Fordham Road @ Bronx River Parkway, Bronx Park

The New York City Wildlife Conservation Park—more familiarly known as the Bronx Zoo—is the biggest zoo in the world, with more than 600 species and over 6,000 total animals in captivity. Most of the animals are in carefully simulated natural habitats created on the 265–acre site. The zoo, which was opened in 1899, is also responsible for pioneering work in conservation and exhibition of animals. It was one of the first zoos to use a system of moats to enclose particular habitats, a system far more humane than barred cages. New Yorkers, who rarely have the chance to see nature, love going to the zoo.