New York Zoological Park

Illustration of three chimpanzees wearing dresses sitting on a log in a forest with black text around edge of button.

The Bronx Zoo was opened in November 1899. The City of New York allotted 250 acres of land from Bronx Park to the New York Zoological Society for the creation of a zoo. Today, the zoo is recognized as the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States. Originally the zoo had 843 animals in 22 exhibits. The zoo is now home to more than 4,000 animals. It is one of four zoos that are managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Throughout its existence, the zoo has been committed to the study of zoology, conservation, and promoting the preservation of wildlife. In addition to its numerous animal exhibits, the zoo has several architectural pieces that are listed as official city landmarks.