Prospect Park Zoo

Prospect Park Zoo is a zoological garden in Brooklyn that houses over 850 animals from around 175 species on about 12 acres of parkland. The facility divides its exhibits into three thematic zones that group animals by habitat and adaptation.

The site began in 1890 as a small menagerie and became a city-operated facility in 1935 under Parks Commissioner Robert Moses. A complete renovation in the late 1980s introduced the current design based on climate zones rather than geography.

Visitors walk through indoor spaces where animals live in natural groupings based on climate zones rather than continents. The sea lion pool sits at the center of the main courtyard, surrounded by brick pathways that connect the different pavilions.

The grounds work well for a two-hour visit, especially in the morning when animals are more active. All areas are accessible with strollers and wheelchairs, and shade is plentiful in the courtyards and covered pavilions.

The red brick buildings date from the 1988 redesign and reference traditional 19th-century farmhouse architecture. Baboons live on an outdoor island surrounded by water moats that separate them from visitor paths.

Location: Brooklyn

Operator: Wildlife Conservation Society

Opening Hours: closed

Website: http://prospectparkzoo.com

GPS coordinates: 40.66577,-73.96436

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30