Queens Zoo - Flushing, New York - small wildlife park open year round

Located in Flushing, Queens, the Queens Zoo is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society for the City of New York. Opened in 1992, it took its place as the fourth New York City Wildlife Park, following the Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium and the Central Park Zoo. A year later, the Wildlife Conservation Society opened the Prospect Park Zoo to complete its holdings. In combination, the five parks host more than 4 million visitors each year.

The Queens Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo's focus on domestic and American animals makes it a particularly attractive zoo for families with small children. Its five acres are divided among naturalistic habitats that house farm animals, plains animals, forest animals and animals that make their homes in the marshlands and South American forests.

Among the most popular of the exhibits at the Queens Zoo is the Sea Lion Pool. Located at the center of the park, the Sea Lion pool is a focal point of most family visits to the Zoo. The three sea lion feedings attract a crowd of children and adults to enjoy the spectacle of the California sea lions interacting with their trainers at meal time. Zookeepers who work with the sea lions are often on hand to answer questions and chat with visitors about the habits of their charges. After the sea lions eat their fill, families can follow suit with a light snack or meal at the new Zoo Caf,, overlooking the sea lion pool.

The Aviary rivals the Sea Lion Pool in popularity. Housed in a geodesic dome originally built for the 1964-65 Worlds Fair, the Aviary is home to an assortment of birds and other creatures in a variety of habitats. Visitors follow a trail that winds its way up from the forest floor to the tree tops, giving them a birds eye view of the entire park. Ducks, geese and turkey populate the forest floor. Higher in the trees, visitors will find cardinals, egrets and porcupines, among other birds and forest animals.

Another notable attraction at the Queens Zoo is the Woodland Trail which features interactive exhibits and a walking trail that winds through a wooded habitat. The elk and hoot owls get their share of attention, but the undisputed stars are the big cats, including a Canadian lynx and a pair of pumas.

In addition to the exhibits, the Queens Zoo offers programs and activities for schools, groups and families. These include guided tours and interactive activities at the zoo, as well as private tours, special hands-on activities and arts and crafts projects designed to familiarize children with animals, their habitats and the need for wildlife conservation.

The Queens Zoo is open 365 days a year. Hours vary according to season. Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children under 12. Discounts are available for seniors, and Education Department programs include zoo admission. For more information about admission and other programs at the Queens Zoo, call 718-220-5100.