Did You Know?

Did you know that New York City's iconic skyline was significantly shaped by the construction of skyscrapers? The city is famous for its impressive collection of towering buildings, including the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Chrysler Building. These skyscrapers contribute to the city's unique and recognizable silhouette.

Did you know that New York City is often called the "Big Apple"? The origins of this nickname are not entirely clear, but it gained popularity in the 1920s and '30s. It is believed that it was popularized by jazz musicians who referred to New York City as the "big apple" to mean the grandest city in the country.

Did you know that New York City is made up of five boroughs? Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island are the five boroughs that make up the city. Each borough has its own distinct character, culture, and attractions.

Did you know that New York City is home to the largest park in the United States? Central Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, covers an impressive 843 acres (341 hectares). It offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets and is a popular destination for outdoor activities, picnics, and cultural events.

Did you know that New York City is a melting pot of cultures and languages? Over 800 languages are spoken in the city, making it one of the most linguistically diverse places on Earth. People from all over the world have made New York City their home, creating a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere.

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Bronx Zoo

For years, zoos have been maligned as places of incarceration for wild animals, but at the current rate at which some species are becoming endangered or extinct, zoos now play a pivotal role in the conservation of our planet’s beasts. The Bronx Zoo is a perfect example of commitment to animal conservation; for 120 years it has worked with the New York Zoological Society to ensure animals’ longevity and continuance. In fact, it has been directly involved with reintroducing species to their natural habitats (for example, bison to the American Plains).

In addition to conservation efforts, the zoo operates a Wildlife Health Centre in which scientists are working to prevent and cure disease in wild animals. More than 2 million people a year visit the Bronx Zoo and their admission fees help to fund this dedicated work.

The Bronx Zoo is also just that, a zoo, place where humans can come face to face with animals in a recreated habitat, a controlled, safe setting. Much better than meeting a lion or bear on the street! The zoo offers free admission on Wednesdays, making it a truly affordable destination.

Explore the Butterfly Garden (in season), Jungle World, the Sea Lion Pool and let your children pet the goats, donkeys and sheep at the farmyard. There is an events schedule, and visitors may opt to attend set feeding times for the animals at the zoo.