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Bronx Zoo

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This article is about the zoo; for the TV series see The Bronx Zoo (TV); for the book "The Bronx Zoo" about the Yankees, see Sparky Lyle, its author.
Bronx Zoo
File:Wildlife Conservation Society logo.gif
Wildlife Conservation Society that oversees the Bronx Zoo
Asia Gate Entrance
Map
Date openedNovember 8, 1899 [1]
Location2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx Park, Bronx, New York, 10460, USA
MembershipsAZA
Websitehttp://www.bronxzoo.com/

The Bronx Zoo is a world-famous zoo located within the Bronx Park, in the Bronx borough of New York City. The largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, the Bronx Zoo comprises 265 acres (1.07 km2) of parklands and naturalistic habitats, through which the Bronx River flows. The Bronx Zoo is south of the New York Botanical Garden. Privately owned estates previously occupied the land which became of the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden. In the 1880s, New York State set aside the land for future development as parks. In 1895, New York State chartered the New York Zoological Society (later renamed to Wildlife Conservation Society)[1] for the purpose of founding a zoo.

The zoo opened its doors to the public on November 8, 1899, featuring 843 animals in 22 exhibits. Heins & LaFarge designed the original permanent buildings as a series of Beaux-Arts pavilions grouped around the large circular sea lion pool. [2] In 2006, the Bronx Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, many of which are endangered or threatened species.[3]

Recent news

Bronx Zoo made the news in August 2006 when it agreed to enter a rare snow leopard cub, Leo -- found in northern Pakistan -- into its breeding program. The 13-month-old cub was found stuck in mud following a landslide in Naltar Valley which killed its mother. A Pakistani shepherd in the area found the cub with its female sibling, but the latter died a week later due to malnutrition. He then handed over the cub to Pakistani authorities who took care of him, but since there are no captive breeding programs or rehabilitation center for snow leopards in Pakistan, it was decided to hand over the cub to Bronx Zoo. The leopard will be returned to its place of birth following construction of a rehab facility in the Naltar Valley with US cooperation. [1] [2] [3]

In November 2006, the Zoo opened up brand-new eco-friendly restrooms outside the Bronx River Gate. According to the Clivus Multrum company, which built the composting toilets chosen by the Zoo, these facilities will service 500,000 people and save 1,000,000 gallons of water a year. [4] [5] In March 2007, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Fordham University Graduate School of Education announced they will offer a joint program leading to a Master of Science degree in education and New York state initial teacher certification in adolescent science education (biology grades 7-12). The program will begin in 2008 and is the first of joint degree program of its kind. The bronx zoo new madagascar exhibit opened june 20,2008 [6]

References

  1. ^ a b Brief History of the Bronx Zoo
  2. ^ Bridges, William. Gathering of Animals: An unconventional history of the New York Zoological Society. New York: Harper & Row, 1974.
  3. ^ annual_06.v8.indd

See also

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