The Prospect Park Zoo is a 12-acre (4.9 ha) zoo located off Flatbush Avenue on the eastern side of Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York City. As of 2016, the zoo houses 864 animals representing about 176 species, and as of 2007, it averages 300,000 visitors annually. The Prospect Park Zoo is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). In conjunction with the Prospect Park Zoo's operations, the WCS offers children's educational programs, is engaged in restoration of endangered species populations, runs a wildlife theater, and reaches out to the local community through volunteer programs.Plan your Prospect Park Zoo visit and explore what else you can see and do in Brooklyn using our Brooklyn trip maker website.
Its precursor, the Menagerie, opened in 1890. The present facility first opened as a city zoo on July 3, 1935, and was part of a larger revitalization program of city parks, playgrounds and zoos initiated in 1934 by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses. It was built, in large part, through Civil Works Administration and Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor and funding.
After 53 years of operation as a city zoo run by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Prospect Park Zoo, also colloquially known as "Brooklyn Zoo", closed in June 1988 for reconstruction. The closure signaled the start of a five-year, $37 million renovation program that, save for the exteriors of the 1930s-era buildings, completely replaced the zoo. It was rededicated on October 5, 1993, as the Prospect Park Wildlife Conservation Center, as part of a system of four zoos and one aquarium managed by the WCS, all of which are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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Prospect Park Zoo reviews
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Easily walkable. Although it is a small zoo it still had a varied number of animals to see. We enjoyed the walk-through which part of it felt like it was a jungle amidst the zoo. The metal sculptures.... more
Easily walkable. Although it is a small zoo it still had a varied number of animals to see. We enjoyed the walk-through which part of it felt like it was a jungle amidst the zoo. The metal sculptures.... more »
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I love how this zoo felt like it was part of the park. Whereas most zoos create an atmosphere of a little bubble in its own world, Prospect Park Zoo felt like...well, Prospect Park! It was as though..... more
I love how this zoo felt like it was part of the park. Whereas most zoos create an atmosphere of a little bubble in its own world, Prospect Park Zoo felt like...well, Prospect Park! It was as though..... more »
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Very nice location and the small zoo just adds for a day visit, get ready for a walking tour. My dad use to bring me here as kids, I've took my kids as well. This was very different zoo back then from when my dad took us. It's been updated nowadays. If your into family time spent in an outing, then this is for you. Plus you also have the Brooklyn Botanical Garden across the street to also enjoy, if you want to continue your family outing. It's a bit expensive and that's why I gave it four stars. So learn to save like I have. Buy your yearly membership pass that best fits your needs. It's also good for Bronx zoo, Central Park zoo and New York Aquarium. So four places to visit in a year time. Parking is free for Bronx zoo and NY Aquarium. Plus I pack up lunch/sandwiches, snakes, fruits and drinks; head back to the car for lunch time to eat. That's just another way to save money. You also get 10% off on shops and food purchases with your membership pass.
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Went here with my 1 year old. It’s the perfect half day trip! He loves looking at the sea lions. All of the animals seem happy and well cared for. The zoo itself is clean and well managed. Would recommend visiting the zoo and then heading to the children’s corner in the park!
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