New York State has some of the oldest and largest zoos in the country, including a drive-thru zoo.
From the intimate Adirondack Animal Land to the Bronx Zoo in New York City, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy local, regional, and exotic sea and land-based wildlife in New York, regardless of the location in the state.
Adults and children will be delighted and dazzled by the numerous insects, fish, reptiles, and animals on display.
In addition, you can encounter endangered animals in Binghamton, marvel at massive elephants in Syracuse, feed animals in Rome, or see the tall Masai giraffes in Rochester!
Keep reading to learn more about the best zoos and aquariums in New York!
10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in New York
The following are some of the best zoos and aquariums in New York.
Many of these destinations are so large that they also feature aquariums on the property.
Ten: Bear Mountain Trailside Zoo
- Located north of New York City, Bear Mountain Trailside Zoo features a zoo and four museums:
- Geology Museum – instructs guests about local geographic formations and natural resources.
- Herpetology House – features native turtles and reptiles.
- History Museum – explore local human presence.
- Nature Study Museum – holds specimens collected by the Museum of Natural History.
In addition to these multiple attractions, part of the Zoo is under renovation for new animal habitats, typically during the weekdays.
Some of the best attractions at the Zoo include a meandering path on the grounds where you wander past bears, beavers, eagles, and coyotes.
Other points of interest include stunning views of the Hudson River, a statute of Walt Whitman, and a paved section of the Appalachian Train.
Given its location in the Hudson Valley, the entire experience connects visitors with the great outdoors, many of whom go for a hike or walk in the woodlands after visiting the Zoo!
Nine: Utica Zoo
Founded in 1909, the Utica Zoo began as a land plot donated by philanthropist and industrialist Thomas R. Proctor, who wanted to serve Roscoe Conklin Park to the public, like Central Park.
Therefore, Proctor hired Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., a prominent architect, to design the park’s walkways and roads during this time.
The Zoo took shape within the park shortly after, which started with three European fallow deer and expanded to 35 acres of property (with 80 acres still available) and 100 animal species.
The Utica Zoo fell under the stewardship of the Utica Zoological Society in 1964 and expanded to include an education department in 1973.
The biggest attractions at the Utica Zoo include extensive educational activities, including spring and summer camps and STEAM-based learning.
Eight: Zoo New York
Located in Watertown, NY, Zoo New York started in 1920 when the Northern New York Trust Company donated two deer to Thompson Park.
The Zoo gradually expanded as the Thompson Park Zoo by purchasing additional animals funded by the Children’s Park Zoo Club.
As a result, zoo New York is now the second most visited destination within the Thousand Island Region, with over 50,000 visitors annually.
Over 800 member households support Zoo New York, and 10,000 attendees join the Zoo’s educational offerings, which aim to inspire and promote conservation.
The best attractions include Wine Art & The Wild in June, which features art classes and wine vendors, and the Boo at the Zoo Halloween event in October.
Visitors are also privy to elk feeding and keeper chats, which discuss different animals.
Seven: Ross Park Zoo
The Ross Park Zoo in Binghamton is located directly south of Zoo New York.
As the fifth oldest Zoo in the U.S., the Ross Park Zoo opened in 1875 and consumes 90 acres of land with 100 species scattered across the grounds.
The Zoo emphasizes conservation education and has developed an outreach program serving over 20,000 people in the Binghamton area.
This Zoo features several endangered species, including the red wolf, red panda, Amur leopard, and African penguin.
In addition to the endangered species, Wild Encounters is a popular attraction in addition to the endangered species as it allows visitors to engage with many animals, including red pandas.
Additionally, the Zoo features sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza, and other snacks at various locations throughout the property.
Six: Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Syracuse is home to Rosamond Gifford Zoo, which over 900 animals call the location home.
Founded in 1914, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo was initially accredited by the Association of Zoo and Aquariums in 1987, which ensures the animals are in the best possible living conditions.
Must-see attractions at this Zoo include the Helga Beck Asian Elephant Preserve, the U.S.S. Antiquities Cave, and the Social Animals Building.
This Zoo focuses on being able to interact with and see the animals in a variety of ways.
The Zoo is open year-round except on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Five: Buffalo Zoo
The Buffalo Zoo is the third oldest Zoo in the United States, being in continuous operation since 1875.
The Zoo started when Jacob E. Bergtold added a pair of deer on display in Delaware Park and the Zoo has been expanding ever since.
From American bison to African lions to birds, amphibians, fish, reptiles, invertebrates, mammals, and Hellbenders, the Buffalo Zoo offers many different animal species for visitors.
The best restaurant at the Zoo is the Wild Burger Zoo, which features vegetarian and carnivore options.
Additionally, this Zoo partners with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization that promotes “sensory acceptance and accessibility for those with invisible disabilities.”
At admission, guests can request noise-reducing headphones, visual cue cards, fidgets, and sunglasses as part of a sensory bag.
Four: Seneca Park Zoo
Located in Rochester, the Seneca Park Zoo is home to around 100 species scattered across the 20-acre park.
Opened in 1894, this Zoo hosts various special events, such as Summer Experiences during the warmer months, Breakfast with anta, Zooilation, ZooBrew, ZooBoo, and the Jungle Jog.
This 5K race goes around the park and through the Zoo.
Additionally, Seneca Park Zoo offers Masai giraffe feedings, an excellent opportunity for the children to connect with nature.
The park features two concession stands, the Crater Canteen and Eagle’s Landing Café.
As an additional bonus, visitors can bring outside food in to have a picnic.
Three: Central Park Zoo
Since 1850, this little section of Central Park has exhibited various animals, such as playful sea lions, a red panda, and a snow leopard.
The Central Park Zoo also features penguins, poisonous frogs, reptiles, birds, a petting zoo, and a 4D theater.
The Zoo is sectioned into four areas, with a sea lion pool as the central focus.
Best of all, the Central Park Zoo is small enough to make a morning visit quickly, walk across the entire grounds, and have time for lunch!
The Zoo also contains an aquarium, an excellent place for children to view exotic aquatic life from around the world.
Two: New York Aquarium
Located in Manhattan, the New York Aquarium is the oldest in the U.S., making it a must-see destination when visiting.
First opening in Battery Park in 1896, the aquarium moved in 1957 to Coney Island, where it continues to operate.
The Wildlife Conservation Society runs the aquarium as part of an integrated aquarium and zoo system, like at the Bronx Zoo.
The aquarium has plenty of activities, including the 4D theater and Aquartheater.
In addition, kids can get up close and personal with some of their favorite marine life, such as sea otters, turtles, and sharks.
One: Bronx Zoo
Comprised of 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan Zoo in the U.S. and one of the largest on Earth.
As the setting for “The Zoo,” an Animal Planet original series, the Bronx Zoo has been dazzling and engaging visitors since 1899!
The most popular attractions at the Zoo include the Butterfly Garden, which runs from April until October, Tiger Mountain, Congo gorillas, and orange langurs.
Given the size of this Zoo, there are a mind-boggling number of amenities.
For instance, the Dancing Crane Café is located near the Zoo Center and Bronx Zoo Store.
The Patio is an excellent place for boxed lunches near the Children’s Zoo; the Pecking Order can be found at the Northern Ponds and the Asia Plaza near Jungle World, to name a few.
10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in New York – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Bear Mountain Trailside Zoo | 3006 Seven Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain, NY 10911, USA |
| Utica Zoo | 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501, USA |
| Zoo New York | 1 Thompson Park, Watertown, NY 13601, USA |
| Ross Park Zoo | 60 Morgan Rd, Binghamton, NY 13903, USA |
| Rosamond Gifford Zoo | 1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse, NY 13204, USA |
| Buffalo Zoo | 300 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA |
| Seneca Park Zoo | 2222 St Paul St, Rochester, NY 14621, USA |
| Central Park Zoo | East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021, United States |
| New York Aquarium | 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA |
| Bronx Zoo | 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10460, USA |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many zoos and aquariums are in New York State?
The state features 15 zoos and aquariums, with some of the best in New York’s largest cities, including New York City, Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Utica.
How many zoos and aquariums are in New York City?
New York City currently has five zoos and one dedicated aquarium. Each borough features one Zoo, the Bronx Zoo being the largest metropolitan option in the U.S.
The New York Aquarium is the only dedicated aquarium in the state; all others are part of a zoo complex.
What makes the Bronx Zoo such a popular destination?
World-renowned for its diverse and massive animal collection, the Bronx Zoo features award-winning exhibitions and is integrated into a system of zoos and aquariums offered by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredits the Bronx Zoo to ensure animal and human safety.
What is the largest aquarium in New York?
While many aquariums exist in the state, they are small because they are part of a zoo complex.
However, the New York Aquarium is the largest and only dedicated aquarium.
Located in New York City, this 14-acre facility boasts 266 fish species and other sea life.
The main exhibits include Ocean Wonders: Sharks, Spineless, Sea Cliffs, the Conservation Hall, the PlayQuarium, and the Aqua Theater.
New York has a wide variety of zoos and aquariums, each offering unique experiences and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.