Opened in 1992 as the third major zoo in New York City, the Queens Zoo became the second city zoo to be renovated and operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, thanks to a partnership with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreations. Designed as a tribute to American animals, the Queens Zoo is often described as an inner city national park providing visitors with access to replica habitats of the Great Plains, the rocky California coast and the forests of the Northeast. Animals of all shapes and sizes can be found grazing amongst the zoos numerous trees including everything from the American bison and mountain lions to California sea lions and American bald eagles! An outstanding natural vacation oasis for travelers of all ages, the Queens Zoo is currently open all year-round, providing visitors with unlimited access to some of the citys most celebrated residents. Admission to the zoo is just $5 for adults $1 for children and $1.25 for seniors.
The Queens Zoo is very different than the older Central Park and Prospect Park Zoos because it provides travelers with numerous advances in zoo technology and animal management. The successor to the 1968 Flushing Meadows Zoo, the Queens Zoo opened in 1992 amidst much public support, providing the city with one of the largest public zoos and wildlife conservation centers. The new zoo, which was the result of a $16 million reconstruction program, currently features a variety of animal habitats including a section specifically dedicated to South American mammals. Popular residents at the zoo include Otis, the famous coyote rescued from Manhattans Central Park in 1999, the Roosevelt elk and numerous American Bald Eagles. The Queens Zoo is also the only New York City Park to house spectacled bears, an endangered native of the Andes Mountains.
Things to Note before Visiting the Zoo
- The Queens Zoo does not permit animals. Guests who rely on service animals may bring them into the zoo provided they are properly leashed. Guests are solely responsible for the control and care of their animals while inside the park.
- The Queens Zoo is entirely wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair designated parking spots can be found throughout the area so remember to post your wheelchair parking pass in the front of your AAMCAR Car Rentals New York City rent-a-car.
- The Queens Zoo currently features a Gift Shop near the establishments entrance, as well as an automated cafeteria located next to the sea lion pool.
- The Queens Zoo is open 365 days a year; winter hours currently run from 10am until 4:30pm, (no entrance ticket will be sold after 4pm).
Educational Programs at the Queens Zoo
The Queens Zoo is currently home to a wide variety of educationally based programs designed to help enrich almost any AAMCAR Car Rentals New York City wildlife vacation. These programs, which include guided tours of the zoo, community outreach programs, theater screenings and volunteer seminars, are all provide to the public free of charge, so please feel free to take advantage of one during your upcoming visit to the zoo. If you would like to participate in one of the zoos engaging adult tours, AAMCAR Car Rentals New York City strongly suggests calling to book your tour ahead of time as tours often book up fast. To learn more simply call the Registrar at 1-718-271-7361. Corporate AAMCAR Car Rentals New York City clients can also learn more about the zoos community outreach programs by emailing Lauraine at lmerlini@wcs.org.
If you would like to learn more about Queens Zoo before reserving your upcoming AAMCAR Car Rentals New York City rent-a-car please feel free to call the park directly at 1-718-271-1500. The zoo also hosts an interactive website at www.queenszoo.com. The Queens Zoo is located on 53-51 111th Street in Flushing, New York, atop the old 1964 Worlds Fair location.