New York City’s biggest little zoo is an oasis of excitement and fun for nature lovers of all ages. Opened in 1936 as the first “educational zoo” in the nation, the Staten Island Zoo initially focused on the study of reptiles. Today car rental NYC travelers can continue to enjoy the zoo’s scaly preoccupation by visiting the award-winning Serpentarium. Other exciting exhibits also showcase the zoo’s collection of 400 animals, as well as important community programs and research projects. The Staten Island Zoo is a great vacation destination for family vacationers and cute car rental NYC couples so don’t miss your chance to go wild during your upcoming Big Apple vacation! Plan to visit New York City’s favorite zoological park today!
Honoring a Commitment: Creating the Staten Island Zoo
The Staten Island Zoo first opened its doors in 1936 at its current location in Barret Park. The land for the zoo was willed to City of New York by an environmentally conscious woman, Mrs. Edward E. Hardin. The city’s economic depression had little effect on the zoo’s creation and it wasn’t long before people began flocking to this exotic island retreat. Mrs. Edward E. Hardin’s dream for a zoological park was quickly granted and her memory is still honored to this day thanks to the zoo’s active outreach program. New and improved attractions also add to the zoo’s appeal, providing car rental NYC customers with a fun way to learn about exotic animals. Exciting exhibits on display at the zoo right now include the Ralph J. Lamberti Tropical Forest, the internationally acclaimed Serpentarium and the N.Y. State Senator John J. Marchi Aquarium. You and your car rental NYC crew can also get lost in the wild inside the African Savannah at Twilight facility. From rattlesnakes and lizards to antelopes and baboons, the Staten Island Zoo provides car rental NYC customers with access to all their favorite animals.
Are We There Yet?
If you’re looking to entertain the kids for a day during your upcoming car rental NYC family vacation, look no further than the Staten Island Zoo! Kids can’t help but have fun inside this multi-faceted facility! Special activities and planned petting areas allow kids to safely interact with the zoo’s collection of animals, while friendly trainers provide young minds with plenty of captivating information. Kids can even get active during their time at the zoo thanks to the newly built outdoor Children’s Center. Designed like a New England farm, the Children’s Center features a pony ring, domesticated farm animals and a beautifully renovated duck pond. Kids can also choose to mark a milestone at the zoo thanks to special Birthday Party packages. Designed for kids four years and older, these fun parties feature animal demonstrations, crafts and a story. Kids can even opt to have pizza and cake with some of their favorite animals! Making your upcoming car rental NYC vacation fun for both you and the kids is easy thanks to the Staten Island Zoo, so don’t forget to stop by for a fun-filled afternoon!
Two Ways to Staten Island Fun
There are currently two ways to access the Staten Island Zoo. These include:
- The Verrazano Narrows Bridge: Follow 1-278 to the Slosson Avenue exit in your AAMCAR car rental. Turn right. Follow Slosson until you get to Martling Avenue. Turn right again and continue to Clove Road. Free parking for the Zoo will appear on your right hand side. The Zoo’s entrance will be straight ahead.
- The Staten Island Ferry: Once arriving on the Island turn right and proceed along Richmond terrace. Turn left onto Broadway. The Zoo’s entrance will be straight ahead.
An afternoon of wild and crazy fun is waiting for you inside New York City’s biggest little zoo, so what are you waiting for! Plan to visit the Staten Island Zoo today! Admission to the Staten Island Zoo is just $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children. Zoo hours run from 10am to 4:45pm daily. Curious customers can learn more about the Zoo by calling 1-718-442-3100.