Access Review -
Bronx Zoo
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ID: image of the Bronx Zoo entrance with the text "Access Review" on top
General Note
This is a review of the accessibility of the Bronx Zoo as a way to prep folks with various needs before they visit.
This is not meant to scare anyone away from going. As I say when I review shows, most have about the same amount of content warnings and sensory warnings to go along with it, they’re just rarely explicitly written out.
For some people, knowing these things ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy their experience because they know what to expect and can accommodate their needs better. And, often, makes those people more likely to see it in the first place. I hope that it’s helpful!
I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can.
General Access
The Bronx Zoo has put SO much care into their access options so please check out the access section of their website for more information, as well as an accessibility map of the zoo.
You need to reserve your ticket online before you go to the zoo. Wednesdays have either reduced price or free tickets, though you also have to pay for certain attractions that have a star on them (which is covered by the reduced ticket price).
There are signs leaving the Subway stations that direct you toward the zoo
It took me about 5 hours to do the entirety of the zoo (including the time I stopped to have lunch) and I walked about 6 miles in the park. There is a shuttle to help minimize walking time that I did not use (it runs Apr-Oct). They also have mobility scooters (ECVs) you can rent for $50.73 (please note that the ECVs cannot be loaded onto the zoo shuttle) and manual wheelchairs you can rent for free
All buildings are wheelchair accessible. There are spaces around the park that have stairs but will also have signs to let you know where the non-stair option is. They look like this:
[ID: two images of green signs that say “Alternative to stairs” or “Accessible Route” with icons of a wheelchair and a stroller and a white arrow pointed to one side]
Benches: there are so many places to sit throughout! If you don’t see a bench where you are, there’s definitely one less than a 5 minute walk from you
Bathrooms: all labeled on the map and wheelchair accessible, divided into the binary
If you like to draw out your plan of action on a map, they don’t have paper maps, so print one out beforehand! There’s also an interactive map online.
Food: the restaurants can be sort of divided into two categories - snacks or meals - and each one has approximately the same menu as the other ones in its category
The only water bottle filler I found was by the JungleWorld/Monorail entrance, but statistically there were at least 2 more throughout the park somewhere that I couldn’t find
There are KultureCity spaces throughout the park that have signs to designate them as quiet zones (quieter spaces you can chill and regroup) or headphone zones (places that might be on the louder side). These signs look like this:
[ID: an image of a gray sign with the KulturCity logo and the text “Quiet Area” below it]
The quiet zones are located at the Rhino Garden, Zebra Hill, and next to the bears. The headphone zones are by the Bug Carousel, Wild Asia Monorail, Children’s Zoo, and Budgie Landing. You can also borrow a sensory bad at the Guest Relations desk by the sea lions.