bill de Blasio|Mayor Bill de Blasio]] and [[New York City Hall|City Hall]], and Chinese officials insisting that no more pandas be brought to the United States. However, in October 2015, [[List of ambassadors of China to the United States|Chinese Ambassador]] [[Cui Tiankai]] announced that his country was willing to enter preliminary talks with the city over the matter, and soon after de Blasio and City Hall signed a letter appealing to Chinese officials, drafted by Maloney in 2014. Despite her efforts, Maloney's campaign still has yet to overcome two critical steps in acquiring pandas: funding and the zoo's consent. Both de Blasio and the Wildlife Conservation Society refuse to fund the project, not wanting taxpayer or vital zoo money to go towards the highly expensive project. David Towne, chairman of the American-based Giant Panda Conservation Foundation, estimated that the cost of bringing pandas to the city would be around $50 million.

The foundation has also said that the cost of keeping just one such animal is about $1 million a year, including food, trainers, and habitat upkeep. Additionally, China loans out their pandas for a hefty fee. A study published by ''[[The Washington Post]]'' in 2005 found that the four U.S. zoos holding pandas—the [[Memphis Zoo]], the [[San Diego Zoo]], the [[National Zoological Park (United States)|National Zoological Park]] (located in Washington, D.C., and Front Royal, Virginia) and [[Zoo Atlanta]]—had spent $33 million more on their animals than revenue made off of them between 2000 and 2003. Despite the figures, Maloney believes pandas in her city will do better since the city has a higher population than those four cities combined, and received a record-breaking 56.4-million visitors in 2014. Still, the WCS continues to steer away from bringing in these pandas. In 2014, a senior official from the WCS said Maloney's campaign had reached "a new level of [[absurdity]]" when it was announced she intended to bring a Chinese delegation to the Central Park Zoo. In November 2015, Jim Breheny, WCS Executive Vice President and Bronx Zoo Director, released a statement saying:<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/07/nyregion/representative-carolyn-maloney-pushes-for-pandas-in-new-york-city.html |title=Congresswoman's Long Quest: Bringing Pandas to New York |date=February 7, 2016 |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220023402/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/07/nyregion/representative-carolyn-maloney-pushes-for-pandas-in-new-york-city.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gothamist.com/2015/11/16/pandas_bronx_zoo.php |title=Pandas May Be Headed To Bronx Zoo, If All The Stars Align |work=Gothamist |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224100333/http://gothamist.com/2015/11/16/pandas_bronx_zoo.php |archive-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|The concept of bringing Giant Pandas to New York which the Congresswoman is proposing is complex and would require that a number of complicated issues be considered and resolved before any such plan could be implemented.

Any decision to bring giant pandas to New York would need to be based on positively contributing to the conservation of giant pandas in the wild and a determination that all the requirements necessary to keep the animals well in New York could be met.

Very importantly, there is no funding for this initiative. Building and maintenance of such a exhibit would be an ongoing effort that would require tens of millions of dollars up front and annual support monies for pandas for however long they would be in the city. Any agreement to exhibit pandas would have to come with a guarantee of provision for the necessary funds.}}

==Exhibits and attractions==
The zoo has two types of displays: free exhibits accessible with a Limited Admission ticket, and premium exhibits which require a full Bronx Zoo admission ticket or additional fees.<ref name="tickets">{{cite web |title=Ticket Options – Bronx Zoo |url=https://bronxzoo.com/shop/ticket-options |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250930220833/https://bronxzoo.com/shop/ticket-options |archive-date=September 30, 2025 |access-date=September 30, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=FAQs – Bronx Zoo |url=https://bronxzoo.com/plan-your-visit/faqs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250930221317/https://bronxzoo.com/plan-your-visit/faqs |archive-date=September 30, 2025 |access-date=September 30, 2025}}</ref>

===Free exhibits and attractions===
{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
*African Plains
*Aquatic Bird House and Sea Bird Aviary
*Big Bears
*Birds of Prey
*Bison Range
*Carter Giraffe Building
*Gelada Reserve
*Himalayan Highlands
*Madagascar!
*Mitsubishi Riverwalk
*Mouse House
*Northern Ponds
*Pheasant Aviary
*Sea Lion Pool
*Tiger Mountain
*World of Birds
*World of Darkness
*World of Reptiles
*Zoo Center
}}

{{as of|2010}}, the Bronx Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals of 650 species, many of which are [[endangered]] or [[Threatened species|threatened]].<ref name="nyc_zoo_history"/> Some of its exhibits, such as World of Birds and World of Reptiles, are arranged by [[Taxonomy (biology)|taxonomy]], while others, such as African Plains and the Wild Asian Monorail, are arranged geographically.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits.aspx |title=Exhibits & Attractions |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=May 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526082905/http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> The zoo also has [[Indian peafowl]] that roam freely.

====Astor Court====
[[File:Zalophus californianus at Bronx Zoo 5.JPG|thumb|[[California sea lion]] (''Zalophus californianus'') with trainer]]
Astor Court is an old section of the zoo that is home to many of the zoo's original buildings, designed by [[Heins & LaFarge]]. While most of the buildings are closed to the public, the former Lion House was reopened as the "Madagascar!" exhibit in 2008,<ref name="zoolex.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=1224 |title=ZooLex Exhibit |access-date=January 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305132942/http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=1224 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 }}</ref> and the Zoo Center still exhibits various species. Astor Court includes the historic [[sea lion]] pool featuring [[California sea lion]]s.<ref>https://bronxzoo.com/things-to-do/exhibits/sea-lion-pool</ref> Small aviaries featuring small bird species can be found nearby and [[white-headed capuchin]]s can be seen behind the old Monkey House.{{cn|date=April 2024}}

The [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] designated Astor Court's buildings as a city landmark in 2000,<ref>{{Cite nycland |page=317}}</ref> after a failed attempt to do so in 1966.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=July 19, 1992 |title=Streetscapes: The Bronx Zoo; Animal House Landmarks? |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/19/realestate/streetscapes-the-bronx-zoo-animal-house-landmarks.html |access-date=January 2, 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115224747/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/19/realestate/streetscapes-the-bronx-zoo-animal-house-landmarks.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

====African Plains====
[[File:Giraffa camelopardalis at the Bronx Zoo 001.jpg|thumb|left|Giraffes (''Giraffa camelopardalis'') at the zoo]]
African Plains allows visitors to walk past [[lion]]s, [[African wild dog]]s, [[Grévy's zebra]]s, and [[spotted hyena]]s, and see herds of [[nyala]]s, [[Thomson's gazelle]]s, and [[rhim gazelle|slender-horned gazelle]]s, It also includes hybrid [[giraffe]]s ([[Rothschild's giraffe|Baringo]] × [[reticulated giraffe]]) sharing their home with [[common ostrich]]es. The exhibit originally opened in 1941 and was the first in the country to allow visitors to view predators and their prey in a naturalistic setting as well as allowing large predators such as lions to be exhibited cage-free.<ref name="nydailynews.com"/> This success was achieved through the creation of a series of deep moats, a set-up which can still be found at the zoo today.<ref name="newyork.com"/> The wild dogs, however, can be viewed close-up from a glass-fronted viewing pavilion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/african-plains.aspx |title=African Plains |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=January 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109035048/http://bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/african-plains.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> The zoo has bred their lions on multiple occasions, including one male and two females born in January 2010 and three males and one female born in August 2013. The zoo, in partnership with the New York ''Daily News'', held a contest to name the 2010 cubs, which made their public debut in April 2010. The winning names were Shani, Nala, and Adamma.<ref>David Rooney: "Bronx Zoo's New Lion Cubs Are Impossibly Cute". ''The New York Times'', 2010.</ref> The 2013 cubs were named Thulani, Ime, Bahata, and Amara<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/05/01/african-lion-cubs-come-out-to-enjoy-sun-at-bronx-zoo/ |title=African Lion Cubs Come Out To Enjoy Sun At Bronx Zoo |date=May 2014 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306182104/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/05/01/african-lion-cubs-come-out-to-enjoy-sun-at-bronx-zoo/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and the three males can still be found on-exhibit at the zoo.

The '''Carter Giraffe Building''', a section of African Plains, features indoor/outdoor viewing of the zoo's giraffes and [[South African ostrich]]es, and is also home to [[common dwarf mongoose]]s, [[Von der Decken's hornbill]]s, and [[northern white-faced owl]]s. In June 2009, two [[aardvark]]s imported from [[Tanzania]] joined the exhibit.<ref name="nydailynews.com"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6359/Wildlife-Conservation-Societys-Bronx-Zoo-Opens-New-Aardvark-Habitat.aspx |title=Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo Opens New Aardvark Habitat |access-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307012615/http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6359/Wildlife-Conservation-Societys-Bronx-Zoo-Opens-New-Aardvark-Habitat.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2010, the pair gave birth to a male named Hoover, the first to ever be born at the zoo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2010/12/bronx-zoo-debuts-hoover-the-aardvark-baby.html |title=Bronx Zoo Debuts Hoover the Baby Aardvark! |work=ZooBorns |access-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307152528/http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2010/12/bronx-zoo-debuts-hoover-the-aardvark-baby.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Until 2009, the southwestern corner of African Plains was home to the endangered [[Arabian oryx]] and [[blesbok]]. Due to budget cuts and the unpopularity of the species with visitors, they were phased-out of the collection.<ref name="dailyfinance.com"/> This section of the exhibit is replaced by the Nature Trek. In 2017 they received two baby [[cheetah]]s from the [[San Diego Zoo]]. Cheetahs are now part of their animal encounter programs.<ref>[https://bronxzoo.com/unique-experiences "Unique Experiences"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090601/https://bronxzoo.com/unique-experiences |date=February 19, 2018}}. ''Bronx Zoo''. Wildlife Conservation Society. Retrieved February 19, 2018.</ref> They were replaced by the hyenas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/denver-zoo-gives-pair-of-hyenas-to-bronx-zoo/ |title=Denver Zoo Gives Pair of Hyenas to Bronx Zoo |work=The New York Times |first=Jennifer |last=Lee |date=August 6, 2009 |access-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-date=October 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027015630/http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/denver-zoo-gives-pair-of-hyenas-to-bronx-zoo/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Big Bears====
Big Bears features four bears, a male [[grizzly bear]] and three [[ABC Islands bear]]s rescued as orphans from [[Baranof Island]] of [[Alaska]].<ref name="nbcnewyork.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Bronx-Welcomes-Bear-Cubs-82943822.html |title=Bronx Zoo Welcomes Bear Cubs |work=NBC New York |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302225628/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Bronx-Welcomes-Bear-Cubs-82943822.html |archive-date=March 2, 2016 }}</ref>

Until 2015, two female grizzly bears named Betty and Veronica also lived in this exhibit, but moved to the [[Central Park Zoo]] where they died in 2020 and 2021.<ref name="gothamist.com">{{cite web |url=http://gothamist.com/2014/09/30/central_parks_new_bears_will_be_bro.php |title=Central Park's New Bears Will Be Bronx Zoo Grizzly Bears |work=Gothamist |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326073949/http://gothamist.com/2014/09/30/central_parks_new_bears_will_be_bro.php |archive-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref>

The zoo also formerly housed [[polar bear]]s until the last individual, a 26-year-old male named Tundra died in December 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bronx Zoo's last polar bear euthanized due to health issues |date=December 28, 2017 |url=https://nypost.com/2017/12/28/bronx-zoos-last-polar-bear-euthanized-due-to-health-issues/}}</ref> Three [[dhole]]s from the [[San Diego Zoo Safari Park]] were added to the habitat in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bronx Zoo Debuts Pack of Endangered Dhole |url=https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13192/Bronx-Zoo-Debuts-Pack-of-Endangered-Dhole.aspx}}</ref>

====Gelada Reserve====
[[File:Spinus-gelada-2014-11-n020631-w.jpg|thumb|[[Gelada]] in the reserve]]
Gelada Reserve, originally called Baboon Reserve, opened in 1990. It is a two-acre recreation of the [[Ethiopian highlands]] which, at the time of its opening, was the largest primate exhibit in the United States.<ref name="bz-baboons">{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/baboon-reserve.aspx |title=Baboon Reserve |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=January 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116041944/http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/baboon-reserve.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> The exhibit's main features revolve around the zoo's troop of [[gelada]]s such as artificial rocks and earthbanks, and displays about life in the highlands and the side-by-side [[evolution]] of [[human]]s and geladas. Visitors can watch the geladas from multiple viewpoints along with [[Nubian ibex]] and [[rock hyrax]], all of which are mixed together in the hilly enclosure. An African village-styled café overlooks the exhibit. Baboon Reserve won the AZA Exhibit Award in 1991.<ref name="bz-baboons"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=718 |title=ZooLex Exhibit |access-date=January 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305123056/http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=718 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 }}</ref> In the fall of 2014, a male gelada was born at the zoo, the first in over 13 years, and was the only zoo in the US to display them until the [[San Diego Zoo]] in 2017 received their gelada troop for their Africa Rocks exhibit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6711/WCSs-Bronx-Zoo-Debuts-First-Gelada-Baboon-Born-in-NYC-in-13-years.aspx |title=WCS's Bronx Zoo Debuts First Gelada Baboon Born in NYC in 13 years |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306215605/http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6711/WCSs-Bronx-Zoo-Debuts-First-Gelada-Baboon-Born-in-NYC-in-13-years.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/gelada-baboon |title=Gelada Baboon – San Diego Zoo Animals |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401035909/http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/gelada-baboon |archive-date=April 1, 2016 }}</ref>

Before the late 1980s, this place replaced a lawn of [[aoudad]]s.

====Himalayan Highlands====
[[File:Snow leopard at bronx zoo.jpg|thumb|[[Snow leopard]] in the Himalayan Highlands exhibit]]Himalayan Highlands, which opened on June 27, 1986,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/11/arts/bronx-zoo-s-airborne-heralds-of-spring.html |title=Bronx Zoo's Airborne Heralds of Spring |date=April 11, 1986 |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005111821/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/11/arts/bronx-zoo-s-airborne-heralds-of-spring.html |url-status=live}}</ref> recreates the [[Himalayas]] region of Asia. The exhibit is known for its highly naturalistic look and use of the hilly and rocky terrain found in that portion of the zoo. The stars of the exhibit are the zoo's multiple [[snow leopard]]s. The exhibit also is home to [[red panda]]s and [[white-naped crane]]s. In 2006, the zoo brought in a male snow leopard named Leo from [[Pakistan]] after he was orphaned at around two months old.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bigcatrescue.org/pakistans-first-lady-welcomes-snow-leopard-to-bronx-zoo/ |title=Pakistan's First Lady welcomes snow leopard to Bronx Zoo – Big Cat Rescue |work=Big Cat Rescue |date=September 29, 2006 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305120534/https://bigcatrescue.org/pakistans-first-lady-welcomes-snow-leopard-to-bronx-zoo/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Leo sired a male cub on April 9, 2013. The cub is one of more than 70 snow leopards born at the zoo, which was the first U.S. zoo to exhibit the species in 1903. Leo later became a grandfather when his son sired a female cub in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.today.com/pets/snow-leopard-cub-storybook-beginnings-makes-debut-bronx-zoo-8C11017315 |title=Snow leopard cub with storybook beginnings makes debut at Bronx Zoo |author=Danika Fears |work=TODAY.com |date=August 27, 2013 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305080926/http://www.today.com/pets/snow-leopard-cub-storybook-beginnings-makes-debut-bronx-zoo-8C11017315 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Madagascar!====
[[File:Bronx zoo, New York, USA (48713798146).jpg|thumb|Lemur at the zoo]]
Madagascar!, which opened on June 20, 2008, recreates various habitats found on the island of [[Madagascar]] and contains a variety of wildlife from the island, including [[lemur]]s, [[fossa (animal)|fossas]], [[Nile crocodile]]s, [[radiated tortoise]]s, [[greater vasa parrot]]s and highly endangered [[cichlid]]s.<ref name="zoolex.org"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/madagascar.aspx |title=Madagascar |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=May 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521053906/http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/madagascar.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ring-tailed lemur]]s, [[collared lemur]]s, [[red ruffed lemur]]s, [[crowned lemur]]s, and [[Coquerel's sifaka]]s are the lemur species held in the exhibit. Madagascar! holds the first two [[ring-tailed mongoose]] in the United States and is home to over 100,000 [[Madagascar hissing cockroach]]es that can be named for $10 around [[Valentine's Day]].<ref name="nydailynews.com"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://bronxzoo.com/roach |title=Name a Roach – Bronx Zoo |access-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126011229/http://bronxzoo.com/roach |url-status=live}}</ref> The exhibit has multiple educational displays focusing on the many threats to the survival of these species as well as the WCS's [[Conservation biology|conservation]] work in Madagascar. The building was converted from the former Lion House, which had opened in 1903 and closed by the late 1980s. The exhibit also has [[tomato frog]]s and [[Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko]]s.

====Mouse House====
The Mouse House is a small building home to various species of small [[mammal]]s, particularly [[rodents]]. The building features both [[Diurnality|diurnal]] and [[nocturnal]] areas and a row of outdoor cages which, during the summer months, are home to a variety of small [[primate]]s, many of which are former monkey house inhabitants. Species include [[black and rufous elephant shrew]]s, [[eastern spiny mouse|eastern spiny mice]], [[Eurasian harvest mouse|harvest mice]], [[common degu]]s, [[African pouched rat]]s, [[northern Luzon giant cloud rat]]s, [[lesser hedgehog tenrec]]s, [[Damaraland mole-rat]]s, [[northern treeshrew]]s, [[long-tailed chinchilla]]s, and [[feathertail glider]]s.

====Aquatic Bird House====
[[File:寻觅食物.jpg|thumb|left|[[American flamingo]]s (''Phoenicopterus ruber'') in the pond]]
The current Aquatic Bird House opened on September 24, 1964, on the foundation of the original house, which was opened on November 8, 1899, with the rest of the zoo. The building features a multitude of mostly open-fronted enclosures mainly focusing on [[coastal]] and [[wetland]] habitats and the species that rely on them.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcsarchivesblog.org/happy-50th-to-the-new-aquatic-birds-house/ |title=Happy 50th to the (New) Aquatic Birds House! |date=September 23, 2014 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305051604/http://www.wcsarchivesblog.org/happy-50th-to-the-new-aquatic-birds-house/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Scarlet ibis]]es, [[roseate spoonbill]]s, [[anhinga]]s, [[boat-billed heron]]s and [[Madagascar crested ibis]]es are among the residents here. The exhibit also features an outdoor pond home to a flock of [[American flamingo]]s and a large aviary home for [[lesser adjutant|lesser adjutant stork]]s.

The zoo is one of only three zoos in North America working with the endangered storks and has bred them several times, including the hatching of two chicks on June 27 and August 15, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8047/Lesser-Adjutant-Storks-At-WCSs-Bronx-Zoo-Foster-Abandoned-Egg-and-Raise-Chick-As-Their-Own.aspx |title=Lesser Adjutant Storks At WCS's Bronx Zoo Foster Abandoned Egg and Raise Chick As Their Own |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306074251/http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8047/Lesser-Adjutant-Storks-At-WCSs-Bronx-Zoo-Foster-Abandoned-Egg-and-Raise-Chick-As-Their-Own.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> The Aquatic Bird House is also home to another endangered stork species: the [[Storm's stork]]. The zoo is one of only two in the United States working with this species; the other being the [[San Diego Zoo]]. In May 2014, the zoo opened a new nocturnal enclosure for a [[North Island brown kiwi]] in the building,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5443/Northern-Brown-Kiwi-at-the-Wildlife-Conservation-Societys-Bronx-Zoo.aspx |title=Northern Brown Kiwi at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=August 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822070832/http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5443/Northern-Brown-Kiwi-at-the-Wildlife-Conservation-Societys-Bronx-Zoo.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> and in May 2015, a colony of [[Eudyptula novaehollandiae|Australian little penguins]] from the [[Taronga Zoo]] were added.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bronxzoo.com/updates/little-penguins |title=Little Penguins Make a Big Splash – Bronx Zoo |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307065701/http://bronxzoo.com/updates/little-penguins |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Russell B. Aitken Sea Bird Aviary====
[[File:Guanay Cormorant at Bronx Zoo.jpg|thumb|A [[guanay cormorant]] in the Sea Bird Aviary: The zoo is the last to hold the species outside of South America.]]
The Russell B. Aitken Sea Bird Aviary, which opened on May 17, 1997, is a huge walk-through [[aviary]] designed to resemble the [[Patagonia]]n coast. The aviary stands at 60-feet high, occupies 615,000 cubic feet, is supported by five steel arches, and netted with a stainless steel mesh. The aviary was built to replace the original De Jur Aviary that opened with the zoo in 1899 and collapsed in a snowstorm in February 1995.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/18/travel/penguins-and-friends-get-new-home-in-bronx.html |title=Penguins and Friends Get New Home in Bronx |date=May 18, 1997 |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901031425/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/18/travel/penguins-and-friends-get-new-home-in-bronx.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The exhibit's height and open space allows the residents to soar around above visitor's heads and the fake [[Cliffed coast|sea cliff walls]] allows for more natural [[nest]]ing and [[roosting]] behavior. The aviary is home to about 100 birds, most being [[Inca tern]]s, but also a small colony of [[Magellanic penguin]]s, [[grey gull]]s, and [[brown pelican]]s. The aviary was also home to the last [[guanay cormorant]] in captivity outside of South America. In April 2014, four [[Peruvian pelican]]s were added to the exhibit,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newswise.com/articles/peruvian-pelicans-join-the-flock-in-the-russell-b-aitken-sea-bird-colony-at-the-wildlife-conservation-society-s-bronx-zoo |title=Peruvian Pelicans Join the Flock in the Russell B. Aitken Sea Bird Colony At the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304155321/http://newswise.com/articles/peruvian-pelicans-join-the-flock-in-the-russell-b-aitken-sea-bird-colony-at-the-wildlife-conservation-society-s-bronx-zoo |url-status=live}}</ref> and in January 2015, a pair of [[ruddy-headed goose|ruddy-headed geese]] were added.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.wcs.org/photo/2015/01/28/rare-pair-ruddy-headed-geese-bronx-zoo-patagonia/ |title=A Rare Pair – Wild View |access-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-date=March 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311204247/http://blog.wcs.org/photo/2015/01/28/rare-pair-ruddy-headed-geese-bronx-zoo-patagonia/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Tiger Mountain====
[[File:Tiger Bronx Zoo 2.JPG|thumb|A male Siberian tiger at the zoo]]
Tiger Mountain, which opened on May 15, 2003, is a three-acre exhibit which features [[Siberian tiger|Amur tiger]]s and occasionally [[Malayan tiger]]s, who are usually kept off-exhibit. The exhibit has two enclosures with glass viewing, the second of which has a 10,000 gallon pool with underwater viewing. Outside of the [[tiger]]s, the exhibit has multiple interactive displays designed to educate visitors on [[behavioral enrichment]] and on the zoo's/WCS' [[ex-situ]] and [[in-situ conservation]].

The exhibit won the AZA Exhibit Award in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=817 |title=ZooLex Exhibit |access-date=January 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305122657/http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=817 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 }}</ref> The zoo has had good breeding successful with both [[subspecies]] of tiger, having bred both in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2010/09/twice-the-tiger-triplets-at-the-bronx-zoo.html |title=Twice the Tiger Triplets at the Bronx Zoo! |work=ZooBorns |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307065627/http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2010/09/twice-the-tiger-triplets-at-the-bronx-zoo.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Another set of Siberian tiger cubs were born in 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2012/09/tiger-triplets-debut-at-bronx-zoo.html |title=Tiger Triplets debut at Bronx Zoo |work=ZooBorns |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307071211/http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2012/09/tiger-triplets-debut-at-bronx-zoo.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and a pair of Malayan tiger cubs were born in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.today.com/video/so-cute-meet-the-new-tiger-cubs-at-the-bronx-zoo-657967683653 |title=So cute! Meet the new tiger cubs at the Bronx Zoo |access-date=April 30, 2016 |archive-date=May 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506210818/http://www.today.com/video/so-cute-meet-the-new-tiger-cubs-at-the-bronx-zoo-657967683653 |url-status=live}}</ref> One of the tiger cubs named Nadia tested positive for [[COVID-19]] during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New York City]], but have since recovered from the disease.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peltz |first1=Jennifer |title=Tiger at NYC's Bronx Zoo tests positive for coronavirus|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/tiger-nycs-bronx-zoo-tests-positive-coronavirus-69989185 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=April 5, 2020 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |archive-date=June 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604014210/https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/tiger-nycs-bronx-zoo-tests-positive-coronavirus-69989185 |url-status=live}}</ref> Across from the entrance to Tiger Mountain, a large herd of [[Père David's deer]] and a pair of [[whooper swan]]s can be found.

Before 2003, this part of the area was once Wolf Wood, and includes a pack of [[Mexican gray wolf|wolves]].

====World of Birds====
[[File:Maleo at Bronx Zoo.jpg|thumb|[[Maleo]]]]
World of Birds, which originally opened in 1972, is an indoor bird house spanning two floors and featuring several walk-through [[aviaries]]. The building closed for repairs and upgrades in the summer of 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/world-of-birds.aspx |title=World of Birds |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531062618/http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/world-of-birds.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> and reopened the following year. The exhibit has multiple educational displays focusing on [[deforestation]] and the [[illegal wildlife trade]] and their affects on wild bird populations. The most prominent residents of the exhibit include the [[maleo]]s,<ref name="cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com">{{cite web |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/rare-maleo-chicks-hatch-at-the-bronx-zoo/ |title=These Chicks Are Not of the Easter Basket Variety |work=The New York Times |first=Emily S. |last=Rueb |date=March 19, 2013 |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=October 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027071220/http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/rare-maleo-chicks-hatch-at-the-bronx-zoo/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[great hornbill]]s, [[knobbed hornbill]]s, [[Andean cock-of-the-rock]]s, [[Nicobar pigeon]]s, [[southern bald ibis]]es, [[great argus pheasant]]s, [[ocellated turkey]]s, [[hyacinth macaw]]s, [[grey parrot]]s, [[grey-winged trumpeter]]s, [[lesser bird-of-paradise|lesser birds-of-paradise]] and [[white-throated bee-eater]]s. Some mammals like [[Bolivian gray titi]]s and [[greater mouse deer]] also live here. [[Emu]]s can be found in an outdoor yard. In mid-2009, the zoo's hand-reared pair of [[great blue turaco]]s successfully raised chicks, the first known instance of a hand-reared pair doing so.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4780/Blue-Turacos-Make-History-at-WCSs-Bronx-Zoo.aspx |title=Blue Turacos Make History at WCS's Bronx Zoo |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306225820/http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4780/Blue-Turacos-Make-History-at-WCSs-Bronx-Zoo.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2013, three maleo chicks hatched at the zoo, bringing their total number of birds to 12. The zoo, along with the WCS, works toward preserving this species in the wild as well.<ref name="cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com"/>

====World of Darkness====
World of Darkness opened in 1969 and was the world's first major exhibit designed specifically to introduce the public to [[nocturnal]] animals such as [[aye-aye]]s, [[naked mole-rat]]s, [[common vampire bat]]s, [[Seba's short-tailed bat]]s, [[ringtail]]s, [[gray mouse lemur]]s, [[red-rumped agouti]]s, [[Egyptian fruit bat]]s, [[broad-snouted caiman]]s, [[fat-tailed dwarf lemur]]s, [[blood python]]s, [[Mohol bushbaby|Mohol bushbabies]], [[northern Luzon giant cloud rat]]s, [[Hoffman's two-toed sloth]]s, [[nine-banded armadillo]]s, [[pygmy slow loris]]es, [[Nancy Ma's night monkey|dourocouli]]s, [[sand cat]]s, [[Guatemalan beaded lizard]]s, [[Timor python]]s, [[Rhacodactylus leachianus|New Caledonian giant geckos]], [[Texas blind salamander]]s, [[blind cave fish]], [[emperor scorpion]]s, and [[Avicularia avicularia|pinktoe tarantulas]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=World of Darkness |url=https://bronxzoo.com/things-to-do/exhibits/world-of-darkness |website=Bronx Zoo}}</ref> Built by [[Morris Ketchum Jr. & Associates]], the house was built where the zoo's Rocking Stone Restaurant stood until 1942. The exhibit used [[Safelight|red-lights]] to dimly illuminate the enclosures within the windowless building. Like all nocturnal exhibits, the house ran on a reversed lighting schedule, which simulated night and day at opposite times to allow visitors to view nocturnal animals in a more naturalistic setting.<ref>{{cite web |last=Soter |first=Tim |date=April 30, 2009 |url=http://blog.timsoter.com/world-of-darkness/ |title=World of Darkness |work=Tim Soter... Blog. |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820010136/http://blog.timsoter.com/world-of-darkness/ }}</ref> Due to budget cuts and the high cost of running the exhibit, it was closed in 2009.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="dailyfinance.com"/> On November 28, 2024, during the 98th [[Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade]], the zoo ran a float that hinted at the return of the exhibit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/bronxzoo/p/DC7h2QysNa8/?img_index=1 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Instagram}}</ref> This was later confirmed on December 4 when the zoo announced that the exhibit reopened on July 12, 2025. The exhibit used to have species including [[leopard cat]]s, [[Rodrigues flying fox]]es, [[bay duiker]]s, [[African brush-tailed porcupine]]s, [[spotted skunk]]s, [[rock cavy|rock cavies]], [[common genet]]s, [[Pallas's long-tongued bat]]s, [[Jamaican fruit bat]]s, [[lesser spear-nosed bat]]s, [[Seba's short-tailed bat|short-tailed bats]], [[Erycinae|sand boas]], and [[marine toad]]s until 2009.

====World of Reptiles====
World of Reptiles has been an attraction at the zoo since it first opened. The building's first curator was [[Raymond Lee Ditmars]], who had kept 45 snakes in his attic before being hired at the zoo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2015/06/21/how-an-amateur-snake-hunter-helped-create-the-bronx-zoo-in-his-attic/ |title=How an amateur snake hunter helped create the Bronx Zoo — in his attic |date=June 21, 2015 |work=[[New York Post]] |access-date=January 28, 2018 |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208122436/https://nypost.com/2015/06/21/how-an-amateur-snake-hunter-helped-create-the-bronx-zoo-in-his-attic/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The exhibit is a long hall with various [[terrarium]]s situated on both sides. The exhibit also features a nursery area, which exhibits newborn [[herptile]]s born at the zoo, as well as a window into the off-show breeding and caring facilities. In the building, the zoo breeds and exhibits a wide range of species, including [[Chinese alligator]]s, [[blue iguana]]s, [[Cuban crocodile]]s, [[false gharial]]s, [[dyeing poison dart frog]]s, [[Bothriechis schlegelii|eyelash vipers]], [[pig-nosed turtle|Fly River turtles]], [[giant musk turtle]]s, [[green anaconda]]s, [[hellbender]]s, [[Macrovipera schweizeri|Milos viper]], [[king cobra]]s and [[Philippine sailfin lizard]]s. The building also is home to the zoo's breeding population of [[Kihansi spray toad]]s, which the zoo saved from extinction.<ref>{{cite iucn |author=IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group |date=2015 |title=''Nectophrynoides asperginis'' |volume=2015 |article-number=e.T54837A16935685 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T54837A16935685.en |access-date=November 11, 2021}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> On March 25, 2011, an [[Egyptian cobra]] escaped from its off-show enclosure, during which time the exhibit was closed to the public. Six days later, the animal was found elsewhere in the building. The zoo named the cobra MIA (Missing In Action) and placed it on exhibit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/03/31/report-missing-bronx-zoo-cobra-has-been-captured/ |title=Missing Bronx Zoo Egyptian Cobra Finally Captured |first=Marla |last=Diamond |date=March 31, 2011 |access-date=April 1, 2011 |archive-date=April 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403034742/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/03/31/report-missing-bronx-zoo-cobra-has-been-captured/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Pheasant Aviary====
[[File:Palawan Peacock Pheasant - male.jpg|thumb|Male [[Palawan peacock-pheasant]] (''Polyplectron napoleonis'') at the aviary]]
The Pheasant Aviary is a long row of cages home to a large variety of bird species, particularly pheasants. Exhibited species include [[Elliot's pheasant]], [[Lady Amherst's pheasant]], [[Cabot's tragopan]], [[blue eared pheasant|blue eared-pheasant]], [[mountain peacock-pheasant]], [[helmeted curassow|Mérida helmeted curassow]], [[Swinhoe's pheasant]], [[Green peafowl|Java peafowl]], [[loggerhead shrike|eastern loggerhead shrike]] (''Lanius ludovicianus migrans''), [[white-throated ground dove|white-throated ground-dove]], [[Lord Derby's parakeet]], [[Montezuma oropendola]] and [[yellow-crested cockatoo]].

====Birds of Prey====
Birds of Prey is a row of cages for multiple [[Birds of prey|raptor]] species. The exhibit is home to [[bald eagle]]s, [[golden eagle]]s, [[turkey vulture]]s, [[snowy owl]]s, [[Andean condor]]s, [[palm nut vulture]]s and [[king vulture]]s. In February 2011, the zoo received two bald eagles rescued in [[Wyoming]].<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-zoo-offers-closeup-majestic-now-grounded-bald-eagles-article-1.136694 |title=Bald eagles find home at Bronx Zoo |website=[[New York Daily News|Daily News]] |date=February 11, 2011 |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-date=March 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312134410/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-zoo-offers-closeup-majestic-now-grounded-bald-eagles-article-1.136694 |url-status=live}}</ref> Nearby is a small pond for [[black-necked swan]]s, [[American white pelican]]s and [[brown pelican]]s.

====Zoo Center====
[[File:Bronx Zoo center.jpg|thumb|The Zoo Center]]
The Zoo Center, built in 1908, is a one-story [[Beaux-Arts architecture|Beaux-Arts]] building located in Astor Court. The exhibit houses [[Blue Tree Monitor|blue tree monitors]], [[Mertens' water monitor]]s and [[spiny-tailed monitor]]s indoors and has both indoor and outdoor enclosures for [[Komodo dragon]]s, [[Aldabra giant tortoise]]s and [[southern white rhinoceros]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/24/nyregion/dragons-return-to-the-bronx-zoo.html |title=Dragons Return to the Bronx Zoo |date=May 24, 2014 |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=August 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827205811/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/24/nyregion/dragons-return-to-the-bronx-zoo.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The building's animal [[frieze]] was carved by [[A. P. Proctor]].<ref name="nydailynews.com"/> In 2000, the building was landmarked.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/zoos/bronx-zoo |title=History of the Bronx Zoo: NYC Parks |access-date=April 13, 2016 |archive-date=April 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407100632/http://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/zoos/bronx-zoo |url-status=live}}</ref> The building is east of the Children's Zoo and south of Madagascar!.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bronxzoo.com/exhibits/zoo-center |title=Zoo Center - Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 1, 2016 |archive-date=April 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412174648/http://bronxzoo.com/exhibits/zoo-center |url-status=live}}</ref>

The building was originally designed as the zoo's Elephant House and has held all three [[elephant]] species over its history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/nyregion/the-bronx-zoos-loneliest-elephant.html |title=The Bronx Zoo's Loneliest Elephant |date=June 28, 2015 |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=November 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106150419/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/nyregion/the-bronx-zoos-loneliest-elephant.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The building has also been home to various [[rhinoceros]] species, [[hippopotamus]], [[Bactrian camel]], [[Malayan tapir]] and [[North Sulawesi babirusa]]. The building also held Rapunzel, one of the few [[Sumatran rhino]]s held in U.S. zoos, until her death in 2005.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/24/nyregion/rapunzel-the-rhino-is-mourned-in-bronx.html |title=Rapunzel the Rhino is Mourned in Bronx |newspaper=The New York Times |date=December 24, 2005 |last1=Newman |first1=Andy |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208122539/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/24/nyregion/rapunzel-the-rhino-is-mourned-in-bronx.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Bison Range====
The Bison Range is in the northeast corner of the zoo,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bronxzoo.com/exhibits/american-bison |title=American Bison |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 1, 2016 |archive-date=April 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418003517/http://bronxzoo.com/exhibits/american-bison |url-status=live}}</ref> and has been a feature of the zoo since its opening, having been only renovated since 1971. The range initially served to breed [[Plains bison]], who were in danger of becoming [[Extinct species|extinct]] in the United States. The exhibit is one of the few large herds of bison in U.S. zoos. In 1913, at the behest of the [[American Bison Society]], fourteen bison were transported from the range to [[Montana]]'s [[National Bison Range]], as well as to [[Wind Cave National Park]] in [[South Dakota]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2013/11/26/marking-the-100-year-anniversary-of-historic-transfer-of-bison-from-the-bronx-zoo-to-wind-cave-national-park/ |title=Marking the 100-year Anniversary of Historic Transfer of Bison from the Bronx Zoo to Wind Cave National Park |author=Wildlife Conservation Society |work=National Geographic (blogs) |access-date=April 13, 2016 |archive-date=April 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405090708/http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2013/11/26/marking-the-100-year-anniversary-of-historic-transfer-of-bison-from-the-bronx-zoo-to-wind-cave-national-park/ }}</ref>

====Northern Ponds====
[[File:Swan (51203129280).jpg|thumb|Swan wading through one of the many ponds]]
Northern Ponds is a series of naturalistic ponds home to a variety of [[waterfowl]] and other aquatic birds both wild and captive. Captive residents include [[red-crowned crane]]s, [[Red-breasted goose|red-breasted geese]], [[Lesser white-fronted goose|lesser white-fronted geese]], [[ruddy duck]]s, [[barnacle geese]], [[mute swan]]s and [[trumpeter swan]]s. A wide variety of wild bird species can also be found in the ponds, including several native [[duck]]s such as [[mallard]]s and [[merganser]]s, as well as other birds such as [[black-crowned night heron|black-capped night-heron]]s.<ref>https://map.bronxzoo.com/places/52-northern-ponds</ref>

In June 2024, a red-crowned crane chick hatched in this exhibit.<ref>https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/23041/Red-Crowned-Crane-One-of-the-Largest-and-Most-Threatened-Crane-Species-in-the-World-Debuts-at-the-Bronx-Zoo.aspx</ref>

====Mitsubishi Riverwalk====
The Mitsubishi Riverwalk is a path that curves around the [[Bronx River]], on the opposite bank from the zoo. It opened in 2004 upon the completion of a cleanup project on the river. The walkway was funded by [[Mitsubishi]] International Corporation Foundation<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boroughs/zoo-riverwalk-unveils-free-new-nature-pathway-article-1.590505 |title=Zoo Gets Riverwalk Unveils Free New Nature Pathway |author=Bob Kappstatter |date=April 16, 2004 |work=Daily News |access-date=April 12, 2016 |archive-date=April 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423215931/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boroughs/zoo-riverwalk-unveils-free-new-nature-pathway-article-1.590505 |url-status=live}}</ref> and protects {{cvt|15|acre|ha}} of Bronx River [[Drainage basin|watershed]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/pagefiles/53/FINAL-bronx-river-riparian-invasive-plant-management-plan-april-30-2012.pdf |title=2012 Bronx River Riparian Invasive Plant Management Plan |publisher=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Natural Resources Group |date=January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421214020/http://www.nycgovparks.org/pagefiles/53/FINAL-bronx-river-riparian-invasive-plant-management-plan-april-30-2012.pdf |archive-date=April 21, 2016}}</ref>

===Paid exhibits and attractions===
One admission to a premium exhibit costs $7 per exhibit if paid separately. A holder of a limited admission may upgrade for a fee, granting the ticket holder free access to all attractions for that day. Family memberships include full access.<ref name="tix2020">{{cite web |title=Ticket Options |url=https://bronxzoo.com/shop/ticket-options |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250930220833/https://bronxzoo.com/shop/ticket-options |archive-date=September 30, 2025 |access-date=September 30, 2025 |publisher=Bronx Zoo}}</ref>

There are nine premium exhibit attractions:
*Budgie Landing
*Bug Carousel
*Butterfly Garden
*Children's Zoo
*Congo Gorilla Forest
*JungleWorld
*Nature Trek
*Wild Asia Monorail
*Zoo Shuttle

====Budgie Landing====
Budgie Landing is an exhibit featuring of 1,000 [[budgerigar]]s which opened on May 27, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |date=2023-05-24 |title=You can now be immersed in a thousand colorful birds at the Bronx Zoo |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/you-can-now-be-immersed-ina-thousand-colorful-birds-at-the-bronx-zoo-052423 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Time Out New York}}</ref> Unlike premium attractions and exhibits, Budgie Landing requires all visitors pay a small entrance fee ($5 for regular guests and $3 for members). A complementary feeding stick is handed out with admission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Budgie Landing |url=https://bronxzoo.com/things-to-do/experiences/budgie-landing |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Bronx Zoo}}</ref>

====Bug Carousel====
The Bug Carousel has seats shaped like [[insect]]s. Installed in 2005, it has an annual ridership of 540,000 as of 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carouselworks.com/carPages/bronx.htm |title=The Carousel Works – Bronx Zoo |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026073531/http://www.carouselworks.com/carPages/bronx.htm |archive-date=October 26, 2014 }}</ref>

====Butterfly Garden====
[[File:Bronx Zoo - NY - USA - panoramio (30).jpg|thumb|Butterfly Garden]]
This permanent structure is an indoor [[butterfly conservatory]] which lets visitors walk through gardens and meadows and watch the butterflies up close.
<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/butterfly-garden.aspx |title=Butterfly Garden |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=January 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116032346/http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/butterfly-garden.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> Built and inaugurated in mid-1996, the attraction is a 170-foot-long maze, where "visitors can walk through the stages of a [[Monarch butterfly|monarch]]'s [[metamorphosis]]" with a [[greenhouse]] in the middle hosting 44 species and over 1,000 butterflies; the greenhouse is really "a plastic tent on an aluminum frame".

The structure, costing $500,000, is the precursor for a future permanent House of Invertebrates in the Monkey House near the Fordham Road entrance. Many species come from the [[New York metropolitan area]], and all species of [[butterfly|butterflies]] and [[moth]]s are from around the continent.
If not successful, the [[Oklahoma City Zoo]] would have purchased it in September 1997.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/23/nyregion/exhibits-aflutter-bronx-zoo-butterfly-tent-will-allow-visitors-mingle-with.html Exhibits Aflutter At the Bronx Zoo;Butterfly Tent Will Allow Visitors To Mingle With Winged Residents] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901031215/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/23/nyregion/exhibits-aflutter-bronx-zoo-butterfly-tent-will-allow-visitors-mingle-with.html |date=September 1, 2016}}, ''The New York Times''. By Douglas Martin. Published: May 23, 1996</ref>

Before the Butterfly Garden opened, this was where the Great [[Ape]] House was located, and it was once home to [[gorilla]]s, [[chimpanzee]]s, [[orangutan]]s, and [[gibbon]]s through the exhibit's history.

====Children's Zoo====
The original Children's Zoo in the Bronx Zoo opened in 1941 with a [[nursery rhyme|nursery-rhyme]] theme; in 1981, a new Children's Zoo opened, and was instantly successful, seeing almost 250,000 visitors in two months. It closed for renovations in 2013;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/supportcz/ |title=Support the Children's Zoo |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012073501/http://www.bronxzoo.com/supportcz/ |url-status=live}}</ref> it reopened on May 30, 2015, with new exhibits featuring [[giant anteater]]s, [[common degu]]s, [[Patagonian mara]]s, [[white-nosed coati]]s, [[Linnaeus's two-toed sloth]]s, [[squirrel monkey]]s, [[American flamingo]]s, [[Asian small-clawed otter]]s, [[North American porcupine]]s, [[great horned owl]]s, [[striped skunk]]s, [[prairie dog]]s, [[fennec fox]]es, [[African spurred tortoise]]s, [[Nubian goat]]s, [[zebu]]s, [[alpaca]]s, [[sheep]], [[donkey]]s, [[chicken]]s, [[Domestic duck|duck]]s, [[pig]]s, [[Domestic goose|geese]], and [[domestic turkey]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amny.com/news/bronx-zoo-poised-to-reopen-children-s-zoo-with-new-animals-giant-anteater-pudu-and-more-1.10478317 |title=Bronx Zoo poised to reopen Children's Zoo with new animals: Giant anteater, pudu and more |author=Sheila Anne Feeney |date=May 27, 2015 |work=am New York |access-date=July 4, 2015 |archive-date=July 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706010852/http://www.amny.com/news/bronx-zoo-poised-to-reopen-children-s-zoo-with-new-animals-giant-anteater-pudu-and-more-1.10478317 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Congo Gorilla Forest====
[[File:Okapi Bronx Zoo.jpg|thumb|Okapi in the Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit]]
[[File:Gorilla bronx zoo anagoria.JPG|thumb|An adult male silverback]]
In the southwestern part of the zoo, Congo Gorilla Forest is a {{cvt|6.5|acre|ha|adj=on}} rainforest that is home to the 20 or so [[western lowland gorilla]]s in the zoo. [[Angolan colobus]], [[Wolf's mona monkey|Wolf's guenon]]s, [[pygmy marmoset]]s, [[mandrill]]s, [[okapi]]s, [[red river hog]]s, an [[ornate monitor]], and an [[African rock python]] also call this area home. It also includes a bird exhibit that houses [[white-crested hornbill]]s, [[Congo peafowl]]s, and [[African pygmy goose|African pygmy geese]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/congo-gorilla-forest.aspx |title=Congo Gorilla Forest |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=January 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111091037/http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/congo-gorilla-forest.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Congo Gorilla Forest was opened in 1999 and was visited 7,000,000 times {{as of|2009|lc=yes}}.<ref name="nydn1425743">{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-zoo-gorilla-exhibit-celebrates-10th-anniversary-article-1.425743 |title=Bronx Zoo's gorilla exhibit celebrates 10th anniversary |work=Daily News |last=Jaccarino |first=Mike |date=July 5, 2009 |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012082526/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-zoo-gorilla-exhibit-celebrates-10th-anniversary-article-1.425743 |url-status=live}}</ref> In one of the largest breeding groups of [[western lowland gorilla]]s in [[North America]], the exhibit has two troops of gorillas, for a total of 19 gorillas. Since 1999, 14 [[gorilla]]s, 23 [[red river hog]]s, 11 [[Wolf's guenon]]s, and four [[okapi]]s have been born in the exhibit.<ref name="nydn1425743"/> There is also an 8-minute film in the middle of the exhibit, as well as viewing points throughout. In total, there are about 400 animals from 55 species. Over $10.6 million for conservation of Central African habitats has been collected in donations since the exhibit's opening,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcs.org/where-we-work/africa/republic-of-congo/congo-gorilla-forest.aspx |title=Africa - WCS.org |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=July 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716065534/http://www.wcs.org/where-we-work/africa/republic-of-congo/congo-gorilla-forest.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> and the exhibit has netted $12.5 million in exhibit fees {{as of|2014|lc=yes}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/2-baby-gorillas-born-bronx-zoo-article-1.1767591 |title=Pair of baby gorillas born at Bronx Zoo, first in 8 years |work=Daily News |last=Paddock |first=Barry |date=April 24, 2014 |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012082523/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/2-baby-gorillas-born-bronx-zoo-article-1.1767591 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marthastewart.com/919949/bronx-zoo-congo-gorilla-forest-exhibit |title=Bronx Zoo: Congo Gorilla Forest Exhibit |work=Martha Stewart |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012023538/http://www.marthastewart.com/919949/bronx-zoo-congo-gorilla-forest-exhibit |archive-date=October 12, 2014 }}</ref>

Before the Congo Gorilla Forest was constructed, this site was once South America, and it is known to house [[pygmy hippopotamus]]es, [[tapir]]s, [[giant anteater]]s, [[Patagonian mara]]s, [[guanaco]]s, [[greater rhea]]s, [[babirusa]]s, [[brocket deer]], and [[peccary|peccaries]].

====JungleWorld====
This exhibit is an indoor tropical jungle and home to nearly 800 species<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/jungleworld.aspx |title=JungleWorld |date=May 19, 2014 |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=January 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115001637/http://bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/jungleworld.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> including [[Asian small-clawed otter]]s, [[Javan lutung]]s, [[silvery lutung]]s, [[northern white-cheeked gibbon]]s, [[Matschie's tree-kangaroo]]s, [[gharial]]s, a [[clouded leopard]], [[common treeshrew]]s, a [[carpet python]], [[northern Luzon giant cloud rat]]s, [[greater mouse deer]], [[Malayan tapir]]s, and [[lesser adjutant]]s living in mangroves and on the beaches. Visitors can watch the gibbons swinging or singing and watch the otters play. The exhibit includes species that are usually on the jungle floor including [[stag beetle]]s, [[scorpion]]s and [[fire-bellied toad]]s, but behind glass. A pond with a waterfall lets visitors sit and observe [[gourami]] and [[Fly River turtle]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/jungleworld.aspx |title=JungleWorld |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=January 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115001637/http://bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/jungleworld.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Trachypithecus cristatus at the Bronx Zoo 001.jpg|thumb|left|[[Silvery lutung]]s (''Trachypithecus cristatus''), at JungleWorld]]
Planning for JungleWorld, in the southeastern Wild Asia portion of the zoo, was started in 1977 and completed at a cost of $9.5 million in June 1985. $4.1 million in funds were donated by [[Enid A. Haupt]], a member of the [[New York Zoological Society]]'s board of trustees.<ref name="nyt 1985"/> The building is the largest at the zoo with an area of {{cvt|1|acre|m2}} and a height of {{cvt|55|ft|m}}. There is a wooden path that meanders for {{cvt|0.13|mi|m}}.

The building's design integrates its environment with the path, as no bars are present in the building; the walkway has no full-height barriers and short railings; and only by means of ravines, streams, or cliffs are most of the animals separated from people and each other. There is a [[volcano|volcanic]] [[scrub forest]], a [[mangrove]] [[swamp]], a [[lowland]] [[Evergreen forest|evergreen]] [[rain forest]] with giant trees which merges into a [[Temperate rainforest|mountain rain forest]] and five [[museum]]-like galleries connecting and explaining the habitats.<ref name="nyt 1985">{{cite news |last=Gold |first=Gerald |date=May 26, 1985 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/26/magazine/a-jungle-in-the-bronx.html |title=A Jungle in the Bronx |work=[[The New York Times Magazine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519051439/http://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/26/magazine/a-jungle-in-the-bronx.html |archive-date=May 19, 2017}}</ref> The building was built to emphasize the fact that {{cvt|150|acre|ha}} of rainforest is lost every minute.<ref>Bazell, R. (Reporter), & Garrels, A. (Anchor). (July 22, 1985). Indoor Rainforest Opens at The Bronx Zoo. [Television series episode]. NBC Today Show. Retrieved from https://archives.nbclearn.com/portal/site/k-12/browse/?cuecard=40260 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011075631/https://archives.nbclearn.com/portal/site/k-12/browse/?cuecard=40260 |date=October 11, 2014}}</ref>

====Wild Asia Monorail====
[[File:Bronx Zoo Monorail 2011 vc.jpg|thumb|The Monorail]]

The [[monorail]] was inaugurated in 1977 with the rest of the formerly underdeveloped Wild Asia section of the zoo. There are six 9-car monorails on this {{cvt|1.6|mi|km}} ride, originally built by [[Rohr, Inc.|Rohr]]; the ride was refurbished in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.schwagerdavis.com/pdf/10_JR10BronxJR.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027063418/http://www.schwagerdavis.com/pdf/10_JR10BronxJR.pdf |archive-date=October 27, 2014 }}</ref> Some animals in the zoo can only be seen on this ride such as [[tiger]]s, [[Przewalski's horse]]s, [[Indian rhinoceros|greater one-horned rhinoceros]], [[Asian elephant]]s, [[red panda]]s, and a plethora of [[even-toed ungulate]]s such as [[axis deer]], [[barasingha]], [[blackbuck]], [[Bactrian deer]], [[gaur]]s, [[brow-antlered deer]], [[babirusa]]s, [[sambar deer]], [[nilgai]], [[red muntjac]]s, [[Indian hog deer]], [[Formosan sika deer]], [[tufted deer]], [[Himalayan tahr]]s, and [[markhor]]s.<ref name="nyc_zoo_history">{{cite web |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_history/zoos/bronx.html |title=Bronx Zoo |work=nycgovparks.org |publisher=New York City |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=September 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919014937/http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_history/zoos/bronx.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

This ride takes visitors through a {{cvt|40|acre|ha|adj=on}} area that recreates the mud wallows and pastures, forests and riverbanks of Asia. Visitors will see [[tiger]]s, [[Indian elephant]]s, [[Indian rhinoceros|rhinos]] and wild horses in their natural habitats. As the monorail travels along the Bronx River, visitors can see native animals including [[egret]]s, [[turtle]]s, and [[duck]]s. The monorail is accessible for wheelchairs up to 26 inches (66&nbsp;cm) wide. Smaller chairs are available at the monorail platform for visitors with wider wheelchairs or motorized scooters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/wild-asia-monorail.aspx |title=Wild Asia Monorail |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=January 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111173136/http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/wild-asia-monorail.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Nature Trek====
Nature Trek opened on July 1, 2017, in the southeast portion of the park near Wild Asia. It consists of twelve [[Simple suspension bridge|covered rope bridges]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |url=http://www.metro.us/things-do/new-york/bronx-zoo-zipline-ropes-course-treetop-adventure |title=The Bronx Zoo's wild zipline and ropes course will make a monkey out of you |date=June 2, 2017 |work=Metro US |access-date=July 16, 2017 |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803130227/http://www.metro.us/things-do/new-york/bronx-zoo-zipline-ropes-course-treetop-adventure |url-status=live}}</ref> connecting small porches on the sides of towers.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=http://untappedcities.com/2017/07/07/nycs-bronx-zoo-adds-zip-line-ropes-course-and-nature-trek-to-the-wildlife-experience/ |title=NYC's Bronx Zoo Adds Zip-Line, Ropes Course, and Nature Trek to the Wildlife Experience |date=July 7, 2017 |website=Untapped Cities |access-date=July 16, 2017 |archive-date=July 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707192740/http://untappedcities.com/2017/07/07/nycs-bronx-zoo-adds-zip-line-ropes-course-and-nature-trek-to-the-wildlife-experience/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/blog/zip-line-50-feet-over-a-river-at-the-new-bronx-zoo-treetop-adventure-053117 |title=Zip-line 50 feet over a river at the new Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure |last=Pulos |first=Will |date=May 31, 2017 |work=[[Time Out New York]] |access-date=July 16, 2017 |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803090230/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/blog/zip-line-50-feet-over-a-river-at-the-new-bronx-zoo-treetop-adventure-053117 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |url=http://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2017/28/28-zoo-2017-07-14-bx.html |title=Bronx Zoo launches new aerial attractions |last=Cusano |first=Arthur |date=July 15, 2017 |work=[[Bronx Times]] |access-date=July 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716041003/http://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2017/28/28-zoo-2017-07-14-bx.html |archive-date=July 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also elevated tunnels and a large [[overlook]], as well as several small challenges resembling ''[[American Ninja Warrior]]'' obstacles.<ref name=":0" /> On the ground is a play area with a sandbox, water sprinklers and structures, and branches.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |url=https://bronxzoo.com/nature-trek |title=Nature Trek |publisher=Bronx Zoo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803090654/https://bronxzoo.com/nature-trek |archive-date=August 3, 2017|access-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Nature Trek is partially wheelchair-accessible<ref name=":0" /> and contains ramps of varying difficulties.<ref name=":1" /> This attraction discourages visitors who are wearing footwear such as [[flip-flops]]; [[High-heeled footwear|high heels]] are prohibited.<ref name=":4" /> As part of a push for environmental sustainability, some parts of the attraction are made of [[black locust]], and the structures use existing trees within the forest.<ref name=":1" />

====Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure====
The Treetop Adventure section opened on July 7, 2017, in the northeast portion of the park near Bronx River Parking. It consists of seven different levels of rope courses: two each of beginner, intermediate, and advanced, and one expert course.<ref name=":0" /> There is also a {{cvt|400|ft|m|adj=on}} [[zip-line]] course traversing {{cvt|50|ft|m}} the Bronx River in both directions.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> The attraction also contains [[Rope Bridge|rope]] and [[Simple suspension bridge|swinging bridges]], ladders and rolling and swinging objects. Separate from the rest of the zoo, it charges its own entry fee;<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |url=http://bronxzootreetop.com/visitor-info/faqs |title=FAQs |website=Treetop Adventure |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713084255/http://bronxzootreetop.com/visitor-info/faqs |archive-date=July 13, 2017|access-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> the fee is only applied to those who are climbing on the objects or using the zip-line.<ref name=":5" /> Open year-round,<ref name=":0" /> the attraction prohibits riders who are less than 7 years old and less than {{cvt|50|lb|kg}}, or more than {{cvt|275|lb|kg}}.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> After 6 years of operation, Treetop Adventure closed in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zipline |url=https://map.bronxzoo.com/places/955-zipline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250930222449/https://map.bronxzoo.com/places/955-zipline |archive-date=September 30, 2025 |access-date=September 30, 2025 |website=map.bronxzoo.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Treetop Adventure at the Bronx Zoo |url=https://map.bronxzoo.com/places/41-treetop-adventure-at-the-bronx-zoo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250930222552/https://map.bronxzoo.com/places/41-treetop-adventure-at-the-bronx-zoo |archive-date=September 30, 2025 |access-date=September 30, 2025 |website=map.bronxzoo.com}}</ref>

====Dinosaur Safari====
Dinosaur Safari takes visitors on a safari ride through a normally off-exhibit 2-acre wooded area and features [[Animatronics|animatronic]] [[dinosaur]]s from throughout time, starting at 300-million-years ago in the [[Permian Period]] and ending 235-million-years later in the [[Cretaceous Period]]. The ride lasts approximately 20 minutes. The "robo-saurs" are manufactured by Billings Productions, who lease them out to sites all over the world. The exhibit features more popular species such as the ''[[Tyrannosaurus rex]]'', ''[[Triceratops]]'', ''[[Stegosaurus]]'', ''[[Velociraptor]]'' and ''[[Brachiosaurus]]'', as well as less well-known species such as the ''[[Pachycephalosaurus]]'', ''[[Carnotaurus]]'' and ''[[Spinosaurus]]''. The ride's ''[[Dilophosaurus]]'' spit water at visitors as a nod to the species' acid-spitting abilities in [[Steven Spielberg]]'s ''[[Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park]]'' film and [[Michael Crichton]]'s [[Jurassic Park (novel)|novel]], even though there is no reason to believe the living animal did so.<ref name=":6">{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/dinosaur-safari-debuts-bronx-zoo-weekend-article-1.1352166 |title=See It: Dinosaur Safari debuts at Bronx Zoo this weekend |author=Barry Paddock |date=May 23, 2013 |work=Daily News |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305171013/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/dinosaur-safari-debuts-bronx-zoo-weekend-article-1.1352166 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/dinosaurs-rumble-bronx-zoo-article-1.1732648 |title=Dinosaurs rumble into Bronx Zoo |author=Tim O'Connor |date=March 25, 2014 |work=Daily News |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305155745/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/dinosaurs-rumble-bronx-zoo-article-1.1732648 |url-status=live}}</ref> The exhibit originally ran through the summers of 2013<ref name=":6" /> and 2014<ref name=":7" /> and returned for the 2019 season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.amny.com/things-to-do/dinosaur-safari-bronx-zoo-1.28193507 |title=They're back! Bronx Zoo offers a 'Dinosaur Safari' |website=am New York |date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629015146/https://www.amny.com/things-to-do/dinosaur-safari-bronx-zoo-1.28193507 |url-status=live}}</ref> It also returned for the 2022 season as a walking trail, and after a three year hiatus.<ref>https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17391/Ancient-History-Meets-Present-Day-Dinosaur-Safari-NOW-OPEN-at-Bronx-Zoo.aspx#:~:text=Bronx%2C%20NY%20–%20April%2012%2C,like%20in%20pre%2Dhistoric%20times</ref>

On April 12, 2025, Dinosaur Safari opened once again. Visitors can get up-close to life-sized animatronics of dinosaurs and pterosaurs plus 11 new ones. Kids can dig up ancient fossils in a sandbox, and they can walk through a ribcage and enjoy photo ops with dinosaur eggs.<ref>https://bronxzoo.com/dinosaur-safari</ref>

===Former exhibits===
====Rare Animal Range====
Rare Animal Range was a trail which focused on highly endangered species.<ref name="britannica.com">{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Bronx-Zoo |title=Bronx Zoo |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312090815/https://www.britannica.com/place/Bronx-Zoo |url-status=live}}</ref> Featured species included [[guanaco]], [[Formosan sika deer]], [[black-and-white ruffed lemur|pied ruffed lemurs]] and [[blue-eyed black lemur]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2009/04/24/wild-fired-by-the-zoo/ |title=Wild-Fired by the Zoo |date=April 24, 2009 |work=New York Post |access-date=January 28, 2018 |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306154102/https://nypost.com/2009/04/24/wild-fired-by-the-zoo/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2009/04/24/bad-economy-causes-bronx-zoo-t/ |title=Bad Economy Causes Bronx Zoo to Evict Animals |work=Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted) |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306091236/http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2009/04/24/bad-economy-causes-bronx-zoo-t/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The exhibit also had duplicate enclosures for the zoo's [[Arabian oryx]], [[blesbok]], [[Père David's deer]] and [[broad-snouted caiman]] as well as a large pond with a pair of small islands in the center which were home to a pair of [[golden-cheeked crested gibbon|golden-cheeked gibbons]]. They had the Big Birds exhibits, which were lawns for [[ostrich]]es, [[emu]]s, [[Rhea (bird)|rhea]]s, and [[Southern cassowary|cassowaries]]. Due to budget cuts and the unpopularity of many of the species, the zoo was forced to close the exhibit in 2009.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="dailyfinance.com"/>

While most of the species left the zoo when the exhibit closed, the Formosan sika deer were moved to the Wild Asia Monorail and the Père David's deer remained in their primary enclosure across from Tiger Mountain while the blue-eyed black lemurs were moved to Madagascar! where they are rotated with the Coquerel's sifakas. While no longer at the zoo, pied ruffed lemurs can still be seen at the zoo's partner institute, the [[Central Park Zoo]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://centralparkzoo.com/exhibits/tropic-zone-the-rainforest |title=Tropic Zone: The Rainforest – Central Park Zoo |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303042906/http://centralparkzoo.com/exhibits/tropic-zone-the-rainforest |url-status=live}}</ref> The zoo's popular Dinosaur Safari ran through a part of this area and the zoo's yearly Run for the Wild event runs through its entirety.

On April 20, 2024, the Animal Chronicles opened in honor of the 125th Anniversary of the Bronx Zoo. it features 13 scenes of 68 animal eco-sculptures that showcase key achievements in the zoo's 125 year history of saving animal species and connecting visitors to wildlife.

====Skyfari====
[[File:Bronx Zoo 005.jpg|thumb|Skyfari gondolas]]
The Skyfari was a popular [[gondola lift]] which transported visitors from the Zoo Center to the Asian Plaza, running over African Plains and several other popular exhibits at the zoo. The seasonal exhibit ran from April to October and rose {{cvt|60|to|100|ft}} feet in the air. With around 490,000 riders annually, the lift was the zoo's third most popular attraction after Congo Gorilla Forest and the Wild Asia Monorail. Despite its popularity, ticket sales for it were barely breaking-even and [[maintenance cost]]s led to a loss of profit. On July 8, 2008, high winds and heat led to one of the cars derailing, which trapped thirty-six passengers for up to five hours.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/nyregion/10zoo.html |title=Dozens Stuck in Midair at the Bronx Zoo |last1=Lee |first1=Trymaine |date=July 10, 2008 |work=The New York Times |access-date=June 29, 2019 |last2=Baker |first2=Al |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007094838/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/nyregion/10zoo.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Due to this, along with heavy budget cuts, the ride was permanently closed in January 2009, after 35 years of operation.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-zoo-skyfari-article-1.421680 |title=Bronx Zoo to take down Skyfari |date=January 24, 2009 |website=Daily News |access-date=June 28, 2019 |archive-date=August 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817200557/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-zoo-skyfari-article-1.421680 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Monkey House====
The Monkey House, which first opened in 1901 and was originally named the Primate House, closed in late February 2012 after 111 years of operation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/anthropology-in-practice/closing-the-monkey-house-and-the-end-of-a-shared-experience/ |title=Closing the Monkey House: The End of a Shared Experience |author=Krystal D'Costa |work=Scientific American Blog Network |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208232954/https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/anthropology-in-practice/closing-the-monkey-house-and-the-end-of-a-shared-experience/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bz-monkeys">{{cite web |url=http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/monkey-house.aspx |title=Monkey House |publisher=Bronx Zoo |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=January 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130201357/http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits/monkey-house.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> At the time of closing, it was home to [[cotton-top tamarins]], [[white-faced saki]]s, [[Wied's marmoset]]s, [[moustached tamarin]]s, [[black-chinned emperor tamarin]]s, [[Goeldi's monkey]]s and [[gray-handed night monkey|grey-handed night-monkey]]s, as well as [[Brazilian porcupine]]s and [[Pallas's long-tongued bat]]s. This was the building where [[Ota Benga]] spent most of his time during his stay at the zoo.<ref name="bz-monkeys"/>

Some of the primates that were in the now-closed exhibit have been moved to other parts of the zoo, such as the cotton-top tamarins now being found in World of Birds; others were sent to other New York City zoos, such as the sakis being moved to the [[Central Park Zoo]]. [[White-headed capuchin]]s can still be seen in an outdoor cage behind the building.<ref name="bz-monkeys"/>

====Amazing Amphibians====
Amazing Amphibians was a short-lived exhibition which opened in the zoo's Zoo Center in June 2008 and only remained for a few years. The exhibit featured several educational displays on [[amphibian]] conservation as well as a few [[terrarium]]s containing several amphibian species. Highlight species included [[Cranwell's horned frog|Chacoan horned frog]], [[Puerto Rican crested toad]], [[smooth-sided toad]] and [[common mudpuppy]].<ref>http://69.18.170.136/multimedia/headlines/amazing-amphibians.aspx{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

While none of these species are currently on-exhibit at the zoo, the Puerto Rican crested toads can be seen at the [[Central Park Zoo]], which breeds this species for [[Species reintroduction|reintroduction]] back into [[Puerto Rico]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.waza.org/en/site/conservation/waza-conservation-projects/overview/puerto-rican-crested-toad-species-survival-plan |title=Overview: WAZA: World Association of Zoos and Aquariums |author=WAZA |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306131639/http://www.waza.org/en/site/conservation/waza-conservation-projects/overview/puerto-rican-crested-toad-species-survival-plan |archive-date=March 6, 2016 }}</ref>

====4-D Theater====
The 4-D Theater showed [[4D film|4-D films]] with the help of [[3D film|3-D film]] and built-in sensory effects, including moving seats, wind, mist, and scents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bronxzoo.com/activities/4-d-theater |title=4-D Theater – Bronx Zoo |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304210011/http://bronxzoo.com/activities/4-d-theater |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> Produced by [[SimEx-Iwerks]], the theater showed condensed versions of popular children's movies. The 4-D Theater previously showed ''[[Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs]] '', one episode of ''[[Dora the Explorer (TV series)|Dora the Explorer]]'', ''[[Rio (2011 film)|Rio]]'' and ''[[Storks (film)|Storks]]''. It closed in 2019 and was replaced with a giraffe encounter where guests can feed the giraffes for a fee.

====The Most Dangerous Animal in the World====
[[File:Bronx Zoo exhibit.png|thumb|upright|[[The Most Dangerous Animal in the World]] exhibit at the Bronx Zoo, 1963]]
[[The Most Dangerous Animal in the World]] exhibit debuted at the Bronx Zoo on April 26, 1963.<ref name="Christi">{{cite news |title=Zoo has 'Startling Exhibit' |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-apr-27-1963-3173850/ |access-date=April 20, 2022 |work=[[Corpus Christi Times]] |date=April 27, 1963 |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421020222/https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-apr-27-1963-3173850/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The exhibit was installed at the Great Apes House and it featured a statement about the danger humans pose.<ref name="Stange">{{cite book |last1=Stange |first1=Mary Zeiss |title=Woman the Hunter |date=1997 |publisher=Beacon Press |location=Boston |isbn=978-0-8070-4638-8 |page=212 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PQb4UYAdz58C&pg=PA212 |access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421020221/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Woman_the_Hunter/PQb4UYAdz58C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=the+most+dangerous+animal+in+the+world+exhibit+bronx+zoo&pg=PA212&printsec=frontcover |url-status=live}}</ref>

The words: "The Most Dangerous Animal in the World" were printed in red on top of a cage.<ref name="Rare">{{cite web |title=In 1963, the Bronx Zoo Had an Exhibit Called 'The Most Dangerous Animal in the World' |url=https://rare.us/rare-media/entertainment-and-culture/rare-animals/most-dangerous-animal-in-the-world-bronx-zoo/ |website=[[Rare (website)|Rare]] |date=July 20, 2020 |publisher=Rare Media LLC |access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421020221/https://rare.us/rare-media/entertainment-and-culture/rare-animals/most-dangerous-animal-in-the-world-bronx-zoo/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Behind the bars of the cage there was a mirror. The exhibit was reportedly still at the zoo in 1981.<ref name="Abisch">{{cite news |last1=Abisch |first1=Barry |title=Brave New Zoo |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100120737/dangerous-humans/ |access-date=April 20, 2022 |issue=Suburbia Today |work=[[The Journal News]] |date=August 9, 1981 |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421020223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100120737/dangerous-humans/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===WCS's Run for the Wild===
In April 2008, the zoo hosted the first Run for the Wild event. The event is a [[5k run]] ({{cvt|5|km|mi}} long) organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society with the goal of raising money and awareness for their conservation programs of endangered species. Each year, there is a set entry fee for participants with varying prices depending on age; child (3–15), adult, and senior (65+). WCS Members get a discounted fee. Along with the entry fee, there is a $35 minimum donation per adult/senior participant. The event offers free prizes for donors, based on donation size, ranging from a Run for the Wild T-shirt to a special animal experience at the zoo. All donations are [[Tax deduction|tax-deductible]]. All participants are also offered free all-day entry to the zoo and its paid exhibits/attractions. The yearly event takes place at the end of April and originally began at 8&nbsp;am for those wishing to actually run, and 8:45 for those who wish to simply walk or jog; the start times were changed to 7&nbsp;am and 7:45&nbsp;am in later years.<ref name=5k/>

The event takes participants through the zoo before opening hours, starting at the Bronx River Parkway Entrance, through the Asian Plaza and African Plains, and ending by the Rockefeller Fountain near Astor Court. The trail also takes runners through the now-closed section of the zoo where the Rare Animal Range once stood. Each year, the event focuses on a specific endangered species or animal group to help raise funds for: 2009's run was for [[gorilla]]s, 2010 focused on [[tiger]]s, 2011 helped raise funds to protect the [[Punta Tombo]] peninsula of [[Argentina]] for [[Magellanic penguin]]s, 2012 focused on [[lion]]s, both 2013 and 2014 focused on [[elephant]]s, 2015 once again was for gorillas, and 2016's run will allow participants to run on behalf of their favorite animal.<ref name="5k">See:
*{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5522/Presented-by-Con-Edison-The-WCS-Run-for-the-Wild-2012-Run-to-Save-Lions.aspx |title=Presented by Con Edison: The WCS Run for the Wild 2012: Run to Save Lions |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306220827/http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5522/Presented-by-Con-Edison-The-WCS-Run-for-the-Wild-2012-Run-to-Save-Lions.aspx |url-status=live}}
*{{cite web |url=http://abc7ny.com/archive/8019004/ |title=Run for the Wild 2011! |work=ABC7 New York |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303014333/http://abc7ny.com/archive/8019004/ |url-status=live}}
*{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5936/WCS-Announces-the-5th-Annual-WCS-Run-for-the-Wild-at-the-Bronx-Zoo.aspx |title=WCS Announces the 5th Annual WCS Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306215807/http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5936/WCS-Announces-the-5th-Annual-WCS-Run-for-the-Wild-at-the-Bronx-Zoo.aspx |url-status=live}}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=21287 |title=Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo Run For The Wild 2009 (2009) - AllSportCentral.com - Registration. Results. Relax. |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331124537/http://www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=21287 |url-status=live}}
*{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6202/WCSs-Run-for-the-Wild-Takes-Runners-Around-the-World-in-Only-Five-Kilometers.aspx |title=WCS's 'Run for the Wild' Takes Runners Around the World in Only Five Kilometers |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306214457/http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6202/WCSs-Run-for-the-Wild-Takes-Runners-Around-the-World-in-Only-Five-Kilometers.aspx |url-status=live}}
*{{cite web |url=http://abc7ny.com/society/run-for-the-wild-gorillas-at-bronx-zoo/604728/ |title=Run for the Wild Bronx Zoo |work=ABC7 New York |date=April 28, 2015 |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303014054/http://abc7ny.com/society/run-for-the-wild-gorillas-at-bronx-zoo/604728/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://bronxzoo.com/run-for-the-wild |title=Run for the Wild – Bronx Zoo |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305100603/http://bronxzoo.com/run-for-the-wild |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, another WCS institute, the [[New York Aquarium]], held its own Run for the Wild event for [[sea turtle]]s in early October. The 5k run began at the aquarium and led down the [[Riegelmann Boardwalk]] on [[Coney Island]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.walkjogrun.net/events/running/WCS-Run-for-the-Wild-at-the-New-York-Aquarium/aid-4df14b1d-e483-42cd-8dbc-77a140a134d8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307133642/http://www.walkjogrun.net/events/running/WCS-Run-for-the-Wild-at-the-New-York-Aquarium/aid-4df14b1d-e483-42cd-8dbc-77a140a134d8 |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |title=WCS Run for the Wild at the New York Aquarium |work=WalkJogRun.net}}</ref> The aquarium held a second run the following year for [[walrus]]es.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5659/Second-Annual-WCS-Run-for-the-Wild-in-Brooklyn-is-Dedicated-to-Saving-Walruses-and-Other-Wildlife.aspx |title=Second Annual WCS Run for the Wild in Brooklyn is Dedicated to Saving Walruses and Other Wildlife |access-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306214659/http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5659/Second-Annual-WCS-Run-for-the-Wild-in-Brooklyn-is-Dedicated-to-Saving-Walruses-and-Other-Wildlife.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> The event has not returned to the aquarium since.

==Conservation==
In 1905, the zoo's first director, [[William Temple Hornaday|William T. Hornaday]], along with [[President of the United States|President]] [[Theodore Roosevelt]] and other conservationists, created the [[American Bison Society]] (ABS) in an attempt to save the [[American bison]] from [[extinction]]. The bison had been depleted from tens-of-millions of animals to only a few hundred by the end of the 19th century due to [[United States territorial acquisitions|westward expansion]]. The society worked to breed the species in captivity as well as raise public awareness, raise money to create protected reserves, and [[Species reintroduction|reintroduce]] bison back into the wild.<ref name="newyork.com"/> On October 11, 1907, the first reintroduction of bison began when the zoo sent six males and nine females, by rail, to the [[Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge]] in [[Oklahoma]]. Seven days later, the animals were successfully reintroduced to the park.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Wichita_Mountains/wildlife/bison/history.html |title=History of the Bison Herd – Wichita Mountains – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-date=February 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220054417/http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Wichita_Mountains/wildlife/bison/history.html |url-status=live}}</ref> By 1935, the society, who had successfully carried out several more reintroductions from bison kept in zoos and ranches, considered their work done and disbanded that year.

In 2005, the Wildlife Conservation Society resurrected and re-purposed the ABS to, "help build the social and scientific foundations for the [[ecological restoration]] of bison", and, "restore bison ecologically, not just animals in pens but actual functioning animals in the larger landscape", (Keith Aune, WCS bison coordinator).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://programs.wcs.org/northamerica/Wildlife/Bison/American-Bison-Society-News-and-Updates.aspx |title=American Bison Society News and Updates |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-date=February 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227194324/http://programs.wcs.org/northamerica/wildlife/bison/american-bison-society-news-and-updates.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcs.org/our-work/species/bison |title=Bison - WCS.org |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310210015/http://www.wcs.org/our-work/species/bison |url-status=live}}</ref> According to a study published in 2012, virtually all wild and captive bison in the United States are [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrids]] with [[Domestic cattle|cattle]] genes, with the exception of the two distinct breeding populations within [[Yellowstone National Park]] and their descendants. The cattle genes entered the bison population due to private ranchers hybridizing their bison to make them more docile, with some of these animals being accidentally reintroduced by the ABS.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thewildlifenews.com/2012/08/16/new-research-indicates-hybrid-bison-may-not-be-as-fit-as-those-without-cattle-genes/ |title=New research indicates hybrid bison may not be as fit as those without cattle genes |work=The Wildlife News |last=Cole |first=Ken |date=August 16, 2012 |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-date=March 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312131903/http://www.thewildlifenews.com/2012/08/16/new-research-indicates-hybrid-bison-may-not-be-as-fit-as-those-without-cattle-genes/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In response, in the fall of 2011, the WCS arranged for a herd of female bison originating from the [[American Prairie (nature reserve)|American Prairie Reserve]] to be sent to the [[Colorado State University|Colorado State University's]] Animal Reproduction & Biotechnology Laboratory to be used as [[Surrogacy|surrogates]] in an attempt to [[Embryo transfer|transfer]] the fertilized embryos of genetically pure bison. After an [[ultrasound]] showed one female to be pregnant, the herd was moved to the zoo where, on June 20, 2012, the calf was born. The herd is kept in an off-exhibit section of the zoo and the goal is to eventually create a breeding herd of genetically pure bison through embryo transfers with the surrogate hybrid bison.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4799/Bronx-Zoo-Announces-Birth-of-the-First-Genetically-Pure-Bison-Calf-Ever-Produced-by-Embryo-Transfer.aspx |title=Bronx Zoo Announces Birth of the First Genetically Pure Bison Calf Ever Produced by Embryo Transfer |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-date=March 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312131959/http://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4799/Bronx-Zoo-Announces-Birth-of-the-First-Genetically-Pure-Bison-Calf-Ever-Produced-by-Embryo-Transfer.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1981, the zoo successfully implanted a [[gaur]] embryo into a [[Holstein Friesian cattle|Holstein cow]] in an attempt to [[Clone (cell biology)|clone]] the endangered species.<ref name="nydailynews.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-zoo-turns-110-110-nyc-favorite-article-1.417057 |title=In honor of its birthday, 110 things to know about the Bronx Zoo |author=Jacob E. Osterhout |date=November 13, 2009 |work=Daily News |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112105/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-zoo-turns-110-110-nyc-favorite-article-1.417057 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JtFl11TzvgYC&q=gaur+cloning+bronx+zoo&pg=PA52 |work=[[Field & Stream]] |title=Unknown |date=March 1982 |access-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531040633/https://books.google.com/books?id=JtFl11TzvgYC&q=gaur+cloning+bronx+zoo&pg=PA52 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1990, the zoo experienced a pest problem with the [[Canada goose]]. The park had become so over-crowded with the geese, that the zoo had to take action to decrease their numbers. Apart from their presence, the geese were very aggressive towards other birds and occasionally carried diseases into the park. To cope with the problem, the zoo hired a [[sharpshooter]], who killed 19 geese. Zoo workers also destroyed 144 eggs found on the property. In 1991, the zoo employed a gentler method of sterilizing the birds.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-10-02-mn-2817-story.html |title=Bronx Zoo Workers Killing Pesky Geese |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=October 2, 1991 |access-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005104640/http://articles.latimes.com/1991-10-02/news/mn-2817_1_bronx-zoo |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2005, the zoo sent the frozen sperm of a male [[Indian rhinoceros]] to the [[Cincinnati Zoo]] where, four years later in 2009, it was thawed out and used in the first successful [[artificial insemination]] of the species when a calf was born in late 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cincinnatizoo.org/blog/2010/08/19/cincinnati-zoo-prepares-for-world%E2%80%99s-first-ai-indian-rhino-birth/ |title=Cincinnati Zoo Prepares for World's First AI Indian Rhino Birth |work=The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden |access-date=November 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313091648/http://cincinnatizoo.org/blog/2010/08/19/cincinnati-zoo-prepares-for-world%E2%80%99s-first-ai-indian-rhino-birth/ |archive-date=March 13, 2016 }}</ref> The calf did not survive long-term.

In August 2006, the zoo adopted an orphaned [[snow leopard]] cub, named Leo. The 13-month-old cub was found stuck in mud following a landslide in [[Naltar Valley]] in [[Pakistan]]. The landslide had killed the cub's mother. A Pakistani shepherd in the area found the cub with its female sibling, but the female had died a week later due to malnutrition. He then handed over the male cub to Pakistani authorities to care for him. Since there are no captive breeding programs or [[wildlife rehabilitation|rehabilitation centers]] for snow leopards in Pakistan, the authorities decided to send the cub to the Bronx Zoo. The cat will be returned to its place of birth following construction of a rehab facility in the Naltar Valley with cooperation from the United States.<ref name="gathering">Bridges, William. ''Gathering of Animals: An Unconventional History of the New York Zoological Society''. New York: Harper & Row, 1974.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna14252884 |title=Pakistan snow leopard cub heads to Bronx |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press |date=August 8, 2006 |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017173847/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/14252884/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dawn.com/2006/08/08/top14.htm |title=Endangered Leo bound for Bronx |work=dawn.com |publisher=Dawn |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408081124/http://www.dawn.com/2006/08/08/top14.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2006/August/200608081806162scnitram7.682437e-02.html |title=Bronx Zoo Provides New Home for Pakistani Snow Leopard |work=america.gov |publisher=U.S. Department of State |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829180212/http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2006/August/200608081806162scnitram7.682437e-02.html |archive-date=August 29, 2010}}</ref> On April 9, 2013, Leo sired a cub. He was the first cub of Leo.<ref>{{cite news |title=Baby Snow Leopard Born at Bronx Zoo Is Now on Display |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/27/nyregion/baby-snow-leopard-born-at-bronx-zoo-is-now-on-display.html |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=August 26, 2013 |first=Lisa W. |last=Foderaro |date=August 26, 2013 |archive-date=August 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828204827/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/27/nyregion/baby-snow-leopard-born-at-bronx-zoo-is-now-on-display.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2007, the zoo successfully reintroduced three [[Chinese alligator]]s into the wild. In July 2009, the zoo announced that the reintroduced alligators had begun breeding naturally in the wild, producing 15 hatchlings. The breeding was a milestone in the zoo's 10-year effort to [[Species reintroduction|reintroduce]] the species to the [[Yangtze River]] in China.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/chinese-alligators009.html#cr |title=Wildlife Extra News – Critically endangered Chinese alligators breeding in the wild after reintroduction |author=Powell Ettinger |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306124627/http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/chinese-alligators009.html#cr |archive-date=March 6, 2016 }}</ref>

In January 2010, the zoo adopted four abandoned [[brown bear]] cubs. Three of the bears, two males and one female, were siblings born in 2009 and rescued from the [[ABC Islands (Alaska)|ABC Islands]] in Alaska. The cubs were named Kootz, Denali, and Sitka. The fourth cub, a [[grizzly bear]] born in 2008, was rescued from [[Glacier National Park (U.S.)|Glacier National Park]] in [[Montana]] and named Glacier after the park.<ref name="nbcnewyork.com"/> In 2015, two other rescued grizzly bears, who had been at the zoo since 1995, were sent to one of the zoo's partner institutions, the [[Central Park Zoo]].<ref name="gothamist.com"/>

The next month, an "assurance colony" of [[Kihansi spray toad]]s was placed in the zoo. The species disappeared in their native [[Tanzania]] home.<ref>{{URL|http://www.bronxzoo.com/multimedia/headlines/kihansi-toad-exhibit.aspx|}}</ref>

In February 2011, the zoo took in two [[bald eagle]]s that were rescued in [[Wyoming]]. The 5-year-old male was found in 2008 and was believed to have been hit by a car. The 3-year-old female was believed to have been injured during a storm. The birds were taken in by the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]] and sent to the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in [[New Jersey]] for evaluation and care, where it was decided they were unable to survive in the wild.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>

In December 2012, five Chinese [[yellow-headed box turtle]]s, a critically endangered species, were born.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/neighborhoodwatch/neighborhood-news-2012-12-31/ |title=The Neighborhood News |magazine=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |date=January 7, 2013 |access-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727050557/https://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/neighborhoodwatch/neighborhood-news-2012-12-31/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2015, the zoo rescued a juvenile [[Indian cobra]] which had stowed away on a cargo ship destined for New Jersey. The snake was found in poor condition being [[dehydrated]], cold, and exposed to oil residue. The animal was brought to the zoo for recovery. It's unclear how the snake got onto the ship since it set out from Singapore, which is outside of the species' natural range.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/12/18/cobra-cargo-ship-bronx-zoo/ |title=Indian Cobra Found As Stowaway On Cargo Ship In NJ Taken To Bronx Zoo |website=CBS2 New York |date=December 18, 2015 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306184158/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/12/18/cobra-cargo-ship-bronx-zoo/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Incidents==
===Human fatality===
On July 29, 1985, two female Siberian tigers killed 24-year-old animal keeper Robin Silverman after she entered their enclosure with a volunteer aide.<ref>{{cite news |title=Flashback to death by Bronx Zoo tiger |author=Oren Yaniv |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/12/27/2007-12-27_flashback_to_death_by_bronx_zoo_tiger_-1.html |newspaper=Daily News |date=December 27, 2007 |access-date=March 29, 2011 |archive-date=December 30, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230115608/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/12/27/2007-12-27_flashback_to_death_by_bronx_zoo_tiger_-1.html }}</ref> It was unclear why Silverman entered the enclosure; the zoo's general curator suspected a lapse in Silverman's concentration, while her family suspected a failure on the part of the zoo. It was the first and only human fatality in the zoo's history.<ref>{{cite news |title=Death at the Bronx Zoo |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1050426,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209182159/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1050426,00.html |archive-date=December 9, 2007 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=April 18, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2011}}</ref>

===Non-human deaths===
In 2001, the zoo added a troop of [[Javan lutung|Javan langurs]] to JungleWorld, sharing an enclosure with [[Asian small-clawed otter]]s.<ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((Doxhoont, L.)) | year=2001 | title=monkey n baby | url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/auntie_doxhoont/468994895/ | access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref> Since the addition of the langurs, they were sighted taunting and provoking the otters.<ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((Altaffer, M.)) | year=2006 | title=A family of Asian Small-Clawed Otters play with a Ebony Langur at the Jungle World exhibit Friday, Nov. 17, 2006 at the Bronx Zoo in New York. The otter pups were born at the zoo on Aug. 25, 2006. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer Stock Photo - Alamy | url=https://www.alamy.com/a-family-of-asian-small-clawed-otters-play-with-a-ebony-langur-at-the-jungle-world-exhibit-friday-nov-17-2006-at-the-bronx-zoo-in-new-york-the-otter-pups-were-born-at-the-zoo-on-aug-25-2006-ap-photomary-altaffer-image541127765.html | access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref> In June 2007, a romp of otters grabbed a langur near the water and proceeded to maul and drown it in full view of visitors. A zookeeper on the viewing deck attempted to break up the fight by whistling at the otters. To no avail of the keeper, the otters killed the langur. Part of the incident was recorded and uploaded to YouTube.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNogZkyvH_4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/fNogZkyvH_4 |archive-date=November 18, 2021 |url-status=live |title=Monkey Death at Bronx Zoo |date=June 14, 2007 |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2010, the otters were relocated into two exhibits, one at the Children's Zoo<ref>https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/childrens-zoo-asian-small-clawed-otter-aonyx-cinereus-exhibit.781764/</ref> and another in JungleWorld.<ref>https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/bronx-zoo-2010-short-clawed-otter-exhibit-in-jungle-world.130715/</ref>

===Animal escapes===
In 1902, a seven-month-old male [[jaguar]] broke out of his cage and escaped.<ref name="nydailynews.com"/>

In July 1957, a platypus named [[Penelope (platypus)|Penelope]] who had recently made headlines for faking a pregnancy disappeared, abandoning her mate, Cecil. Zookeepers searched the premises but found no evidence of her.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1957-09-18 |title=ZOO MOURNS PENELOPE; Platypus Who Fled Ardent Mate 'Probably Dead' |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1957/09/18/archives/zoo-mourns-penelope-platypus-who-fled-ardent-mate-probably-dead.html |access-date=2023-05-13 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In February 1995, the zoo's De Jur Aviary collapsed during a snowstorm with about 100 seabirds, including [[Inca tern]]s and [[gull]]s, inside. During the collapse, some of the residents flew off and escaped. In total, about 30 birds were lost.<ref name="nytimes.com"/>

On March 26, 2011, the Bronx Zoo announced that World of Reptiles was closed after a venomous adolescent [[cobra]] was discovered missing from its off-exhibit enclosure on March 25. Zoo officials were confident the missing cobra would be found in the building and not outside, since the species is known to be uncomfortable in open areas.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bronx Zoo Reptile House Closed After Poisonous Snake Goes Missing |author=Kevin Dolak |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/poisonous-snake-missing-bronx-zoo/story?id=13233433 |work=ABC News |date=March 27, 2011 |access-date=March 29, 2011 |archive-date=January 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119023915/http://abcnews.go.com/US/poisonous-snake-missing-bronx-zoo/story?id=13233433 |url-status=live}}</ref> The missing snake quickly sparked a popular [[Twitter]] parody account, @BronxZoosCobra,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.twitter.com/bronxzooscobra |title=Bronx Zoo's Cobra |website=Twitter |access-date=March 30, 2011 |archive-date=March 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110329211359/https://twitter.com/BronxZoosCobra |url-status=live}}</ref> which narrated the daily hijinks of the cobra.<ref>{{cite web |title=Missing Bronx zoo cobra sparks Twitter following |author=Allen, Jonathan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-cobra-twitter-idUSTRE72T67520110330 |website=Reuters |date=March 30, 2011 |access-date=March 30, 2011 |archive-date=March 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110331162036/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/30/us-usa-cobra-twitter-idUSTRE72T67520110330 |url-status=live}}</ref> On March 31, zoo authorities found the snake in a non-public area of the reptile house.<ref>{{cite news |title=Missing Bronx Zoo Egyptian Cobra Finally Captured |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/03/31/report-missing-bronx-zoo-cobra-has-been-captured/ |work=WCBS-TV |date=March 31, 2011 |access-date=April 1, 2011 |archive-date=April 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403034742/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/03/31/report-missing-bronx-zoo-cobra-has-been-captured/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 9, 2011, a female [[green peafowl]] escaped from the zoo before being caught on May 11.<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Anahad |title=Another Bronx Getaway, This Time Without the Scales |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/11/nyregion/peahen-escapes-bronx-zoo.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=August 12, 2011 |date=May 10, 2011 |archive-date=May 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518084321/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/11/nyregion/peahen-escapes-bronx-zoo.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 11, 2011, a [[lesser kudu]] escaped from its enclosure for about half an hour and then returned to its enclosure once a zoo worker opened the gate.<ref>{{cite news |last=Paddock |first=Berry |title=Exotic Antelope Gets Big Break When Photographer Finds Her Loose at Bronx Zoo |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/exotic-antelope-big-break-photographer-finds-loose-bronx-zoo-article-1.957851 |location=New York |work=Daily News |access-date=August 21, 2013 |archive-date=December 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208002800/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/exotic-antelope-big-break-photographer-finds-loose-bronx-zoo-article-1.957851 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 26, 2023, an [[Indian peafowl]] given the nickname Raul escaped from the zoo and reportedly bit a man, although those reports were never confirmed. Raul flew back into the zoo at 11:17{{nbs}}a.m. the next day.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Marcius |first1=Chelsia Rose |last2=Cruz |first2=Liset |date=2023-04-27 |title=Escaped Peacock Returns to Bronx Zoo After a Night on the Loose |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/27/nyregion/peacock-escape-bronx-zoo.html |access-date=2024-01-21 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

===Happy the Elephant===
[[File:Bronx Zoo NYC.jpg|thumb|Elephants at the zoo]]
In the early 1970s, seven [[Indian elephant]]s, named after the Seven Dwarfs from ''[[Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937 film)|Snow White]]'', were captured as calves in [[Thailand]] and dispersed among multiple U.S. zoos and [[circus]]es. Two of those calves, Grumpy and Happy, both females, were brought to the zoo in 1977. Over the next 25 years, the pair lived together, separated from the zoo's other elephants. In July 2002, the zoo attempted to mix the pair with two other females, Patty and Maxine. However, the introduction failed when Patty and Maxine attacked the pair and injured Grumpy. Over the next several months, the elephant's injuries worsened and, in October of that year, the zoo was forced to [[Euthanasia|euthanize]] her. With her lifelong companion gone, Happy was paired with the zoo's younger female, Sammy, whose companion, Tus, had also died in 2002. The two got along very well until Sammy developed severe [[liver disease]] and was also euthanized in early 2006. This left Patty, Maxine, and Happy as the zoo's only remaining elephants.<ref name="nytimes.com1">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/nyregion/the-bronx-zoos-loneliest-elephant.html |title=The Bronx Zoo's Loneliest Elephant |last=Tullis |first=Tracy |date=June 28, 2015 |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=November 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106150419/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/nyregion/the-bronx-zoos-loneliest-elephant.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite the fact that elephants are highly social animals, the zoo decided that making a second attempt at introducing Happy to the others was too risky, with there being too high a chance that she would be attacked. She has since lived without the company of other elephants. Due to this, the zoo has been criticized by multiple [[Animal rights movement|animal rights organizations]] for supposedly mistreating Happy. [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]] (PETA) filed a formal complaint against the zoo with the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (AZA), calling for them to strip the zoo of its accreditation. In Defense of Animals (IDA) has named the zoo the "Hall of Shame Winner" on their 2015, 2016, and 2017 'Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants'.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/wild-free2/elephant-protection/hall-of-shame/defense-animals-10-worst-zoos-elephants-2015/ |title=In Defense of Animals 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants 2015 |access-date=April 29, 2016 |archive-date=May 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509003103/http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/wild-free2/elephant-protection/hall-of-shame/defense-animals-10-worst-zoos-elephants-2015/ |url-status=live}}</ref> IDA listed the zoo fourth on their 2012 list,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/wild-free2/elephant-protection/hall-of-shame/2012-ten-worst-zoos-for-elephants/ |title=2012 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants - In Defense of Animals |access-date=April 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512110934/http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/wild-free2/elephant-protection/hall-of-shame/2012-ten-worst-zoos-for-elephants/ |archive-date=May 12, 2016}}</ref> fifth on their 2013 and 2014 lists,<ref>{{cite news |author=Mosbergen, Dominique |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/13/worst-zoos-for-elephants-bronx-zoo-disney_n_6465600.html |title=Bronx Zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom Make List Of The '10 Worst Zoos For Elephants' |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905215411/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/13/worst-zoos-for-elephants-bronx-zoo-disney_n_6465600.html |archive-date=September 5, 2017 |work=[[Huffington Post]] |date=January 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/wild-free2/elephant-protection/hall-of-shame/2013-ten-worst-zoos-for-elephants/ |title=2013 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants - - In Defense of Animals |access-date=April 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501232134/http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/wild-free2/elephant-protection/hall-of-shame/2013-ten-worst-zoos-for-elephants/ |archive-date=May 1, 2016}}</ref> and eighth on their 2009 list.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2010|url=http://yubanet.com/enviro/In-Defense-of-Animals-Releases-2009-Ten-Worst-Zoos-for-Elephants-List.php |title=In Defense of Animals Releases 2009 "Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants" List |access-date=April 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530183607/http://yubanet.com/enviro/In-Defense-of-Animals-Releases-2009-Ten-Worst-Zoos-for-Elephants-List.php |archive-date=May 30, 2016 }}</ref> These organizations, as well as many [[online petition]]s (some of which gain up to 200,000 supporters), have called on the zoo to send Happy to an [[Wildlife refuge|elephant sanctuary]]. However, the zoo said that moving her at this stage in her life might be potentially traumatizing for her, and that she has very strong bonds with her keepers and is well-adjusted to the zoo, where she has spent well over thirty years of her life.<ref name="nytimes.com1"/><ref name="jimbreheny">{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/jim-breheny-hey-elephant-lovers-happy-happy-article-1.2339759 |title=Jim Breheny: Hey, elephant lovers: Happy is happy |author=Jim Breheny |date=August 28, 2015 |work=Daily News |access-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-date=December 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226181315/http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/jim-breheny-hey-elephant-lovers-happy-happy-article-1.2339759 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2012, a reporter for the ''[[New York Post]]'' wrote that she is kept inside all year and in [[solitary confinement]]. The zoo claims that she and the other two elephants have equal access to outdoor yards, and that the three elephants have limited interactions with each other and extensive interactions with zoo keepers. All three animals share the same barn, but Happy lives in separate stalls and yards.<ref name="jimbreheny"/> In late 2018, one of the zoo's other elephants, Maxine, was euthanized due to complications with her liver and kidneys.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2018/11/20/elephant-euthanized-at-bronx-zoo/ |title=Maxine, 48-Year-Old Elephant, Euthanized At Bronx Zoo After Illness |date=November 20, 2018 |website=CBS New York |access-date=July 18, 2020 |archive-date=July 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719055652/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2018/11/20/elephant-euthanized-at-bronx-zoo/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

A lawsuit against the Bronx Zoo, stating that Happy was legally "a person with a right to be free", was dismissed in February 2020 by a judge of the Bronx County Supreme Court.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Katersky |first1=Aaron |title=Siding with Bronx Zoo, judge rules Happy the elephant is not a person |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/siding-bronx-zoo-judge-rules-happy-elephant-person/story?id=69085996 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=February 20, 2020 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328183615/https://abcnews.go.com/US/siding-bronx-zoo-judge-rules-happy-elephant-person/story?id=69085996 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, in May 2021, the [[New York Court of Appeals]] agreed to hear the appeal, filed on behalf of Happy by the [[Nonhuman Rights Project]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Gavin |first=Robert |title=NY's top court to consider 'personhood' of Happy the elephant |website=[[Times Union (Albany)|Times Union]] |date=May 4, 2021 |url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/NY-s-top-court-to-consider-personhood-of-Happy-16151699.php |access-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505021918/https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/NY-s-top-court-to-consider-personhood-of-Happy-16151699.php |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2022, the Court of Appeals also ruled in favor of the zoo, saying in a 5–2 decision that the [[Habeas corpus|writ of habeas corpus]] did not apply to nonhuman animals.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cohen |first=Luc |date=June 15, 2022 |title=Happy the elephant is denied personhood, to stay at Bronx Zoo |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/happy-elephant-is-denied-personhood-stay-bronx-zoo-2022-06-14/ |access-date=June 16, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fobar |first=Rachel |date=June 14, 2022 |title=Happy the elephant is not a person, New York's highest court rules |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/happy-the-elephant-is-not-a-person-new-yorks-highest-court-rules |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614161717/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/happy-the-elephant-is-not-a-person-new-yorks-highest-court-rules |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=June 16, 2022 |website=Animals}}</ref>

===Ota Benga===
{{Main|Ota Benga}}
[[File:Ota Benga at Bronx Zoo.jpg|thumb|upright|Ota Benga at the Bronx Zoo in 1906. Only five promotional photos exist of Benga's time here, none of them in the Monkey House; cameras were not allowed.<ref name="Bradford Blume 1992">{{cite book |last1=Bradford |first1=Phillips Verner |last2=Blume |first2=Harvey |year=1992 |title=Ota Benga: The Pygmy in the Zoo |publisher=St. Martins Press |location=New York |isbn=978-0-312-08276-5}}</ref>{{rp|p=Photo insert}}]]

In 1906, [[Ota Benga]], a man from the [[Mbuti people|Mbuti]] [[Pygmy peoples|pygmy]] ethnic group, was brought to the zoo by the American businessman and explorer [[Samuel Phillips Verner]], and displayed there as an exhibit, though he was allowed to roam the grounds freely. He became fond of an [[orangutan]] named Dohong, "the presiding genius of the Monkey House", who had been taught to perform tricks and imitate human behavior.<ref name="Bradford Blume 1992"/>{{rp|172–174}} The events leading to his "exhibition" alongside Dohong were gradual. Benga spent some of his time in the Monkey House exhibit, where the zoo encouraged him to hang his [[hammock]] and to shoot his bow and arrow at a target. On the first day of the exhibit, September 8, 1906, visitors found Benga in the Monkey House.<ref name="nyt2006">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/06/nyregion/thecity/06zoo.html |title=The Scandal at the Zoo |date=August 6, 2006|work=The New York Times |last=Keller |first=Mitch |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-date=January 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131174812/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/06/nyregion/thecity/06zoo.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Soon, a sign on the exhibit read:
{{Blockquote|The African Pigmy, "Ota Benga."<br />
Age, 23 years. Height, 4 feet 11 inches.<br />
Weight, 103 pounds. Brought from the<br />
Kasai River, Congo Free State, South<br />
Central Africa, by Dr. Samuel P. Verner.<br />
Exhibited each afternoon during September.<ref name="nyt1906">"Man and Monkey Show Disapproved by Clergy", ''The New York Times'', September 10, 1906, pg. 1.</ref>
}}

Hornaday considered the exhibit a valuable spectacle for visitors; he was supported by [[Madison Grant]], secretary of the [[New York Zoological Society]], who lobbied to put Benga on-display alongside [[ape]]s at the zoo. A decade later, Grant became prominent nationally as a [[scientific racism|racial anthropologist]] and [[eugenics|eugenicist]].<ref name="Bradford Blume 1992"/>{{rp|173–175}}

[[African-American]] clergymen immediately protested to zoo officials about the exhibit. James H. Gordon said, "Our race, we think, is depressed enough, without exhibiting one of us with the apes&nbsp;... We think we are worthy of being considered human beings, with souls."<ref name="nyt2006"/> Gordon also thought the exhibit was hostile to Christianity and a promotion of [[Darwinism]]: "The Darwinian theory is absolutely opposed to Christianity, and a public demonstration in its favor should not be permitted."<ref name="nyt2006"/> A number of clergymen backed Gordon.<ref name="Spiro 2008">
{{cite book |last=Spiro |first=Jonathan Peter |title=Defending the Master Race: Conservation, Eugenics, and the Legacy of Madison Grant |publisher=University of Vermont Press |location=Burlington, VT |year=2008 |pages=43–51 |isbn=978-1-58465-715-6}}</ref>{{Rp|47}} In defense of the depiction of Benga as a lesser human, an editorial in ''[[The New York Times]]'' suggested:
{{Blockquote|We do not quite understand all the emotion which others are expressing in the matter&nbsp;... It is absurd to make moan over the imagined humiliation and degradation Benga is suffering. The pygmies&nbsp;... are very low in the human scale, and the suggestion that Benga should be in a school instead of a cage ignores the high probability that school would be a place&nbsp;... from which he could draw no advantage whatever. The idea that men are all much alike except as they have had or lacked opportunities for getting an education out of books is now far out of date.<ref name="Spiro 2008"/>{{Rp|48}}}}

Benga was allowed to roam the grounds of the zoo. In response to the situation, as well as verbal and physical prods from the crowds, he became more mischievous and somewhat violent.<ref>{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Ken |year=1998 |title=Raw Deal: Horrible and Ironic Stories of Forgotten Americans |publisher=Blast Books, Inc. |location=New York |isbn=978-0-922233-20-5}}</ref>{{Rp|1=Chapter on Ota Benga}} Around this time, Rev. Dr. R. MacArthur of Calvary Baptist Church, was quoted in ''The New York Times'' saying: "It is too bad that there is not some society like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. We send our missionaries to Africa to Christianize the people, and then we bring one here to brutalize him." Soon, the zoo removed Benga from the grounds.<ref>Quoted by NPR at [https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5787947 From the Belgian Congo to the Bronx Zoo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218023934/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5787947 |date=February 18, 2018}}, September 8, 2006, Retrieved May 29, 2015</ref> Toward the end of 1906, Benga was released into Reverend Gordon's custody.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Keller |first=Mitch |date=6 August 2006 |title=The Scandal at the Zoo |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/06/nyregion/thecity/06zoo.html |access-date=9 December 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Gordon placed Benga in the [[Howard Colored Orphan Asylum]], a church-sponsored [[orphanage]] in [[Brooklyn]] that Gordon supervised. As the unwelcome press attention continued, in January 1910, Gordon arranged for Benga's relocation to [[Lynchburg, Virginia]], where he lived with the family of [[Gregory W. Hayes]].<ref>{{harvnb|Bradford|Blume|1992|pages=191–204}}</ref> While there, Benga received tutoring from Lynchburg-based [[Harlem Renaissance]] poet [[Anne Spencer]].<ref>{{harvnb|Bradford|Blume|1992|pages=212–213}}</ref>

Benga committed suicide in 1916 at the age of 32.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Delaney |first=Ted |title=Ota Benga (ca. 1883–1916) |url=https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/benga-ota-ca-1883-1916/#heading3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806053650/https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/benga-ota-ca-1883-1916/#heading3 |archive-date=6 August 2024 |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Encyclopedia Virginia |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2020, WCS apologized for the zoo's treatment of Benga and promotion of eugenics.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Julia |date=July 29, 2020 |title=Racist Incident From Bronx Zoo's Past Draws Apology |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/29/arts/bronx-zoo-apology-racism.html |access-date=July 30, 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730011316/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/29/arts/bronx-zoo-apology-racism.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Entrances (gates)==
*Asia Gate (walk in) Boston Road 
*Bronx River Parkway Gate (parking)
*Fordham Road Gate (parking)
*Southern Boulevard Gate (parking)

==In popular culture==

During the 1980s, some well known celebrities including British naturalist [[David Attenborough]], [[Superman]] actor [[Christopher Reeve]], and [[Muppets]] creator [[Jim Henson]] visited the Bronx Zoo for special programs, mostly dedicated to helping teenagers and children alike learn about animals.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

In 2013, So What? Press published an issue of its comic series ''[[Tales of the Night Watchman]]'', entitled "The Night Collector", about a coven of vampires that takes over the bat exhibit at the Bronx Zoo. A zookeeper who specializes in bats is put at odds with his co-worker when it is discovered that the woman of their mutual affection has been turned into a vampire. It was written by Dave Kelly and illustrated by [[Lee Knox Ostertag]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fanboycomics.net/index.php/blogs/bryant-dillon/item/2818-a-review-of-tales-of-the-night-watchman-volume-1-2-and-tales-of-the-night-watchman-presents-the-night-collector-new-hires-and-nude-vampires |title=Fanboy Comics – A Review of 'Tales of the Night Watchman: Volume 1 #2' and 'Tales of the Night Watchman Presents: The Night Collector' (New Hires and Nude Vampires) |author=Bryant Dillon, Fanboy Comics President |date=September 18, 2013 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306030623/http://www.fanboycomics.net/index.php/blogs/bryant-dillon/item/2818-a-review-of-tales-of-the-night-watchman-volume-1-2-and-tales-of-the-night-watchman-presents-the-night-collector-new-hires-and-nude-vampires |url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2016, [[Animal Planet]] announced plans to produce a [[docu-series]] about the zoo, titled ''The Zoo''. The series premiered on February 18, 2017<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/animal-planet-bronx-zoo-upfronts-rich-ross/ |title=Animal Planet Orders Bronx Zoo Docuseries |date=March 31, 2016 |website=The Wrap |access-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225204803/https://www.thewrap.com/animal-planet-bronx-zoo-upfronts-rich-ross/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and gained a second season in March 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/2018/03/06/meet-stars-animal-planets-zoo-season-two/396527002/ |title=Meet the stars of Animal Planet's 'The Zoo' season two |date=March 6, 2018 |website=USA Today |access-date=March 13, 2018 |archive-date=March 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313153404/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/2018/03/06/meet-stars-animal-planets-zoo-season-two/396527002/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notable people==
<!--- Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ---> 
<!--- Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME --->
*[[E. R. Sanborn]] (1869–1947), first official photographer

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bronx Zoo}}
{{Commons category|Historical images of the Bronx Zoo}}
*{{Official website}}
*[https://www.wcs.org Wildlife Conservation Society]
*[[iarchive:cu31924031265675|Popular Official Guide to the New York Zoological Park]], 1915

{{Zoos of WCS}}
{{Zoos of New York}}
{{Protected areas of New York City}}
{{Portal bar|New York City|Animals}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Zoos in New York City]]
[[Category:Fordham, Bronx]]
[[Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in the Bronx|Astor Court]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in the Bronx]]
[[Category:Wildlife Conservation Society]]
[[Category:Educational organizations established in 1899]]
[[Category:Zoos established in the 19th century]]
[[Category:1899 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:Heins and LaFarge buildings]]
[[Category:Beaux-Arts architecture in New York City]]
[[Category:Bronx Park]]