Brooklyn · Kings County
Prospect Park Zoo
NYC Parks
- Location
- 450 Flatbush Avenue, Prospect Park, Prospect Heights
- Size
- 12 (within Prospect Park) acres
- Hours
- Daily 10 AM - 5 PM (seasonal)
- Type
- NYC Parks
Prospect Park Zoo is a 12-acre accredited zoo within Prospect Park, operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, featuring over 800 animals representing approximately 175 species in naturalistic habitat exhibits.
The zoo was originally opened in 1935 and was completely redesigned in 1993 with three themed areas: the World of Animals (featuring red pandas, dingoes, and baboons), the Animal Lifestyles building, and the Discovery Center for children.
The Sea Lion Court, the zoo's centerpiece, features California sea lions performing feeding demonstrations that delight visitors of all ages. The sea lions' pool is surrounded by a landscaped courtyard with views of the surrounding Prospect Park forest.
The Wildlife Conservation Society, which also operates the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium, and Queens Zoo, uses the Prospect Park Zoo as a center for conservation education and family programming.
Prospect Park Zoo provides an intimate, child-friendly zoo experience within Brooklyn's greatest park, where the WCS's global conservation mission meets the everyday needs of Brooklyn families seeking affordable outdoor education and entertainment.