Discover the History and Visiting Hours of Barrett Park and the Staten Island Zoo
Barrett Park and the Staten Island Zoo are Staten Island landmarks that bring together green space, wildlife, education, and recreation. Located in the heart of Staten Island, they offer visitors a chance to connect with nature and animals without leaving the city. The park has lawns, paths, playgrounds, and sports fields; the zoo, nicknamed “the zoo where children pet the animals,” offers exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.
The park’s origins date to the early 20th century, when the Barrett family donated land to New York City. The Staten Island Zoo began as a modest menagerie during the Great Depression and opened its doors in 1936. It has since expanded its exhibits and educational programs, with animal welfare and conservation central to its mission. (NYC Parks; Staten Island Zoo Official Website)
History
The Legacy of the Barrett Family
In 1909, John Barrett, a successful builder and prominent local landowner, gave the City of New York 12 acres for recreational purposes. In 1912, the Barrett family donated another 10 acres, helping establish the park as a community green space. These gifts reflected a broader early-20th-century urban-planning trend that regarded parks as vital “lungs” for increasingly crowded cities. (NYC Parks website for Barrett Park)
From Farm to Parkland - The Early Years
Before becoming a public park, the land was part of a working farm owned and operated by the Barrett family. Some farm structures remained visible in the park’s early years. The transition to parkland was gradual, beginning with walking paths and picnic areas and later adding playgrounds, ballfields, and a wading pool.
The Birth of a Zoo - From 'Menagerie' to Modern Facility
The zoo’s beginnings date to 1933, during the Great Depression. Despite limited resources, the city recognized a need for accessible educational and recreational opportunities and established a small menagerie in Barrett Park, housed in unused buildings. Its modest collection gave Staten Islanders an opportunity to connect with the natural world without leaving the borough.
The zoo opened its doors in 1936 and has grown into an institution known for animal care, conservation, and education. (Staten Island Zoo official website)
Growth and Transformation - Expanding the Zoo's Horizons
Over the decades, the zoo expanded and modernized. New exhibits replaced outdated cages with more spacious, naturalistic habitats, reflecting its commitment to animal welfare and conservation. The African Elephant exhibit opened in 1988, with a large outdoor habitat and an indoor viewing area.
What to See and Do
Attractions and Activities
Animal Exhibits
African Plains: Giraffes, ostriches, and zebras inhabit a spacious setting designed to resemble the African savanna.
Amazonian Aviary: This enclosed, lush tropical-rainforest exhibit has macaws, toucans, parrots, and other exotic birds flying freely.
Amur Leopard Habitat: The habitat gives visitors a chance to see the critically endangered Amur leopard, one of the world’s rarest big cats, and learn about its conservation.
Barnyard Discoveries: Visitors can interact with goats, sheep, and chickens.
Children’s Center: Interactive exhibits and play areas give children hands-on ways to learn about animals.
Conservation Carousel: The carousel features hand-carved endangered species and raises awareness about animal conservation.
Reptile Wing: Snakes, alligators, and other reptiles and amphibians introduce visitors to these animals and their adaptations.
Sri Lankan Leopard Exhibit: The exhibit features Sri Lankan leopards, a subspecies native to the island nation of Sri Lanka, and offers a glimpse into their lives and importance in the ecosystem.
Educational Programs and Events
The zoo offers educational programs and events throughout the year for visitors of all ages.
ZooMobile: This traveling outreach program visits schools, libraries, and community centers with live animals and educational presentations.
Summer Camps: Camps for children include hands-on activities, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Family Overnight Adventures: Families can camp on zoo grounds, take part in night hikes, and learn about nocturnal animals.
Special Events: The zoo hosts seasonal celebrations, holiday celebrations, animal awareness days, and conservation-themed events.
Barrett Park itself has green lawns, walking paths, playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and a wading pool. The park and zoo also offer scenic places to photograph, including the park’s greenery and the zoo’s animal exhibits.
Practical Visiting Information
Visitor Information - Tickets, Hours, and Tips
The Staten Island Zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM. Hours may vary; check the zoo’s website for current hours, holiday hours, and special-event schedules.
Admission is $10 for adults aged 15–59, $7 for seniors aged 60 and older, and $6 for children aged 3–14. Children under 3 and zoo members receive free admission.
The zoo is accessible by buses and the Staten Island Railway, and parking is available. The zoo is wheelchair accessible, has accessible pathways, and provides wheelchair rentals and accommodations for visitors with disabilities. For more information, check the zoo’s website or contact guest services. (Staten Island Zoo)
Tips
Arrive early, particularly on weekends and holidays, to avoid crowds and secure parking. The zoo covers a significant area, so wear comfortable shoes.
Food concessions are available, and visitors may bring their own lunch or snacks. Designated picnic areas are available. Photography is encouraged; be respectful of the animals and do not use flash photography.
Zoo staff can answer questions about animals. Visitors can also support the zoo’s conservation work by making a donation or supporting its conservation programs. Follow the zoo on social media or download its mobile app for updates on programs, events, and exhibits.
Nearby Attractions
Barrett Park has playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. Nearby attractions include the Staten Island Museum, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, and Historic Richmond Town.
FAQ
What are the Staten Island Zoo’s visiting hours?
The zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM. Hours may vary; check the zoo’s website for holiday hours and special-event schedules.
How much are tickets to the Staten Island Zoo?
Admission is $10 for adults aged 15–59, $7 for seniors aged 60 and older, and $6 for children aged 3–14. Children under 3 and members receive free admission.
What are some nearby attractions?
Nearby attractions include the Staten Island Museum, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, and Historic Richmond Town.
Is the Staten Island Zoo accessible?
The zoo is wheelchair accessible, has accessible pathways, provides wheelchair rentals, and offers accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Check the zoo’s website or contact guest services for more information. (NYC Parks - Barrett Park)
