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My District: Is Home to the Bronx Zoo

The world-renowned zoo recently celebrated its 125th birthday.

By Nora Caley  |  January 16, 2025
New York Gustavo Rivera
Rivera

Located on 265 acres of hardwood forest in the New York City borough of the Bronx, the Bronx Zoo offers more than just a fun place for kids to see some of their favorite animals. Attractions include interactive exhibits, zookeeper-led Wild Encounters, Migratory Bird Day outings for adults, and other educational programs. There is also the Bug Carousel, a nature trek over bridges and obstacles, and a trolley that shuttles visitors from the Wild Asia exhibit to Zoo Center, with a stop at Tiger Mountain.

The Bronx Zoo is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, which also manages zoos in Central Park, Prospect Park and Queens and the New York Aquarium. The network attracted 3.5 million visitors in 2023, and the Bronx Zoo’s reach extends even further with “The Zoo,” a docuseries on Animal Planet. Each year more than 1,400 visitors ages 14 to 24 participate in enrichment, volunteer, internship and employment opportunities across the five parks. Most of these opportunities are at the Bronx Zoo, and WCS is the largest employer of young adults in the Bronx.

The zoo, which opened in 1899, celebrated its 125th anniversary in November last year with a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Wondrous World of Wildlife float depicted the Russian boreal forest with an Amur tiger; the African savanna with a giraffe, a Grevy’s zebra, an ostrich and the Von der Decken’s hornbill; and the African rainforest with the western lowland gorilla, okapi and African grey parrot.

NCSL caught up with Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D), whose District 33 includes the zoo.

What does the Bronx Zoo mean for your district?

The Bronx Zoo is a source of pride, embodying a commitment to environmental stewardship and education for our district and the city. Located in the heart of the Bronx, the zoo is a vital center for wildlife conservation, providing families and children with the opportunity to learn about and appreciate biodiversity.

The Bronx Zoo is more than just a destination; it promotes environmental awareness and fosters a sense of responsibility toward our planet. Attracting visitors throughout the year from across the city and around the world, it plays a key role in bringing diverse communities together, inspiring future generations to advocate for wildlife conservation.

98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024The zoo, which opened in 1899, celebrated its 125th anniversary in November last year with a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images)

Have you been to the zoo? What’s your favorite part?

Absolutely! I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Bronx Zoo numerous times with my family, with constituents, and alongside friends and colleagues. Each visit has been a joy, so it’s challenging to select just one favorite spot. The real charm of the zoo lies in its diverse attractions, where you can experience the wonders of the World of Reptiles, the excitement of the Congo Gorilla Fest, the majesty of Tiger Mountain and the beauty of the Birds of Prey, among many other incredible exhibits.

I must commend the dedicated staff at the zoo. Their warmth and willingness to assist ensure that every visitor feels welcomed and valued.

How important was the zoo’s recent 125th anniversary celebration?

Celebrating 125 years is a significant milestone that reflects the Bronx Zoo’s deep ties to local residents and allure to visitors from around the world. As one of the largest wildlife conservation parks in the United States, the zoo has made continuous progress in its journey for our city and the animals the Wildlife Conservation Society protects around the world. The anniversary also serves as an opportunity to engage the community in an important conversation about the need for investment in cultural institutions that serve our community through educational opportunities.

What else is great about your district? What else should visitors see?

The Bronx offers wonderful places to visit and enjoy! One of my favorite places to spend time is Arthur Avenue, the real Little Italy of New York City, where there are so many spots to find delicious, authentic Italian food and other cuisines. You can complete the experience with a beer at the Bronx Beer Hall in the heart of the historic Arthur Avenue Retail Market.

I encourage visitors to explore the New York Botanical Garden, which features stunning landscapes and impressive plant collections. You can’t go wrong with a bagel from Riverdale Bagels on Riverdale Avenue or an incredible kosher meal with tons of vegan options at Moss Cafe on Johnson Avenue. I am proud to have lived in the northwest Bronx for over 20 years, 14 of them as a proud state senator for the incredible neighborhoods I represent, and I invite everyone to discover the beautiful attractions my borough has to offer.

The area is also represented by Assembly Member George Alvarez (D), District 78.

Nora Caley is a Denver-based freelance writer.

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