ZooNew York, US

Prospect Park Zoo

Prospect Park Zoo is a charming wildlife haven in Brooklyn, offering intimate animal encounters.

About

Prospect Park Zoo is a charming wildlife haven in Brooklyn, offering intimate animal encounters. Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), this 12-acre zoo is dedicated to connecting urban dwellers with nature, focusing on education and conservation through engaging exhibits and up-close animal viewing experiences. It stands as a vibrant part of Brooklyn's cultural landscape, providing a unique escape into the animal kingdom right within Prospect Park.

The zoo is home to a diverse collection of species, thoughtfully presented across themed areas. Visitors can marvel at the playful California sea lions at the Sea Lion Court, observe elusive Pallas's cats and black-footed cats, and encounter charismatic red pandas on the Discovery Trail. The Animal Lifestyles building features a lively troop of hamadryas baboons and Geoffroy's marmosets, while the Hall of Animals showcases smaller wonders like dwarf mongooses, fennec foxes, Rodrigues fruit bats, and poison dart frogs. The Barn and Garden offers a more interactive experience, allowing guests to feed friendly farm animals such as sheep, goats, and alpacas.

More than just a place to see animals, Prospect Park Zoo provides an educational and inspiring day out for all ages. Its thoughtfully designed naturalistic habitats and commitment to species survival programs emphasize the importance of wildlife conservation. The zoo's welcoming atmosphere and diverse collection make it a memorable destination for families and anyone seeking a delightful journey into the natural world. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.

The history of Prospect Park Zoo dates back to a small menagerie established within Prospect Park in 1890. This informal collection evolved, and a more formal city zoo officially opened on July 3, 1935, as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during a larger revitalization of city parks. It was initially designed with buildings centered around a seal pool and featured exhibits such as a bear pit, a lion house, and an elephant house. After several decades, the original zoo became outdated by modern animal welfare standards and closed in June 1988 for extensive reconstruction. A five-year, $37 million renovation transformed the facility, replacing old cages and pits with naturalistic habitats. The modernized zoo reopened on October 5, 1993, under the management of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and was initially renamed the "Prospect Park Wildlife Conservation Center," reflecting its renewed focus on conservation and education, particularly for children.

What to do here

Enjoy observing animals in their naturalistic habitats, attend a sea lion training session, feed farm animals, and engage with interactive elements like the prairie dog tunnels. Keep an eye out for free-roaming peacocks!

Seasonal info

The zoo is open year-round. During winter months (November-March), the Flatbush Avenue entrance may be inaccessible, and visitors should use the Children's Corner entrance. Indoor exhibits offer warmth during colder weather. Animal visibility may vary with weather conditions.

Accessibility

All buildings and grounds are wheelchair accessible. A limited number of free wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The zoo has also partnered with KultureCity to offer sensory-friendly experiences, with designated "Quiet Zones" and "headphone zones." Service animals are permitted in accordance with the ADA.

Don't miss

Sea Lion Court

Witness daily training sessions, a lively spectacle of California sea lions.

Discovery Trail

Home to red pandas, North American porcupines, dingoes, black-tailed prairie dogs, and North American river otters. The prairie dog tunnels are a fun, interactive feature.

Hall of Animals

Explore an indoor space featuring smaller, fascinating creatures like dwarf mongooses, fennec foxes, Rodrigues fruit bats, and colorful poison dart frogs.

Animal Lifestyles

Observe the dynamic social groups of hamadryas baboons and Geoffroy's marmosets.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

American Robin

Bee

Common Grackle

Mourning Dove

Carpenter Bee

Northern Cardinal

Rock Pigeon

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Purchase Tickets Online

** Buy your date-specific tickets in advance online to secure your entry and save time.

Use Public Transportation

Given the limited parking, consider taking the subway (Q, B, or Franklin Ave. Shuttle to Prospect Park Station) or bus (B41) for easy access.

Check Daily Schedules

Consult the zoo's "Today at the Zoo" section online for sea lion training session times to plan your visit around these popular events.

Explore the Discovery Trail

Don't rush through this immersive outdoor area; it offers interactive exhibits and opportunities to see multiple species, including the popular red pandas.

Visit the Barn and Garden

This is a great spot, especially for children, where you can purchase food pellets and hand-feed some of the friendly farm animals.

Pack Snacks

While there is a café with beverages and snacks, hot food options may be limited, so bringing your own snacks can be helpful, especially for families.

Frequently asked questions

: Parking is not available at the zoo itself. Free street parking can sometimes be found on Flatbush Avenue, but it can be limited. Public transportation is highly recommended.
: Yes, advance online purchase of date-specific tickets is recommended to guarantee availability and expedite entry. Members no longer need reservations for regular daytime admission.
: Visitors can see California sea lions, red pandas, hamadryas baboons, North American river otters, Pallas's cats, dwarf mongooses, fennec foxes, black-tailed prairie dogs, and a variety of birds and farm animals, among others.