Queens Zoo

Ever wonder what a bison roaming the Great Plains feels like? At the Queens Zoo, you get a taste of that wild American spirit, right here in the heart of New York City. The Queens Zoo isn’t your typical menagerie. This 11-acre park, nestled within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, has a unique story to tell. It started life in 1968 as the Flushing Meadows Zoo, a dream of Parks Commissioner Robert Moses. He envisioned a zoo unlike any other, a place where animals roamed freely, not confined to cages. The Queens Zoo is still driven by that vision today, showcasing animals native to the Americas in naturalistic habitats. Imagine that. Bison graze in spacious enclosures with hidden heated rocks. Pumas stalk through their territory, just as they would in the wild. Even the zoo’s aviary is a piece of history, repurposed from the 1964 World’s Fair. Originally the Winston Churchill Pavilion, this geodesic dome now houses a vibrant ecosystem of native birds. The Queens Zoo faced near extinction in 2003 due to budget cuts. But the community rallied, petitions circulated, and the city restored funding. This allowed the Queens Zoo to not only survive but to thrive. It now boasts over 75 species, a testament to its commitment to conservation and education. The Queens Zoo also actively participates in breeding programs, contributing to the survival of species like the Andean bear. The first Andean bear born at the zoo arrived in 2017, and several more cubs have followed. It’s not just about seeing animals here. It’s about connecting with the wild heart of the Americas, right here in Queens. The Queens Zoo offers a unique blend of history, nature, and community spirit, making it a must-see for any visitor.