The Bronx Zoo’s Animal Chronicles
The Bronx Zoo, a cherished NYC gem for residents, marked its 125th birthday this year with a one-of-a-kind celebration. In April, the zoo hosted a spectacular event featuring exclusive performances by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers and the Harambee Dance Company, alongside drummers. The ceremony was a testament to the community’s love and support. As a special treat, we were granted an exclusive preview of the new exhibit, Animal Chronicles, now open to the public. This is a unique opportunity for families passionate about nature and wildlife. It’s the perfect destination for a memorable family day in New York this summer.
Celebrating 125 Years of the Bronx Zoo
Since its establishment in 1899, the Bronx Zoo has been a popular destination for families in the city and surrounding areas. It has become a New York City cultural icon, drawing visitors from all over. The Bronx Zoo prides itself on being a place where all guests feel at home, a sentiment echoed by zoo director Jim Breheny.
At the press event in April, Jim Breheny, a Bronx native, proudly shared that he has been working at the Bronx Zoo since he was 14, and now, about 50 years later, he’s the director. His journey is a testament to the opportunities and growth that the Bronx Zoo can offer. He shared this story with a room filled with people but spoke directly to a few special guests in the front rows, a group of 5th-grade students from PS 205 invited to participate in the celebration. He told them they could be in his position one day and become part of the Bronx Zoo community.
While the Bronx Zoo has done incredible work in wildlife conservation, as an organization, it takes pride in continuing to be an impactful space for the Bronx community. It’s the city’s largest employer of youth in the Bronx and the largest STEM education provider in New York City. It offers paid internships and many opportunities for the community’s youth to grow. As Borough President Vanessa Gibson said that day, “We need to continue to invest in all of our cultural institutions, just like the Bronx Zoo.” She finished with a special proclamation, officially making April 18 Bronx Zoo Day.
The exciting proclamation called for cake and photos, and the ceremony closed out with a special gift from the students of PS 205: a poster made to honor the Bronx Zoo’s 125th anniversary. As the ceremony closed, guests were allowed to visit Animal Chronicles, the zoo’s latest must-see exhibit.
All About Animal Chronicles
Animal Chronicles, the zoo’s latest immersive exhibit, is a quarter-mile ADA-accessible walk-through of 13 scenes of eco-friendly sculptures. Along the walk, families will find expert guides who tell the historic animal stories with the entire family. Each sculpture tells a unique story, sharing the tales of the animals that call the Bronx Zoo home and the dedicated efforts made to protect them. The sculptures in this exhibit are a wonderful mix of art and eco-friendly materials that will make any family marvel. Each piece is made from sustainable materials such as Spanish moss, palm fiber, bamboo, riverstone, and hemp.
Animal Chronicles is not just a walk-through exhibit; it’s an interactive journey that captivates visitors of all ages. As you explore the trail, you can unlock digital storybooks using QR Codes, offering a dynamic and engaging way to delve deeper into the world of these fascinating animals and the zoo’s conservation efforts. Families can learn about stories such as ‘The Recovery of a River,’ which highlights the efforts of the Bronx community in cleaning up The Bronx River, and ‘Over a Century of Saving Bison,’ which tells the story of how the Bronx Zoo began working to save Bison many years ago. These stories are not only educational but also inspiring, as they showcase the power of collective effort in making a positive impact on the environment.
The Animal Chronicles exhibit is included in the price of admission. This means every visitor can spend a full day exploring the zoo and learning all about wildlife conservation. However, the exhibit is only available for a limited time, so we suggest families start planning today. The exhibit will be open daily through Labor Day, giving you plenty of time to plan your visit.
Planning Your Visit
The Bronx Zoo is located at 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460. The park has different operating hours depending on the season. From March 29 to November 2, 2024, the park is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on weekends and holidays from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. From November 3, 2024, to March 2025, the park is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Admission to the Bronx Zoo includes unlimited Star Attractions. Admission prices start at $37.75+ for adults (13 and over), $33.25+ for seniors (65 and over), $28.75+ for children (3 – 12), and children (2 and under) enter for free.
The Bronx Zoo offers group rates for school & youth groups, education programs, self-led field trips, and all other groups.
All-day parking is available for cars at $22 and for buses at $24. Weekend Preferred Parking at Fountain Circle is also available for $30. Additionally, families can rent single strollers for $14.70, double strollers for $20.25, and wheelchairs free of charge. Electric Convenience Vehicles are also available for $50.63 (S. Blvd entrance only).
The Bronx Zoo has been a beloved destination for families for over a century. Animal Chronicles is a must-see exhibit for families this summer, especially those who love nature and animals. So, pack your bags, bring your family along, and enjoy this exciting new exhibit at the Bronx Zoo.
