A crisp morning in the Bronx Zoo

On a brief trip back home I did something I hadn’t done in years… take a trip to the zoo. Not just any zoo, the Bronx zoo. It’s probably the best zoo in my country. The only problem was the frigid temperatures. Still, some other members of the polar bear club (lol) braved the cold.

Some creatures love the cold, and the snow leopard is one of them.

The Bronx Zoo is located near Fordham University (The voice of the Yankees — Michael Kay’s alma mater) and not far from the New York Botanical Gardens. If you’re in the area there are plenty of food spots inside and outside of the zoo. Little Italy is right there, so if you’re in the mood for pizza or a hero you’re looking good.

The zoo offers several memberships: singles – for zoo and aquarium $115 per year, couples – $195, and family passes are $320 or $225 if you just want the zoo pass. Memberships have options for parking and 4D theater tickets. Some of the proceeds from memberships go towards conservation of the animals and maintenance of the habitats and contributes to education for students.

https://bronxzoo.com/shop/ticket-options

Another cool thing about the zoo is the education in action approach that resonates with some students. Some kids don’t learn as well staring at a computer screen or reading from a book. The zoo gives them a chance to see animals in action! They get to see how insects camouflage, read about why seals stay out in the winter and the diet of the penguins. I am a big fan.

Some of the Animals from the Asia exhibit.

This visit wasn’t quite as momentous as my other visits because most of the outdoor exhibits are closed during the winter. You have a few animals who welcome the cold, so you can still see the ducks, penguins, snow leopard, seals, birds and the peacocks (which have become a fixture of the zoo).

If you do come during winter, all is not lost. The House of Darkness, Asia, and a couple other habitats are entirely indoors. Come in, take a break from the cold, and see the cool as a cucumber crocodile. If lizards, large or small make your skin crawl, there are other outdoor exhibits open after fall.

Wednesdays are free days. During the school year especially spring — expect the zoo to be packed to the gills. You can pack brown bag lunches with no frills or go to the cafe and get a piping hot chocolate to escape winter’s chill.