History of Bronx Zoo in Timeline
The Bronx Zoo, located in Bronx Park, New York, is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the United States, covering 265 acres. It attracts over two million visitors annually. The zoo's original buildings, Astor Court, are Beaux-Arts pavilions surrounding a sea lion pool. Its Rainey Memorial Gates, designed by Paul Manship and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, add to its historical significance.
1901: Monkey House Opening
In 1901, the Primate House, later known as the Monkey House, first opened at the Bronx Zoo.
December 17, 1902: First Thylacine Acquisition
The Bronx Zoo acquired its first thylacine, a male, on December 17, 1902.
1902: Rockefeller Fountain Purchase
William Rockefeller purchased the Rockefeller Fountain from Como, Italy, in 1902.
1902: Jaguar Escape
In 1902, a seven-month-old male jaguar escaped from its enclosure at the Bronx Zoo.
May 1903: Barbary Lion Cubs Birth
Sultan and Bedouin Maid, the Barbary lions, produced three cubs in May 1903, the first born at the zoo.
1903: First Snow Leopard Exhibit
In 1903, the Bronx Zoo became the first U.S. zoo to exhibit snow leopards.
1903: Lion House Opens
In 1903, the Lion House, which would later become the Madagascar! exhibit, opened at the Bronx Zoo.
1903: Rockefeller Fountain Installation
The Rockefeller Fountain was installed at the Bronx Zoo in 1903.
October 7, 1905: Sultan's Portrait
Charles R. Knight painted a portrait of Sultan, the Barbary lion, on October 7, 1905.
1905: American Bison Society Creation
In 1905, the American Bison Society was established to prevent the extinction of the American bison.
1905: American Bison Society Founded
The American Bison Society (ABS) was founded in 1905 by the Bronx Zoo's first director, William T. Hornaday, along with President Theodore Roosevelt and other conservationists, with the goal of saving the American bison from extinction.
September 8, 1906: Ota Benga Displayed
On September 8, 1906, Ota Benga, a Mbuti pygmy man, was put on display as an exhibit at the Bronx Zoo.
1906: Ota Benga Display
In 1906, the Bronx Zoo controversially displayed Ota Benga, a Mbuti man, with animals.
August 15, 1908: First Thylacine Death
The zoo's first thylacine died on August 15, 1908.
1908: Zoo Center Opens
In 1908, the Zoo Center, originally designed as the Elephant House, opened at the Bronx Zoo.
January 26, 1912: Second Thylacine Acquisition
A second male thylacine arrived at the zoo on January 26, 1912.
November 7, 1916: Third Thylacine Acquisition
The zoo received a third thylacine, of unknown sex, on November 7, 1916.
1916: Ota Benga's Death
Ota Benga died by suicide in 1916 at the age of 32.
1916: First Zoo Hospital
The world's first animal hospital located within a zoo was built at the Bronx Zoo in 1916.
July 14, 1917: Fourth Thylacine Acquisition
The zoo's final thylacine, a female, arrived on July 14, 1917.
September 13, 1919: Last Thylacine Death
The Bronx Zoo's last thylacine died on September 13, 1919.
1926: Shoebill Exhibit
In 1926, the Bronx Zoo and the National Zoological Park became the first in the US to exhibit shoebills.
1934: Rainey Memorial Gates Dedication
The Rainey Memorial Gates, a memorial to Paul James Rainey, were dedicated in 1934.
1934: Rainey Memorial Gates Dedication
The Rainey Memorial Gates, designed by Paul Manship, were dedicated in 1934 in memory of big game hunter Paul James Rainey.
1935: American Bison Society Disbands
In 1935, the American Bison Society (ABS) disbanded, considering its mission of saving the American bison from extinction accomplished.
1937: Okapi Exhibit
The Bronx Zoo became the first in North America to exhibit okapi in 1937.
1941: African Plains Opens
In 1941, the African Plains exhibit opened, becoming the first in the country to allow visitors to view predators and prey in a naturalistic setting.
1941: Original Children's Zoo Opening
The original Children's Zoo, with a nursery-rhyme theme, opened in 1941.
1942: Rocking Stone Restaurant Closure
The Rocking Stone Restaurant, which previously stood where the World of Darkness would be built, closed in 1942.
July 1957: Disappearance of Platypus Penelope
In July 1957, a platypus named Penelope disappeared from her enclosure at the Bronx Zoo, leaving behind her mate Cecil.
1957: James's Flamingo Rediscovery
The James's flamingo, previously thought extinct, was rediscovered in 1957.
1960: James's Flamingo Acquisition
In 1960, the zoo became the first in the world to keep James's flamingos, believed extinct until 1957.
April 26, 1963: "Most Dangerous Animal" Exhibit Opens
On April 26, 1963, the "Most Dangerous Animal in the World" exhibit debuted at the Bronx Zoo's Great Apes House. The exhibit used a mirror to reflect viewers, highlighting the dangers posed by humans.
September 24, 1964: Aquatic Bird House Opens
On September 24, 1964, the current Aquatic Bird House opened at the Bronx Zoo, built on the foundation of the original house from 1899.
1966: Failed Landmark Attempt
In 1966, there was an unsuccessful attempt to designate Astor Court's buildings as a city landmark.
1968: NYC Landmark Designation
The Rockefeller Fountain was designated an official New York City landmark in 1968.
1969: World of Darkness Opening
In 1969, World of Darkness, the world's first major nocturnal animal exhibit, opened. It featured a reversed lighting schedule and housed various nocturnal species.
1971: Bison Range Renovated
In 1971, the Bison Range at the Bronx Zoo was renovated.
1972: World of Birds Opens
In 1972, the World of Birds exhibit originally opened at the Bronx Zoo.
1972: National Register Listing
The Rainey Memorial Gates were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
1972: National Register Listing
The Rainey Memorial Gates were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
1976: Proboscis Monkey Breeding
In 1976, the zoo reported having eight proboscis monkeys, mostly born there.
1977: Monorail Inauguration
The monorail, a 1.6 mile ride, was inaugurated in 1977 along with the Wild Asia section. It offers exclusive views of certain animals like tigers, Przewalski's horses, rhinoceroses, elephants, and various ungulates.
1977: JungleWorld Planning Begins
Planning for JungleWorld, located in the Wild Asia section of the zoo, commenced in 1977.
1977: Arrival of Elephants Grumpy and Happy
In 1977, two female Indian elephants, Grumpy and Happy, arrived at the Bronx Zoo after being captured as calves in Thailand.
1981: New Children's Zoo Opening
A new Children's Zoo opened in 1981 and quickly became popular, attracting almost 250,000 visitors in two months.
1981: "Most Dangerous Animal" Exhibit Still Present
As of 1981, the "Most Dangerous Animal in the World" exhibit, featuring a mirror behind bars, was reportedly still on display at the Bronx Zoo.
1981: Gaur Embryo Implantation
In 1981, the Bronx Zoo attempted to clone the endangered gaur by implanting an embryo into a Holstein cow.
June 1985: JungleWorld Completion
JungleWorld, the zoo's largest building at 1 acre and 55 ft high, was completed in June 1985 at a cost of $9.5 million, with $4.1 million donated by Enid A. Haupt.
July 29, 1985: Death of Animal Keeper Robin Silverman
On July 29, 1985, animal keeper Robin Silverman was killed by two Siberian tigers after entering their enclosure, marking the first and only human fatality at the Bronx Zoo.
June 27, 1986: Himalayan Highlands Opens
On June 27, 1986, the Himalayan Highlands exhibit opened, featuring snow leopards, red pandas, and white-naped cranes.
1989: Rapunzel's Rescue
Rapunzel was rescued from a Sumatran rainforest slated for clearing in 1989.
June 6, 1990: Rapunzel's Arrival
A female Sumatran rhino, Rapunzel, arrived at the zoo on June 6, 1990.
1990: Canada Goose Pest Problem
In 1990, the Bronx Zoo addressed an overpopulation of Canada geese by hiring a sharpshooter to cull 19 birds and destroying 144 eggs.
1990: Baboon Reserve Opens
In 1990, the Baboon Reserve (later renamed Gelada Reserve) opened, showcasing a troop of geladas in a recreation of the Ethiopian highlands.
1991: Sterilization of Canada Geese
In 1991, the Bronx Zoo implemented a sterilization program for the Canada geese population, opting for a more humane approach than the previous year's culling.
1991: AZA Exhibit Award
In 1991, the Baboon Reserve won the AZA Exhibit Award.
February 1995: De Jur Aviary Collapse
In February 1995, the De Jur Aviary at the Bronx Zoo collapsed during a snowstorm, resulting in the loss of approximately 30 seabirds.
February 1995: De Jur Aviary Collapses
In February 1995, the original De Jur Aviary at the Bronx Zoo collapsed in a snowstorm.
1996: Butterfly Conservatory Opening
In mid-1996, a permanent indoor butterfly conservatory opened, allowing visitors to walk through gardens and meadows and observe butterflies up close. The 170-foot-long maze features a central greenhouse with 44 butterfly species and over 1,000 butterflies.
May 17, 1997: Russell B. Aitken Sea Bird Aviary Opens
On May 17, 1997, the Russell B. Aitken Sea Bird Aviary opened at the Bronx Zoo, replacing the De Jur Aviary that collapsed in 1995. It features Inca terns, Magellanic penguins, and other bird species.
September 1997: Potential Sale of Butterfly Conservatory
In September 1997, the butterfly conservatory, costing $500,000 and intended as a precursor to a future House of Invertebrates, faced potential sale to the Oklahoma City Zoo if it wasn't successful. It housed various local species and North American butterflies and moths.
March 1999: Proboscis Monkey Decline
By March 1999, only two proboscis monkeys remained at the zoo, the last in the US.
1999: Congo Gorilla Forest Opens
The Congo Gorilla Forest opened in 1999, housing one of North America's largest breeding groups of western lowland gorillas.
2000: Astor Court Landmark Designation
In 2000, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated Astor Court's buildings as a city landmark.
2000: Zoo Center Designated Landmark
In 2000, the Zoo Center building was designated as a landmark.
2000: Start of Panda Cost Analysis
A study began analyzing the costs associated with keeping pandas at US zoos between 2000 and 2003.
2000: Rapunzel's Return
After being used for breeding, Rapunzel was returned to the Bronx Zoo in 2000.
July 2002: Failed Elephant Introduction and Grumpy's Injury
In July 2002, an attempt to introduce Grumpy and Happy to two other female elephants, Patty and Maxine, resulted in Grumpy's injury and subsequent euthanasia in October 2002.
May 15, 2003: Tiger Mountain Opens
On May 15, 2003, the Tiger Mountain exhibit opened at the Bronx Zoo, featuring Amur and Malayan tigers.
2003: End of Panda Cost Analysis
A study concluded its analysis of the costs associated with keeping pandas at US zoos between 2000 and 2003.
2003: Proboscis Monkey Relocation
The last two proboscis monkeys at the Bronx Zoo were sent to the Singapore Zoo in 2003.
2004: Mitsubishi Riverwalk Opening
In 2004, the Mitsubishi Riverwalk, a path along the Bronx River opposite the zoo, opened after a river cleanup. Funded by the Mitsubishi International Corporation Foundation, it protects 15 acres of the Bronx River watershed.
2004: Tiger Mountain Wins Award
In 2004, the Tiger Mountain exhibit won the AZA Exhibit Award.
December 2005: Rapunzel's Death
Rapunzel, the Sumatran rhino, died in December 2005.
2005: Bug Carousel Installation
The Bug Carousel, with insect-shaped seats, was installed in 2005.
2005: American Bison Society Revived
The Wildlife Conservation Society revived the American Bison Society in 2005 with a focus on the ecological restoration of bison.
2005: Rhino Sperm Sent to Cincinnati Zoo
In 2005, the Bronx Zoo sent frozen sperm from a male Indian rhinoceros to the Cincinnati Zoo for future artificial insemination attempts.
2005: Panda Costs Study
In 2005, The Washington Post published a study showing that U.S. zoos holding pandas spent significantly more on the animals than they earned in revenue between 2000 and 2003.
2005: Rapunzel the Rhino Dies
In 2005, Rapunzel, a Sumatran rhino at the Bronx Zoo, died.
August 2006: Adoption of Orphaned Snow Leopard Cub
In August 2006, the Bronx Zoo adopted an orphaned snow leopard cub named Leo, who was rescued from a landslide in Pakistan.
November 2006: Eco-Friendly Restrooms
New eco-friendly restrooms opened at the Bronx Zoo in November 2006.
2006: Death of Elephant Sammy and Happy's Pairing
Following the death of her companion Tus in 2002 and the euthanasia of Grumpy in October 2002, Happy was paired with Sammy, who unfortunately also died in early 2006 due to liver disease.
2006: Leo Arrives
In 2006, Leo, a male snow leopard, arrived at the zoo from Pakistan after being orphaned.
March 2007: Joint Degree Program
A joint Master of Science program with Fordham University was announced in March 2007.
June 2007: Langur Drowned by Otters
In June 2007, a Javan langur was killed by a group of oriental small-clawed otters in the JungleWorld exhibit at the Bronx Zoo after a history of conflict between the two species.
2007: Reintroduction of Chinese Alligators
In 2007, the Bronx Zoo successfully reintroduced three Chinese alligators back into the wild.
2007: Chinese Alligator Reintroduction
The Bronx Zoo successfully reintroduced three Chinese alligators into the wild in 2007 as part of a 10-year effort to restore the species in the Yangtze River, China.
2007: Monorail Refurbishment
The monorail underwent refurbishment in 2007.
April 2008: First Run for the Wild
In April 2008, the Bronx Zoo hosted the inaugural Run for the Wild, a 5k run to raise money and awareness for wildlife conservation. The event included free zoo entry for participants and offered prizes for donations.
June 2008: Amazing Amphibians Exhibit Opens
The Amazing Amphibians exhibit opened in June 2008 at the Bronx Zoo's Zoo Center. The short-lived exhibit showcased amphibian conservation efforts and featured species like the Chacoan horned frog and the common mudpuppy.
June 20, 2008: Madagascar! Opens
On June 20, 2008, the Madagascar! exhibit opened at the Bronx Zoo, featuring a variety of animals from the island, including lemurs, fossas, and Nile crocodiles. The exhibit was built in the former Lion House.
July 8, 2008: Skyfari Derailment
On July 8, 2008, the Skyfari gondola lift at the Bronx Zoo derailed, trapping 36 passengers for several hours. This incident, combined with budget constraints, ultimately led to the ride's permanent closure in January 2009.
2008: Madagascar! Exhibit Opens
In 2008, the former Lion House in Astor Court reopened as the "Madagascar!" exhibit.
2008: Injury of Male Bald Eagle
In 2008, a 5-year-old male bald eagle was found injured, believed to have been hit by a car, and eventually taken in by the Bronx Zoo in February 2011.
2008: Birth of Grizzly Bear Cub
A grizzly bear cub, later named Glacier, was born in 2008 and subsequently rescued from Glacier National Park and brought to the Bronx Zoo in January 2010.
January 2009: Skyfari Closure
In January 2009, after 35 years of service, the Skyfari gondola lift was permanently closed. Factors contributing to its closure included a derailment incident in July 2008, high maintenance costs, and budget cuts.
June 2009: Aardvarks Arrive
In June 2009, two aardvarks imported from Tanzania joined the Carter Giraffe Building exhibit.
July 2009: Successful Breeding of Reintroduced Alligators
In July 2009, the Bronx Zoo announced that the reintroduced Chinese alligators had successfully bred in the wild, marking a significant milestone in the conservation effort.
2009: Listed Eighth on IDA's "Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants"
The Bronx Zoo was ranked eighth on In Defense of Animals' "Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants" list in 2009, primarily due to Happy's isolated living situation.
2009: Run for the Wild - Gorillas
The 2009 Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo focused on raising funds for gorilla conservation.
2009: Turaco Chicks Raised
In mid-2009, the Bronx Zoo's hand-reared pair of great blue turacos successfully raised chicks.
2009: Birth of Brown Bear Cubs
In 2009, three brown bear siblings were born in Alaska and later rescued and adopted by the Bronx Zoo in January 2010.
2009: First Successful Artificial Insemination of Indian Rhino
In 2009, the frozen sperm sent from the Bronx Zoo in 2005 was used in the first successful artificial insemination of an Indian rhinoceros at the Cincinnati Zoo.
2009: Rare Animal Range Closure
In 2009, the Rare Animal Range exhibit at the Bronx Zoo was closed due to budget cuts and low visitor interest. This exhibit housed various endangered species like guanacos, Formosan sika deer, and lemurs.
2009: Budget Cuts and Downsizing
In 2009, NYC budget cuts led to downsizing at the Bronx Zoo, including staff and animal collection reductions.
2009: Oryx and Blesbok Removed
In 2009, Arabian oryx and blesbok were removed from the African Plains exhibit due to budget cuts and lack of visitor interest.
2009: World of Darkness Closure
Due to budget constraints and high operating costs, World of Darkness closed in 2009.
2009: Congo Gorilla Forest Visitation
As of 2009, the Congo Gorilla Forest had been visited 7,000,000 times.
2009: Average Visitors
As of 2009, the Bronx Zoo had an average of 2.15 million visitors annually.
January 2010: Lion Cubs Born
In January 2010, a male and two female lion cubs were born at the Bronx Zoo.
April 2010: Lion Cubs Debut
In April 2010, the lion cubs born in January of that year made their public debut.
September 2010: Aardvark Birth
In September 2010, the aardvark pair gave birth to a male named Hoover, the first aardvark born at the Bronx Zoo.
2010: Run for the Wild - Tigers
The 2010 Run for the Wild event at the Bronx Zoo was dedicated to tiger conservation.
2010: World of Birds Renovations
In the summer of 2010, the World of Birds exhibit closed for repairs and upgrades, reopening the following year.
2010: Tiger Cubs Born
In 2010, both Amur and Malayan tiger cubs were born at the Bronx Zoo.
2010: Bronx Zoo Animal Count
As of 2010, the Bronx Zoo housed over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, many of which were endangered or threatened.
2010: Birth and Death of Rhino Calf
In late 2010, a rhino calf was born at the Cincinnati Zoo as a result of the artificial insemination procedure using sperm from the Bronx Zoo. Unfortunately, the calf did not survive.
February 2011: Eagles Arrive
In February 2011, the Bronx Zoo received two bald eagles that had been rescued in Wyoming.
February 2011: Rescue of Two Bald Eagles
In February 2011, the Bronx Zoo received two rescued bald eagles from Wyoming, a male found injured in 2008 and a female injured during a storm.
March 25, 2011: Cobra Escapes
On March 25, 2011, an Egyptian cobra escaped from its enclosure at the Bronx Zoo's World of Reptiles exhibit.
March 26, 2011: Cobra Escape and Recapture
On March 26, 2011, the Bronx Zoo's World of Reptiles was closed following the discovery of a missing venomous cobra, which was later found within the building on March 31.
May 9, 2011: Peafowl Escape
On May 9, 2011, a female green peafowl escaped from the Bronx Zoo and was recaptured on May 11.
September 11, 2011: Kudu Escape
On September 11, 2011, a lesser kudu briefly escaped its enclosure at the Bronx Zoo before returning on its own.
2011: Surrogate Bison Program Begins
In the fall of 2011, the WCS initiated a program using surrogate hybrid bison to carry and birth genetically pure bison calves. This program aimed to establish a breeding herd of genetically pure bison.
2011: Run for the Wild - Penguins
In 2011, the Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo aimed to raise funds for the protection of Magellanic penguins in Argentina's Punta Tombo peninsula.
2011: New York Aquarium Run for the Wild
In 2011, the New York Aquarium, another WCS institute, held its own Run for the Wild event to support sea turtle conservation. The run took place along the Riegelmann Boardwalk on Coney Island.
February 2012: Monkey House Closure
After 111 years of operation, the Monkey House (originally the Primate House) closed in February 2012. The building housed various primate species, as well as porcupines and bats.
June 20, 2012: Genetically Pure Bison Calf Born
On June 20, 2012, a genetically pure bison calf was born at the Bronx Zoo through a surrogate hybrid bison. This was part of a WCS project to create a breeding herd of genetically pure bison.
December 2012: Birth of Chinese Yellow-Headed Box Turtles
In December 2012, five Chinese yellow-headed box turtles, a critically endangered species, were born at the Bronx Zoo.
2012: Report on Happy's Confinement
In 2012, a New York Post reporter published an article claiming Happy was kept in solitary confinement year-round, prompting the zoo to respond with information about the elephants' access to outdoor yards and interaction with keepers.
2012: Siberian Tiger Cubs Born
In 2012, a set of Siberian tiger cubs were born at the Bronx Zoo.
2012: Listed Fourth on IDA's "Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants"
In 2012, the Bronx Zoo was listed fourth on In Defense of Animals' list of the "Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants" due to concerns regarding Happy's living conditions.
2012: Further Budget Cuts
Mayor Bloomberg implemented further budget cuts affecting the Bronx Zoo in 2012.
2012: Run for the Wild - Lions
The 2012 Run for the Wild event at the Bronx Zoo focused on raising funds for lion conservation.
March 2013: Maleo Chicks Hatch
In March 2013, three maleo chicks hatched at the Bronx Zoo, bringing the total number of maleo birds to twelve.
April 9, 2013: Snow Leopard Cub Born
On April 9, 2013, a male snow leopard cub was born at the zoo, sired by Leo, a male snow leopard brought from Pakistan in 2006.
August 2013: More Lion Cubs Born
In August 2013, three male and one female lion cubs were born at the Bronx Zoo.
2013: Dinosaur Safari First Run
Dinosaur Safari, a ride featuring animatronic dinosaurs, first ran during the summer of 2013.
2013: Listed Fifth on IDA's "Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants"
The Bronx Zoo was ranked fifth on IDA's "Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants" list in 2013, with Happy's solitary confinement being a primary concern.
2013: Children's Zoo Closes for Renovations
The Children's Zoo closed for renovations in 2013.
2013: Run for the Wild - Elephants
Both the 2013 and 2014 Run for the Wild events at the Bronx Zoo were dedicated to elephant conservation.
2013: "The Night Collector" Comic Published
In 2013, So What? Press published "The Night Collector," an issue of the Tales of the Night Watchman comic series, which centered around a vampire coven taking over the bat exhibit at the Bronx Zoo.
April 2014: Pelicans Added to Aviary
In April 2014, four Peruvian pelicans were added to the Russell B. Aitken Sea Bird Aviary.
May 2014: Kiwi Exhibit Opens
In May 2014, a new nocturnal enclosure for a North Island brown kiwi opened in the Aquatic Bird House.
2014: Gelada Birth
In the fall of 2014, a male gelada was born at the Bronx Zoo, the first in over 13 years.
2014: Run for the Wild - Elephants
The 2014 Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo focused on elephant conservation, same as 2013.
2014: WCS Criticism
In 2014, a senior official from the WCS criticized Maloney's panda campaign, calling it "absurd."
2014: Listed Fifth on IDA's "Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants"
In 2014, the Bronx Zoo again placed fifth on IDA's list of the "Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants" due to the continued isolation of Happy.
2014: Panda Campaign Begins
In 2014, New York Representative Carolyn B. Maloney began her campaign to bring giant pandas to New York City, initially targeting Central Park Zoo before focusing on the Bronx Zoo.
2014: Dinosaur Safari Second Run
Dinosaur Safari ran again for the summer of 2014.
2014: Congo Gorilla Forest Financial Impact
By 2014, the Congo Gorilla Forest had generated $12.5 million in exhibit fees and over $10.6 million in donations for Central African habitat conservation.
2014: Bug Carousel Ridership
As of 2014, the Bug Carousel had an annual ridership of 540,000.
January 2015: Geese Join Aviary
In January 2015, a pair of ruddy-headed geese were added to the Russell B. Aitken Sea Bird Aviary.
May 2015: Penguins Arrive
In May 2015, a colony of Australian little penguins arrived at the Bronx Zoo's Aquatic Bird House from the Taronga Zoo.
May 30, 2015: Renovated Children's Zoo Reopens
On May 30, 2015, the renovated Children's Zoo reopened with new exhibits featuring a variety of animals, including giant anteaters, pudús, sloths, monkeys, otters, prairie dogs, fennec foxes, goats, zebus, alpacas, sheep, donkeys, chickens, ducks, pigs, geese, and turkeys.
August 15, 2015: Stork Chicks Hatch
On August 15, 2015, two stork chicks hatched at the Bronx Zoo's Aquatic Bird House.
October 2015: Preliminary Panda Talks
In October 2015, Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai announced that China was willing to enter preliminary talks with New York City about bringing pandas to the city.
November 2015: WCS Opposition
In November 2015, Jim Breheny, WCS Executive Vice President and Bronx Zoo Director, released a statement expressing reservations about bringing pandas to the zoo.
December 2015: Rescue of Indian Cobra Stowaway
In December 2015, the Bronx Zoo rescued a juvenile Indian cobra found stowing away on a cargo ship from Singapore, providing care for its poor condition.
2015: Run for the Wild - Gorillas
The focus of the 2015 Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo, was gorilla conservation.
2015: Grizzly Bears Relocated
In 2015, two female grizzly bears, Betty and Veronica, were moved from the African Plains exhibit to the Central Park Zoo.
2015: IDA's "Hall of Shame Winner"
In 2015, In Defense of Animals (IDA) named the Bronx Zoo the "Hall of Shame Winner" for its treatment of elephants, specifically Happy's isolation.
2015: Transfer of Grizzly Bears to Central Park Zoo
In 2015, two grizzly bears who had resided at the Bronx Zoo since 1995 were transferred to the Central Park Zoo.
March 2016: "The Zoo" Announced
Animal Planet announced its plans to produce "The Zoo," a docu-series about the Bronx Zoo, in March 2016.
2016: Malayan Tiger Cubs Born
In 2016, a pair of Malayan tiger cubs were born at the Bronx Zoo.
2016: IDA's "Hall of Shame Winner"
In 2016, the Bronx Zoo was again named the "Hall of Shame Winner" by IDA due to ongoing concerns about Happy's solitary confinement.
2016: Run for the Wild - Participant's Choice
In 2016, the Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo allowed participants to run on behalf of their favorite animal.
February 18, 2017: "The Zoo" Premieres
On February 18, 2017, Animal Planet's docu-series "The Zoo," about the Bronx Zoo, premiered.
July 1, 2017: Nature Trek Opening
On July 1, 2017, Nature Trek opened near Wild Asia, featuring rope bridges, towers, tunnels, an overlook, and a play area. Partially wheelchair-accessible, it encourages sturdy footwear.
July 7, 2017: Treetop Adventure Opening
On July 7, 2017, Treetop Adventure opened near Bronx River Parking. It offers seven rope courses, a zip-line across the Bronx River, and other challenges. It has its own entry fee and age/weight restrictions.
December 2017: Polar Bear Death
In December 2017, the zoo's last polar bear, Tundra, died at age 26.
2017: Cheetahs Arrive
In 2017, two baby cheetahs arrived at the zoo from the San Diego Zoo.
2017: Leo Becomes Grandfather
In 2017, Leo, the male snow leopard brought from Pakistan in 2006, became a grandfather when his son sired a female cub.
2017: IDA's "Hall of Shame Winner"
For the third consecutive year, the Bronx Zoo received the "Hall of Shame Winner" title from IDA in 2017 due to the continued isolation of Happy.
2017: San Diego Zoo Gets Geladas
In 2017, the San Diego Zoo received a troop of geladas for their Africa Rocks exhibit.
March 2018: "The Zoo" Renewed
"The Zoo" was renewed for a second season in March 2018.
2018: Maxine Euthanized
In late 2018, Maxine, one of the other elephants at the Bronx Zoo, was euthanized due to complications with her liver and kidneys.
2019: Dinosaur Safari Returns
Dinosaur Safari returned for the 2019 season.
2019: Dholes Arrive
In 2019, three dholes from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park were added to the zoo.
2019: 4-D Theater Closure
The Bronx Zoo's 4-D Theater, which offered 3-D movies with sensory effects, closed in 2019. It was replaced with a giraffe encounter.
February 2020: Lawsuit Dismissed
In February 2020, a lawsuit claiming Happy was legally a person and entitled to freedom was dismissed by the Bronx County Supreme Court.
2020: Betty Dies
Betty, one of the relocated grizzly bears, died at the Central Park Zoo in 2020.
2020: WCS Apology
In 2020, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) issued an apology for the Bronx Zoo's treatment of Ota Benga and its promotion of eugenics.
May 2021: Appeal Heard
The New York Court of Appeals agreed to hear the appeal filed by the Nonhuman Rights Project on behalf of Happy in May 2021.
2021: Veronica Dies
Veronica, the other relocated grizzly bear, died at the Central Park Zoo in 2021.
June 2022: Court of Appeals Ruling
In June 2022, the New York Court of Appeals ruled against granting Happy habeas corpus rights, stating that it did not apply to nonhuman animals.
April 26, 2023: Peafowl Escape and Alleged Biting Incident
On April 26, 2023, an Indian peafowl nicknamed Raul escaped the Bronx Zoo and allegedly bit a man, though the reports were unconfirmed. Raul returned to the zoo the following day.
May 27, 2023: Budgie Landing Opens
On May 27, 2023, Budgie Landing, an exhibit with 1,000 budgerigars, opened to the public. Unlike other attractions, it requires a small entrance fee ($5 for regular guests, $3 for members), which includes a feeding stick.
April 20, 2024: Animal Chronicles Opens
On April 20, 2024, the Animal Chronicles exhibit opened at the Bronx Zoo to commemorate its 125th anniversary. The exhibit showcases the zoo's history of animal conservation through 13 scenes featuring 68 animal eco-sculptures.