Below are Bronx Zoo Frequently Asked Questions which are also available on the Bronx Zoo Forum.
Q: What day of the week is free to the Bronx Zoo?
A: Wednesday is only day of the week that you can enter for free without using special memberships, discounts and passes. Please note that on Wednesdays, you may incur longer than usual wait times due to the crowds.
Q: Does the Bronx Zoo have age restrictions?
A: Yes! The the Bronx Zoo has age restrictions. Any visitor under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a chaperone (or occasionally chaperon) in the Bronx Zoo. Those attending in a school group should see those restrictions.
Q: Is there a parking fee at the Bronx Zoo?
A: Yes! The Bronx Zoo charges for parking. All-day parking for cars is US$13.00 (previously US$12.00) and buses are US$16.00. If you have the WCS membership, the parking fee is waived.* Also, during summer months, the Bronx River Parking lot (Gate B) fills up early and traffic is redirected to the Southern Boulevard parking lot (Gate C). This requires cars to exit the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 7W, Fordham Road. After the blinking light, exit right. At top of exit ramp, make a left onto Southern Boulevard. Gate C can be found at 182nd Street.
Q: What are the hours for the Bronx Zoo?
A: The Bronx Zoo is open daily except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and can be visited Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Holidays, Saturday and Sundays, the hours are extended until 5:30 pm. Tickets will be sold up to half an hour before closing.
Q: Can I smoke at the Bronx Zoo?
A: Yes! You are allowed to smoke at the Zoo but smoking is permitted in designated areas only as The Bronx Zoo is a smoke-free park
Q: Can I feed the animals in the Bronx Zoo?
A: No! Do not feed the animals (unless instructed by posted signs and Zoo staff) or throw things in exhibits. Also, you should stay on public paths at all times for your safety.
Q: Can I touch the animals and plants in the bronx Zoo?
A: For your safety, please respect and leave untouched the plants and native wildlife around you while attending the Bronx Zoo unless instructed by posted signs (such as those at the Children’s/Petting Zoo) and Zoo staff.
Q: Can I bring my pet to the Bronx Zoo?
A: Pets are not permitted. Guests who rely on service animals may bring them into the Zoo, provided that the animals remain properly leashed. Guests are solely responsibility for the care and control of their animals.
Q: Can I bring food to the Bronx Zoo?
A: Yes! However, you must eat and deposit your trash in designated areas. Food, for your convenience, is also sold at the Zoo.
Q: Can I bring my scooter to the Bronx Zoo?
A: Radios, bikes, skateboards, or scooters are not permitted in the Zoo. Also, playing ball and weapons of any kind are not allowed in the Zoo.
Q: Can I walk barefoot in the Bronx Zoo?
A: No! Shirts and shoes are required at all times.
Q: Are there rules on photography at the Bronx Zoo?
A: Non-commercial photography for personal use is allowed, but tripods are restricted in several exhibits, and at the discretion of zoo staff. Commercial photography and filming requests must go through the Communications Department. Please send your request to pr@wcs.org. Also, during your visit, you may be photographed by a WCS employee or authorized guest. Your admission at the Bronx Zoo serves as permission for use of your image by these parties.
Q: I can only visit the Bronx Zoo on Wednesday, what should I do?
A: If you can only visit on Wednesday and have a short stay in the State of New York and wish to avoid waiting in any long lines, you should arrive early or go to the Bronx Zoo Online Discount page where you can make an online donation (currently US$16.00) which allows you to avoid waiting in line at the Admission Booths.
Q: What does the Bronx Zoo do with our money?
A: Every dollar you donate or spend supports wildlife conservation and helps care for animals at the Bronx Zoo and around the world.
Q: Can I visit the Bronx Zoo on weekends or holidays?
A: You are free to visits the Bronx Zoo daily except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Q: Does the Bronx Zoo take Credit Cards?
A: Yes! The Bronx Zoo accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. There are also Bank of America ATMs on site. If you have a Bank of America Card, use it to gain get free admission on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month during promotion times which will end January 2012.
Q: Are weekends free at the Bronx Zoo?
A: Weekends are FREE at the Bronx Zoo for WCS members and during specific times of the year for example Bank of America customers using the Museum on Us Program which will end January 2012.
Q: Do I need a chaperone at the Bronx Zoo?
A: Any visitor under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a chaperone (or occasionally chaperon) in the Bronx Zoo. Also, for school groups, you must provide one adult chaperone (chaperon) for every ten school-age children. Students who do not have adult chaperones will not be able to participate in a tour.
Q: What time does the Bronx Zoo close on Wednesdays?
A: The Bronx Zoo can be visited from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Wednesday. If Wednesday falls on a holiday, the hours are extended until 5:30 pm. Tickets will be sold up to half an hour before closing.
Q: What is the address to the Bronx Zoo?
A: The address to the Bronx Zoo is 2300 Southern Boulevard., Bronx, NY 10460-1099. If you are planning to drive, please plan to arrive early before the Zoo open so you can secure a good parking spot.
Q: Where is the Bronx Zoo Mitsubishi Riverwalk?
A: The Bronx Zoo Mitsubishi Riverwalk is located at Gate B, the Bronx River entrance. Please note that during summer months, the Bronx River Parking lot (Gate B) fills up early and traffic is redirected to the Southern Boulevard parking lot (Gate C). This requires cars to exit the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 7W, Fordham Road. After the blinking light, exit right. At top of exit ramp, make a left onto Southern Boulevard. Gate C can be found at 182nd Street.
Q: Are there fees at the Bronx Zoo Mitsubishi Riverwalk?
A: There are no fees for walking in this area, but parking fees still apply. Since the Mitsubishi Riverwalk is inside the Bronx Zoo, you you have to wait until it open.
Q: How is street parking at the Bronx Zoo?
A: Street parking near the Bronx Zoo is very tight.
Q: Where is it safe to park near the Bronx Zoo?
A: Safe, alternate parking is available at Fordham University.
Q: What time does the Bronx Zoo stop selling tickets?
A: The Bronx Zoo stops selling tickets half an hour before closing time.
Q: How do I get from Queens to the Bronx Zoo?
A: To get from Queens to the Bronx Zoo, you should take the Q44 Bus from Queens to East 180th Street and Boston Road in the Bronx. Exit the Q44 Bus and walk a few blocks to the Zoo (20-30 minute walk) or wait and then transfer to the BX09 Bus located further along on East 180th Street.
Q: Is the pay-one-price ticket worth it?
A: The all-in-one or pay-one-price ticket is worth it if you do all the special exhibits so plan to arrive early.
Q: What rules should I know about the Bronx Zoo?
A: The Bronx Zoo reserve the right to inspect packages, bags, and containers, the right to escort from zoo grounds any individuals or groups who are acting in ways deemed harmful to our animals or the park, or that impinge upon the enjoyment of the park by other guests and videotape or photograph you during your visit.
Q: Who can I call about the Bronx Zoo rules?
A: You may contact the Bronx Zoo at 718-367-1010 regarding questions that you may have about the Bronx Zoo rules.
Q: What are/were POP Tickets?
A: POP (Pay One Price) Tickets is the former name for the Total Experience Tickets.
Q: Are ATM’s at the Bronx Zoo?
A: Yes! ATM’s (Automatic Teller Machines) maintained by Bank of America are available at the Bronx Zoo.
Q: Can we hold our wedding at the Bronx Zoo?
A: Congratulations to you both! There are five (5) exquisite venues for you to hold your wedding where you and your guests will be captivated by the beauty of thousands of fascinating creatures.
*You must arrive at the zoo with your parking pass received with the WCS membership. This can be ordered by mail, online or via phone and takes 3 to 4 weeks. If you purchase it at the admission booth after you paid for parking, you will not get credit towards the parking.
Join us in our New York Forum if you have any comments or questions.
Stephan Pringle
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