Bronx Zoo

[winterstar]

I am thinking of visiting the Bronx Zoo when I am in NYC. The biggest zoo I have ever been to has been the Toronto Zoo. Is there anyone out there who has been to both and can tell me how they compare?

Thanks!

[Joanandjoe]

We go to the Bronx Zoo 8-10 times a year, and haven't been to the TO zoo in about 20 years, so we may be a bit out of date. If memory serves, TO metro zoo is a suburban zoo with more space than the Bronx Zoo. Both are small enough that you can see most of the zoo in 1/2 day, all in an exhausting day. If you like zoos, go for it.

 

If you are staying in Manhattan, we suggest going to the smaller, but much more convenient, Central Park Zoo. It's compact but lovely, and still has sa lions. (The sea lion tank in the Bronx is closed until 2007.) You can still see polar bears, penguins, and lots of hot weather animals, while staying close to other Manhattan attractions. The tropical building is also a botanical garden and insectarium. It all depends on how much time you have in NYC.

 

Here are a few things which have similarities to things in Halifax:

 

South Street Seaport - lots of old ships and small museum buildings.

 

Art museums - we have lots of them. Seafood restautrants--ditto.

 

Ferry rides. The Staten Island ferry is even nicer than the Dartmouth ferry, and it will give you a preview of your sailaway. It's free, which is a lot better than having to spend a tooney. (But it will cost you $2 each way to take a subway to the ferry.) You'll be close to the World Trade Center, South St. Seaport, Chinatown, and the old graveyards.

 

Old graveyards-at Trinity Church and St. Paul's.

 

We hope you have a great time in the big apple!