The zoo's iconic geodesic dome aviary was designed by architect Buckminster Fuller for the 1964 New York World's Fair.
The facility is home to a population of California sea lions that receive regular enrichment training.
The zoo occupies a portion of the site that formerly hosted the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs.
It specializes in housing species exclusively from North and South America, rather than a global collection.
The Andean bear exhibit is one of the primary conservation focuses of the facility.
The Queens Zoo is an 18-acre facility located within Flushing Meadows Corona Park that focuses on animals native to the Americas. It is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society and serves as a significant urban wildlife refuge. The zoo features a notable geodesic dome aviary originally constructed for the 1964 World's Fair. Visitors can observe species such as Andean bears, pumas, and sea lions. The landscape is designed to mimic natural habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and forests. The zoo also maintains an educational domestic animal area focused on farming history. It remains an active site for animal conservation and local environmental outreach.
The interior of the historic geodesic dome, which provides a unique architectural backdrop for bird photography.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Flushing Meadows Corona Park to see the Unisphere.
Check the zoo website for scheduled animal feeding times to see more active exhibits.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the 18-acre layout involves consistent movement on paved paths.
Avoid visiting during the peak heat of summer mid-afternoons when many animals retreat to shaded, less visible areas.
Open daily throughout the year, but hours are subject to seasonal daylight changes.
Do not feed or attempt to touch the animals, and keep noise levels low near enclosures to avoid stressing the wildlife.
