'Other' zoos in the New York area

[Newzooboy]

I am planning a trip to New York in March.

Obviously I will be visiting the Bronx Zoo (possibly 2 days) and Central Park Zoo, but was wondering what other zoos/ aquariums in the New York area (public transport or cab) are worth visiting?

I know there is the aquarium on Coney Island and one or two other small collections around but wasn't sure if they are worth a visit (i.e. particularly outstanding/ interesting exhinits or species).

I have a week - but would also want to do some of the other sights (plus I have a wife to keep happy!!).

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

 

[Zooplantman]

Of course with museums, theater, some fine gardens (even in March), great restaurants, odd shops, etc there is plenty to keep you busy in NYC for a week.
So as for zoos: Yes the Bronx. Yes Central Park (merely because it is so easy to get to and see). The only other zoo "must see" I can think of is the Philadelphia Zoo because of the new treetop trail. But will primates be out on it in March? Perhaps not. You could easily catch a train to Philadelphia for a day trip. But keep that option as a last minute plan if the zoo confirms the Trail is in use.

Of the rest (Prospect Park/Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens Zoo, even The Maritime Aquarium (Norwalk, Connecticut): they are nice. But you're just in NYC for a week! If it's a beautiful Sunday, go to Central Park to see how New Yorkers greet Spring. Go to Brooklyn to see where cutting edge New York now exists. Go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or a Knicks game, or the High Line, or Grand Central Station, or anything!

Have a great trip

 

[uszoo]

Besides central park and the bronx the other new york zoos are all nice but are small and not worth visiting over your time. As zooplantman recommended the high line is a great place to visit in the city. Also the two museums I would recommend are the met museum of art and for animal loves the natural history museum. It is massive and has tons of animals, dinosaurs and other interesting things. After visiting the zoo the rest of central park is a must, it is an amazing place. Have fun.

 

[Newzooboy]

Thank you both for excellent advice!

Really looking forward to my first trip to the US (odd, I've been to Canada a few times but never ventured south of the border).

So.....looks like we will be staying in Brooklyn.....so will definitely get to see the 'cutting edge'!

The Coney Island aquarium will be first on the 'zoo' list, mainly becuase its so close to where we will be staying and becuase of walrus (a bogey species of mine - saw about 6 inches of the back end of one in Hamburg and when I went to Valencia aquarium they were off-show) and sea otters (seen once before in Antwerp but no good photos).

Bronx and Central Park Zoos will be done mid-week (plus some other Central Park delights).

I will probably also venture to Queens Zoo for an hour or two - mainly for the Pronghorn - unless they have them at the Bronx?

Propsect Park Zoo will also be close to us, but a reserve choice.

Rest of time we will be in Manhatten and Brooklyn.....will definitely try the Natural History Museum too.

Plus, no doubt, a load of other stuff.

10 weeks and counting!