A Compact Wildlife Park Pairs Sea Lions With Rainforest

Start with the sea lions, then work through a compact circuit that packs several distinct habitats into one Manhattan stop. Snow leopards and mongoose habitats sit near Treena’s Overlook, where grizzly bears climb rocks against a skyline backdrop. Inside the Tropic Zone, a humid rainforest houses free flying birds, lemurs, and monkeys. The zoo stays open from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, with a half hour added on Saturday and Sunday.

Main admission also covers the Tisch Children’s Zoo, where kids can feed sheep and goats for 50 cents in a dedicated petting area. Tickets are date specific and booked in advance. Daily feedings across the exhibits give the visit a natural pace, and the Wildlife Conservation Society manages the grounds. The whole loop fits a quick two hour outing. Head to East 64th Street and Fifth Avenue, then move from the open air exhibits into the rainforest and back out toward the city.