Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
Staten Island Zoo
The aquarium at the Staten Island Zoo
The Staten Island Zoo is New York City’s biggest little zoo, an oasis of nature and wildlife in Staten Island’s suburban landscape.
There is so much to see, do and experience at the Staten Island Zoo, whether you are
young or old, a nature and wildlife enthusiast or just looking to broaden your horizons. From enjoying the multitude of animal exhibits from servals to bobcats to partaking in the very popular seasonal events such as SPOOKTACULAR and Staten Island’s Annual Italian festival, FESTA ITALIANA, occurring every June, the Zoo is a place for families, friends, and neighbors to come together.
Opened in 1936 to teach youngsters about wildlife and conservation and accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums in 1988, the Zoo is perpetually expanding renowned exhibits and building new ones as well.
The Staten Island Zoo features an internationally acclaimed reptile collection with one of the most extensive collections of North American rattlesnakes housed in a brand-new, state-of-the-art, interactive reptile wing, featuring the "Fear Zone," all about venomous critters. The Zoo’s African Savannah Exhibit features a number of exotic animals that are native to the vast grasslands of central and southern Africa, such as leopards, mandrills, lizards, and meerkats.
The Zoo also features a tropical forest, an aquarium, and a New England farm themed Children’s Center complete with farm animals. Children will enjoy the Kids Korral, a barn and petting area, as well as pony rides. There is also an exhibit for the Zoo's otters where you can view our festive friends either below the water or out in the open in their spacious quarters. The Zoo also recently added a beautiful bobcat exhibit to the left of the Broadway entrance. A viewing glass allows the Bobcats to safely get close to visitors while also housing climbing rocks, a waterfall and a scenic backdrop depicting an abundance of foliage.
It also takes pride in the number of education programs it sponsors. The Staten Island Zoo offers opportunities for people of all ages paying particular attention to children, students, and teachers. Its educational summer and weekend camp programs, teacher workshops, in-school presentations, and programs designed for specific organizations like the Boys Scouts and Girls Scouts, the Zoo continuously uses its resources and expertise to challenge the minds of both our young and old.
The Staten Island ZOO keeps getting bigger and better! As New York City’s biggest little zoo certainly, it certainly lives up to its name!
Be sure to visit the Zoo’s website to get current information on the variety of events and programs occurring at the Zoo every day.
Address: 614 Broadway
Phone number: 718-442-3100
Admission: $8.00 for adults (15 and over), $6.00 for Seniors (60 and over), $5.00 for children (3-14) and free for children under 3 years of age and for all members. After 2 p.m. on Wednesdays admission is free.
Hours of Operation: 10am – 4:45pm – 7 days a week
The Staten Island Website:
Photo by Michael Falco