Animal instincts

To celebrate National Zoo Keeper Week, the Bronx Zoo is hosting daily opportunities to talk to the keepers throughout the park. The keepers appear at various exhibits and times to chat about grizzly bears, tortoises, giraffes, “Madagascar!” (lemurs!) and “JungleWorld,” at which they happily inform visitors about what the animals like to eat and how they behave and also give the inside scoop on the specific challenges and rewards of interacting with the wildlife. You can even see keepers in action during the daily Penguin Feeding, Bee-Eater Buffet in the “World of Birds” or the Sea Lion Feeding, when the water-loving animals dive, dance, high-five and sing for tasty treats. Keep your eye out for special picture opportunities using #keeperweek; the best pics posted on social media are up for prizes like two VIP tickets to Brew at the Zoo, a craft beer event. (The first Brew at the Zoo sold out, so these passes are a hot commodity!)

From a safe distance! With 265 acres full of animals of different stripes, sizes and species, there’s never a dull moment. Arrive early to popular exhibits like “Tiger Mountain,” “Sea Lion Pool” and “Madagascar!” so you don’t miss a minute. While regular admission allows you access to hundreds of animals, splurge on the Total Experience tickets to stalk black leopards in “JungleWorld,” flutter at the serene “Butterfly Garden” and ride the Wild Asia Monorail, on which you’ll see many rare, endangered species. The Total Experience ticket also gives you the opportunity to pay your respects to America’s National Mammal—newly anointed by President Obama—the bison. The Bronx Zoo and Wildlife Conservation Society were instrumental in saving the once-endangered beast, so a visit to the mother herd is a rare opportunity to see living history.

Since nothing less than a full day at the zoo will do, you’ll need to refuel at some point. Try the burgers and tots at the Village Burger in Somba Village by the Baboon Reserve for a savory option, or hit up the Dancing Crane Café for sandwiches and salads. There’s plenty of ice cream spots on hot days—grab a cone before you stand in line for the one-of-a-kind Bug Carousel.