Editing Queens Zoo

{{short description|Zoo in Queens, New York}}
{{good article}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox zoo
| zoo_name      = Queens Zoo
| image         = Andean Bear at Queens Zoo.jpg
| image_caption = [[Andean bear]] female at the zoo
| image_width   = 250px
| location      = [[Queens]], New York, United States
|coordinates    = {{Wikidatacoord|Q901214|region:US-NY_type:landmark|display=it}}
|area           = {{cvt|11|acre|abbr=on}}
| date_opened   = February 28, 1968 (children's farm)<br />October 26, 1968 (rest of zoo)
| num_animals   =
|num_species    = 112 (as of 2013)<ref name="Kadet 2013" />
|members        = [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]]<ref>{{ZooOrg|aza|zoos|accessdate=May 27, 2010 }}</ref>
|publictransit  = [[New York City Subway|Subway]]: {{NYCS Flushing local|time=bullets}} at [[111th Street (IRT Flushing Line)|111th Street]] or [[Mets–Willets Point (IRT Flushing Line)|Mets–Willets Point]]<ref name=qnsbus /><br />[[MTA Regional Bus Operations|Bus]]: {{NYC bus link|Q23|Q48}}<ref name=qnsbus /><br />[[Long Island Rail Road|LIRR]]: [[Port Washington Branch]] at [[Mets–Willets Point (LIRR station)|Mets–Willets Point]]<ref name=qnsbus>{{Cite NYC bus map|Q}}</ref>
| management    = [[Wildlife Conservation Society]]
| website       = {{URL|http://www.queenszoo.com}}
}}

The '''Queens Zoo''' (formerly the '''Flushing Meadows Zoo''' and '''Queens Wildlife Center''') is an {{convert|11|acre|adj=on}} [[zoo]] at [[Flushing Meadows–Corona Park]] in [[Queens]], New York City, between [[Grand Central Parkway]] and 111th Street. The zoo is managed by the [[Wildlife Conservation Society]] and is accredited by the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (AZA). Built along with the Queens Zoo is a [[children's zoo]], which was originally called the Heckscher Children's Farm.

New York City parks commissioner [[Robert Moses]] had wanted to add a zoo to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park after the [[1964 New York World's Fair]]. Plans for the zoo were first announced in 1964 as part of the [[Queens Botanical Garden]], but construction for the zoo did not begin until August 20, 1966. The Heckscher Children's Farm, the first part of the new zoo, opened on February 28, 1968, and the rest of the Flushing Meadows Zoo opened on October 26, 1968. The [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]] contracted Wildlife Conservation Society to operate the zoo in 1988. The zoo was closed for renovations for four years, reopening in 1992; it added numerous animals and exhibits after it reopened. The Queens Zoo was nearly shuttered in 2003 due to budget cuts.

The zoo is home to more than 75 species that are native to the Americas. Unlike contemporary zoos, the Queens Zoo did not put animals in cages except when necessary; since the zoo's habitats are open-air, it focuses mostly on animals native to the Americas. The main zoo (now the zoo's wild side), on the eastern portion of the site, contains landscape features such as a marsh and artificially warmed rocks. The domestic side of the zoo, originally the Heckscher Children's Farm, includes domesticated animals. The zoo's aviary is a [[geodesic dome]] designed by Thomas C. Howard of Synergetics, Inc. and used during the 1964 fair.

== History ==
The zoo is part of [[Flushing Meadows–Corona Park]] in the [[Boroughs of New York City|New York City borough]] of [[Queens]].<ref name="New York City Department of Parks & Recreation 2003">{{cite web |date=February 3, 2003 |title=History of the Queens Zoo : NYC Parks |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/zoos/queens-zoo |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation }}</ref> The park's site was part of the [[1939 New York World's Fair|1939–1940 New York World's Fair]] grounds,<ref>{{cite news |date=August 15, 1940 |title=Ready to Turn Fair Into Park; Moses Tells Mayor His Plans Are Set |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2520a%2520-%25204231.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423014125/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2018/New%20York%20NY%20Sun/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201940/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201940%20a%20-%204231.pdf |archive-date=2020-04-23 |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=[[The Sun (New York)]] |page=14 |via=[[Old Fulton New York Postcards]] }}</ref> and the land saw little development during the next quarter-century.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 11, 1966 |title=Foul Lot to Fair: A Saga by Moses |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E0CEED81F30EF34BC4952DFB266838D679EDE&legacy=true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122062437/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E0CEED81F30EF34BC4952DFB266838D679EDE&legacy=true |archive-date=November 22, 2017 |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times }}</ref> The site of the zoo was part of the Transportation Zone during the [[1964 New York World's Fair|1964–1965 New York World's Fair]],<ref name="Daily News 1967">{{Cite news |date=June 27, 1967 |title=Kids' Zoo Runs From Aardvarks to Zebras |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-kids-zoo-runs-from-aardvarks/153875603/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=566 }}</ref><ref name="nyt-1966-07-22" /> when the Chrysler Pavilion and Lowenbrau [[beer garden]] occupied the zoo's site.<ref name="nyt-1967-04-11">{{Cite news |last=Grutzner |first=Charles |date=April 11, 1967 |title=Life Stirs Anew at Fairgrounds; Redeveloped Queens Park Scheduled to Open June 3 |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/04/11/archives/life-stirs-anew-at-fairgrounds-redeveloped-queens-park-scheduled-to.html |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> By the 1960s, Queens was the only New York City borough without a zoo.<ref name="New York City Department of Parks & Recreation 2003" /><ref name="nyt-1964-04-12">{{Cite news |date=April 12, 1964 |title=Home at Last; Queens Botanical Garden Has a New Permanent Headquarters in Flushing |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/12/archives/home-at-last-queens-botanical-garden-has-a-new-permanent.html |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref><ref name="Greene 1964">{{Cite news |last=Greene |first=Elinor |date=February 17, 1964 |title=Queens to Set Up Zoo in '67 as Part of Botanical Garden |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-queens-to-set-up-zoo-in-67-a/153867936/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=392 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=February 17, 1964 |title=End for a Have-Not: Queens to Get a Zoo |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=15 |id={{ProQuest|914394362}} }}</ref> Even before the 1964 World's Fair opened, New York City parks commissioner [[Robert Moses]] had wanted to add a zoo to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.<ref name="nyt-1964-01-20">{{Cite news |date=January 20, 1964 |title=Fair Offers Plan for Park System; Moses Urges Use of Profit for Queens Network |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/20/archives/fair-offers-plan-for-park-system-moses-urges-use-of-profit-for.html |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kelley |first=Frank |date=May 4, 1960 |title=Moses Aims to Make Fair 'Olympics of Civilization' |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325724034}} }}</ref> The zoo was part of Moses's plans for a system of parks in Queens.<ref name="nyt-1964-01-20" />

=== Planning ===
Moses announced plans for the Queens Zoo in February 1964, when he indicated that it would be built as part of an expansion of the [[Queens Botanical Garden]], on the eastern side of Flushing Meadows. In contrast to existing zoos where animals were kept in cages, the zoo was to have an open-air layout where animals could roam.<ref name="Greene 1964" /> The zoo would have covered either {{convert|11|acre}}<ref name="nyt-1964-04-12" /> or {{Convert|35.5|acre}}.<ref name="Daily News 1964">{{Cite news |date=March 11, 1964 |title=Mayor Wants State to Okay Flushing Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mayor-wants-state-to-okay-flu/153868766/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=533 }}</ref> That March, Mayor [[Robert F. Wagner Jr.]] requested that the [[New York City Council]] revise the [[New York City Administrative Code|City Administrative Code]] to permit the zoo's construction,<ref name="Daily News 1964" /> and New York state legislators introduced bills to allow the Queens Botanical Garden Society to operate the zoo.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 12, 1964 |title=Queens C of C Pushes Zoo Bill |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-queens-c-of-c-pushes-zoo-bill/153868930/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=668 }}</ref> The City Council signaled its support for the state legislation,<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 20, 1964 |title=Council Puts Off Fair's Park Plan; Attempts to Divert Funds From Schools Blocked |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/20/archives/council-puts-off-fairs-park-plan-attempts-to-divert-funds-from.html |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 20, 1964 |title=City Asks Hike of Wage Floor to $1.50 Hour |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-city-asks-hike-of-wage-floor/153869414/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=283 }}</ref> but plans for the zoo were stymied because of opposition to Moses's plans for Flushing Meadows.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 17, 1964 |title=Moses' Proposals for Queens Park Still Opposed |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/17/archives/moses-proposals-for-queens-park-still-opposed.html |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The zoo was supposed to have been funded using profits from the 1964 fair, but the exposition proved highly unprofitable.<ref name="nyt-1967-04-11" />

Before the fair closed, there was talk of converting the fair's [[geodesic dome]] into an [[aviary]] for the proposed zoo.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 11, 1965 |title=Moses Plans Super-Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle/31407668/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=Democrat and Chronicle |pages=36 }}</ref> Moses's successor, [[Newbold Morris]], announced plans in October 1965 to spend $1.5 million on the Queens Zoo.<ref name="nyt-1965-10-26">{{Cite news |date=October 26, 1965 |title=$50 Million Plan Urged for Parks; Morris Outlines Program to Begin Early in 1967 |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/26/archives/50-million-plan-urged-for-parks-morris-outlines-program-to-begin.html |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Morris recommended that the [[Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority]] (TBTA) fund the restoration of the nearby [[New York City Pavilion]], allowing the city government to divert funds for the City Pavilion's restoration to the zoo's construction.<ref name="nyt-1965-10-26" /> Ultimately, the TBTA agreed to provide $1.2 million for the zoo in February 1966,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Blumenthal |first=Ralph |date=February 6, 1966 |title=Mayor Envisions Pools on Rivers; $25.6-Million Parks Budget Also Asks Night Tennis |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/02/06/archives/mayor-envisions-pools-on-rivers-256million-parks-budget-also-asks.html |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> which was later increased to $1.92 million.<ref name="Daily News 1966a">{{Cite news |date=August 21, 1966 |title=Moses Shows Who's Zoo on L. I. |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-moses-shows-whos-zoo-on-l-i/153872202/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=281 }}</ref><ref name="nyt-1966-08-21">{{Cite news |last=Schumach |first=Murray |date=August 21, 1966 |title=Moses Gets Down to Earth in Opening World's Fair Site for Zoo |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/08/21/archives/moses-gets-down-to-earth-in-opening-worlds-fair-site-for-zoo.html |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> This funding was made possible by a provision that allowed the TBTA to spend money on parks along certain highways.<ref name="nyt-1966-08-21" />{{Efn|Specifically, the TBTA could upgrade parks and recreational facilities next to highways that led to its bridges and tunnels. Flushing Meadows Park is along the [[Grand Central Parkway]], which leads to the [[Triborough Bridge]].<ref name="nyt-1966-08-21" />}} The zoo was planned to cover {{Convert|18|acre}},<ref name="nyt-1966-08-21" /><ref name="Newsday 1966">{{Cite news |date=August 22, 1966 |title=Fun City First: Park for Computer Lovers |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-fun-city-first/153872222/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=7 }}</ref> and [[the Heckscher Foundation for Children]] agreed to donate $120,000 for a {{Convert|3.6|acre|adj=on}} children's zoo within the Queens Zoo.<ref name="Daily News 1966a" /><ref name="Newsday 1966" /> Preliminary plans were being drawn up by early 1966.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1966 |title=Park on Fair Site Due in December; Last 23 Doomed Buildings to Be Torn Down by July |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/04/archives/park-on-fair-site-due-in-december-last-23-doomed-buildings-to-be-to.html |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 4, 1966 |title=Moses Shapes Promise Out of World's Fair Past |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-moses-shapes-p/148976740/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=25 }}</ref> By that July, the city government was planning to construct the zoo on the site of the fair's former transportation area, west of the [[Grand Central Parkway]], rather than next to the Queens Botanical Garden.<ref name="nyt-1966-07-22">{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Maurice |date=July 22, 1966 |title=Moses Plans 26 Roadside Parks And a New Zoo at Site of the Fair |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/07/22/archives/moses-plans-26-roadside-parks-and-a-new-zoo-at-site-of-the-fair.html |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref>

Moses attended the zoo's [[groundbreaking]] ceremony on August 20, 1966,<ref name="Daily News 1966a" /><ref name="Newsday 1966" /> and the children's zoo partially opened that September.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 9, 1966 |title=Par 3 Course on Fair Site to Bow in '67 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-par-3-course-on-fair-site-to/153875392/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=614 }}</ref> Later that year, the TBTA announced more detailed plans for the zoo, which included a concession building and an aviary within the fair's geodesic dome. The agency also planned to award a $2 million contract for the zoo's operation.<ref name="Daily News 1966b">{{Cite news |date=December 18, 1966 |title=Family Hails 10th Year of Freedom Here |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-family-hails-10th-year-of-fre/153874565/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=569 }}</ref> The TBTA awarded $2.82 million in construction contracts for the final sections of the zoo in June 1967,<ref name="Daily News 1967" /> and the [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]] (NYC Parks) took over the land the same month.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schumach |first=Murray |date=June 4, 1967 |title=Moses Gives City Fair Site as Park; Flushing Meadows in Queens Becomes the 2D Biggest Recreation Area Here |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/06/04/archives/moses-gives-city-fair-site-as-park-flushing-meadows-in-queens.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407072907/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/06/04/archives/moses-gives-city-fair-site-as-park-flushing-meadows-in-queens.html |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Rice |first=William |date=June 4, 1967 |title=World's Fair Park Is a Dream Come True for Moses |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-worlds-fair-park-is-a-dream/153799161/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=91 }}</ref> At that point, the children's zoo was planned to be completed in late 1967, followed by the rest of the zoo early the next year.<ref name="Daily News 1967" /> Ultimately, the zoo cost $3.5 million to construct.<ref name="Cohn 1968">{{Cite news |last=Cohn |first=Al |date=October 28, 1968 |title=Talk to the Animals? First Find 'Em |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-talk-to-the-ani/153878899/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=72 }}</ref><ref name="nyt-1968-10-27">{{Cite news |last=Asbury |first=Edith Evans |date=October 27, 1968 |title=Moses Helps to Open First Queens Zoo |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/10/27/archives/moses-helps-to-open-first-queens-zoo.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref>

=== City operation ===

==== Opening and early years ====
[[File:Inside Queens Zoo dome jeh.jpg|thumb|right|Inside the aviary]]
The first animals began moving into the Heckscher Children's Farm in February 1968,<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1056">{{Cite NY1960|page=1056 }}</ref><ref name="Scarborough 1968">{{Cite news |last=Scarborough |first=Linda |date=February 27, 1968 |title=Cow's Kidding Gets Builders' Goat at the Children's Farm in Queens |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-cows-kidding-gets-builders/153879219/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=18 }}</ref> and Moses dedicated the children's farm on February 28 of that year.<ref name="nyt-1968-02-29">{{Cite news |last=Asbury |first=Edith Evans |date=February 29, 1968 |title=Another Opening, Another Closing for Moses |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/02/29/archives/another-opening-another-closing-for-moses.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Moses opened the rest of the Flushing Meadows Zoo on October 26, 1968.<ref name="Cohn 1968" /><ref name="nyt-1968-10-27" /> The children's farm was initially free to enter,<ref name="Martin 1968a">{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Jo |date=March 8, 1968 |title=Farm for Fun |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-farm-for-fun/153879339/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=48 }}</ref><ref name="Amon 1968">{{cite news |last=Amon |first=Rhoda |date=March 8, 1968 |title=With A Quack, Quack Here: Children's World |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-with-a-quack/153879463/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-with-a-quack/153879489/ 5B] |id={{ProQuest|915882235}} }}</ref> as was the rest of the zoo.<ref name="nyt-1968-10-27" /> The zoo also had pony rides and a carousel, for which an additional fee was charged.<ref name="Martin 1968a" /> Tatiana Gillette-Infante, a former [[debutante]], was hired as the Flushing Meadows Zoo's first supervisor.<ref>{{cite news |last=Herzig |first=Dorris |date=November 4, 1968 |title=Zoo Proves Exciting Habitat for Ex-Deb |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-zoo-proves-exci/153880109/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=3A |id={{ProQuest|915116202}} }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Medina |first=David |date=August 25, 1974 |title=Transfer to B'klyn Ruffles This Zookeeper's Feathers |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-transfer-to-bklyn-ruffles-th/153900100/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=4 }}</ref> Soon after the zoo opened, there were reports of people cutting fences, abusing the zoo's birds, and stealing animals from the children's farm for [[Joyride (crime)|joyrides]].<ref name="Dallas 1970">{{Cite news |last=Dallas |first=Gus |date=October 16, 1970 |title=Mama Bird Shuts Aviary |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mama-bird-shuts-aviary/153899841/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=4 }}</ref> In addition, the zoo frequently experienced [[power outage|blackout]]s,<ref name="Dallas 1970" /><ref name="nyt-1970-08-08" /> as the park's underground electrical ducts ran through marshland.<ref name="Dallas 1970" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 28, 1971 |title=City to Repair Old Singer Bowl on Fair Grounds |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/02/28/archives/city-to-repair-old-singer-bowl-on-fair-grounds.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The zoo recorded 100 blackouts in its first three years,<ref name="Daily News 1971" /> some of which had lasted as long as five days.<ref name="nyt-1970-08-08" /> These issues prompted Gillette-Infante to request that the city hire more zookeepers.<ref name="Dallas 1970" />

By the early 1970s, Gillette-Infante alleged that the city government was neglecting the zoo.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Devlin |first=John C. |date=February 21, 1971 |title=Keeper of Small Zoo in Flushing Meadow Says City Neglects |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/02/21/archives/keeper-of-small-zoo-in-flushing-meadow-says-city-neglects-it.html |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref><ref name="McMorrow 1971">{{Cite news |last=McMorrow |first=Tom |date=June 13, 1971 |title=2 Keepers Back, Zoo Opens After 4 Days |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-2-keepers-back-zoo-opens-aft/153898361/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=161 }}</ref> She temporarily closed the aviary in October 1970 due to staffing shortages,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dallas |first=Gus |date=October 19, 1970 |title=Queens Zoo Is for the Birds Again |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-queens-zoo-is-for-the-birds-a/153899460/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=297 }}</ref> and she closed the entire zoo the following June for similar reasons.<ref name="McMorrow 1971" /> Gillette-Infante also wanted the city government to upgrade the zoo's electrical system,<ref name="nyt-1970-08-08">{{Cite news |last=Devlin |first=John C. |date=August 8, 1970 |title=Supervisor of Queens Zoo Says Electric Losses Peril Animals |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/08/08/archives/supervisor-of-queens-zoo-says-electric-losses-peril-animals.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref><ref name="Daily News 1971">{{Cite news |date=February 25, 1971 |title=Tatiana Blasts Parks Dept. For Blackouts at Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tatiana-blasts-parks-dept-fo/153899064/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=353 }}</ref> and NYC Parks added a secondary power supply to the zoo in 1970.<ref name="Dallas 1970" /> The aviary temporarily closed in May 1971 because visitors frequently attacked the birds and because the aviary's paths kept collapsing.<ref name="nyt-1973-07-23">{{Cite news |date=July 23, 1973 |title=Aviary's Plan to Reopen Is Plagued by Problems |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/07/23/archives/aviarys-plan-to-reopen-is-plagued-by-problems-design-criticized.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Due to a lack of city funding, City Council member [[Thomas Manton (politician)|Thomas Manton]] warned in 1971 that the zoo might have to scale back its activities or even close altogether.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 9, 1971 |title=Asks Funds for Culture in Queens |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-asks-funds-for-culture-in-que/153900368/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=360 }}</ref> The city government began regularly checking up on the zoo's animals in 1972,<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 19, 1972 |title=City Begins Regular Medical Checks on 800 Animals |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/19/archives/city-begins-regular-medical-checks-on-800-animals.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> and Gillette-Infante wanted the city to add an animal clinic and a [[quarantine]] facility for newly arrived animals.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=David |date=May 20, 1973 |title=Woman Rides Herd on Queens Zoo |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/05/20/archives/woman-rides-herd-on-queens-zoo.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> As part of a planned [[United States Bicentennial]] celebration at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, there were proposals to renovate the zoo.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McLaughlin |first=Peter |date=July 5, 1972 |title=Want Flushing Park for the Bicentennial |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-want-flushing-park-for-the-bi/149066585/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=206 }}</ref>

==== Mid- and late 1970s ====
The Flushing Meadows Zoo continued to experience maintenance, funding, and staffing issues during the mid-1970s, and electricity was still inconsistent.<ref name="nyt-1973-07-23" /><ref name="Lisker 1973">{{Cite news |last=Lisker |first=Jerry |date=July 15, 1973 |title=Seeds of a Future in Ailing Park? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-seeds-of-a-future-in-ailing-p/147581134/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=62, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-seeds-of-a-future-in-ailing-p/153902466/ 63] }}</ref> The lack of money and staff forced the zoo to postpone a planned renovation of the aviary in early 1973.<ref name="nyt-1973-07-23" /> There were discussions about reopening the zoo's aviary in mid-1973,<ref name="nyt-1973-07-23" /> though the aviary remained closed over the following months.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peck |first=Richard |date=October 21, 1973 |title=In Flushing Meadows The Glitter Is Gone But Hope Still Flourishes |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/21/archives/in-flushing-meadows-the-glitter-is-gone-but-hope-still-flourishes.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 8, 1974 |title=World Fair Tarries at New York Park Site: Fixtures Torn Out |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=3B |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|511663957}} }}</ref> The zoo's insect house was also shuttered.<ref name="Lisker 1973" /> Security at the zoo was increased in 1974 following several incidents at the [[Prospect Park Zoo|Prospect Park]] and [[Central Park Zoo|Central Park]] zoos. Additional policemen were stationed in the surrounding area, and the zoo began employing curatorial staff 24 hours a day.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wyatt |first=Hugh |date=March 13, 1974 |title=Zoos to Guard Against Beasts |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-zoos-to-guard-against-beasts/153904940/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=61 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Franks |first=Lucinda |date=March 13, 1974 |title=New Security System Installed at Zoos |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/03/13/archives/new-security-system-installed-at-zoos.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Shirley Weinstein of the Mid-Queens Community Council alleged that the zoo was being neglected;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rabin |first=Bernard |date=October 7, 1974 |title=Clamor Rises Over Grand Prix |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-clamor-rises-over-grand-prix/153906402/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=302 }}</ref> at the time, the zoo had over 100 animals.<ref name="Duggan 1975">{{Cite news |last=Duggan |first=Dennis |date=January 2, 1975 |title=Zoo Story: The City Wants Out |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-zoo-story-the/153906736/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=180, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-zoo-story-the/153906853/ 195], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-zoo-story-the/153906894/ 196] }}</ref> Gillette-Infante recalled that local residents often left unwanted pets there in the 1970s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kirkman |first=Edward |date=December 6, 1979 |title=She'd Keep Politics out of Zoos |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-shed-keep-politics-out-of-zo/154002885/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=908 }}</ref>

NYC Parks commissioned the naturalist [[Roger A. Caras]] in 1974 to study conditions in the city's three municipal zoos at Flushing Meadows, Central Park, and Prospect Park.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 14, 1974 |title=Metropolitan Briefs |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/14/archives/metropolitan-briefs-cut-in-subway-fare-draws-riders.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=O'Flaherty |first=Mary |date=September 8, 1974 |title=Getting Jungle Out of Prospect Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-getting-jungle-out-of-prospec/153906289/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=116 }}</ref> Though Caras found fewer problems at the Flushing Meadows Zoo than the two other zoos,<ref name="The New York Times 1975">{{Cite news |date=January 30, 1975 |title=Central Park Zoo Plan Would Ban Big Animals |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/01/30/archives/central-park-zoo-plan-would-ban-big-animals.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502185504/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/01/30/archives/central-park-zoo-plan-would-ban-big-animals.html |archive-date=May 2, 2019 |access-date=May 2, 2019 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref><ref name="Duggan 1975" /> he recommended that all three zoos be taken over by the [[New York Zoological Society]].<ref name="The New York Times 1975" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=November 24, 1974 |title=Animal Lib: Taking the Zoo Seriously |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-animal-lib-taking-the-zoo-se/153906155/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=21 }}</ref> City parks commissioner [[Edwin L. Weisl]] also supported the takeover,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Devlin |first=John C. |date=November 16, 1974 |title=City Urged to Forgo Control of Its 3 Zoos |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/16/archives/city-urged-to-forgo-control-of-its-3-zoos-advantages-summarized.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 16, 1974 |title=Urges City Give Up Zoos |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-urges-city-give-up-zoos/153906257/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=5 }}</ref> and he preferred that the zoos be closed if the Zoological Society could not take over operations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 30, 1975 |title=Metropolitan Briefs |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/01/30/archives/metropolitan-briefs-25-indicted-in-betting-scheme-large-animals-may.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> By the beginning of 1975, the city was negotiating to transfer operation of the zoos to the Zoological Society.<ref name="Duggan 1975" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Coutros |first=Peter |date=January 30, 1975 |title=City Getting Out of Monkey Biz |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-city-getting-out-of-monkey-bi/153906596/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=5 }}</ref> Protestors wanted the zoos to be closed entirely,<ref>{{cite news |last=Johnston |first=Laurie |date=November 18, 1974 |title=Protesters Demand City Shut Its 3 Zoos |work=The New York Times |page=72 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|119987241}} }}</ref> and the Society for Animal Rights sued in April 1975 to compel the city to close the three municipal zoos.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 10, 1975 |title=Suit Seeks to Shut 3 Zoos in City Parks As Cause of Cruelty |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/04/10/archives/suit-seeks-to-shut-3-zoos-in-city-parks-as-cause-of-cruelty.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The city government also sold off some of the zoos' animals, citing overcrowding.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Barbara |date=April 16, 1975 |title=City Auctions 90 Surplus Zoo Animals |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/04/16/archives/city-auctions-90-surplus-zoo-animals.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Miele |first=Alfred |date=March 30, 1975 |title=Hey Tiger, Need a Pet? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-hey-tiger-need-a-pet/153907051/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=4 }}</ref> A state-government report questioned whether the city government, which was in the midst of [[1975 New York City fiscal crisis|a major fiscal crisis]], should be using its limited funds to maintain the Flushing Meadows Zoo and the city's other small zoos.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stern |first=Michael |date=June 1, 1975 |title=Experts Offer Alternatives To Proposed City Layoffs |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/06/01/archives/experts-offer-alternatives-to-proposed-city-layoffs-among-them-are.html |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The aviary remained closed during the late 1970s,<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 4, 1977 |title=Zoos Won't Close, Parks Chief Assures |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-zoos-wont-close-parks-chief/153909294/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=663 }}</ref><ref name="nyt-1979-11-27">{{Cite news |last=Alston |first=Blanche Cordelia |date=November 27, 1979 |title=Officials Bemoan State of Queens Zoo |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/11/27/archives/officials-bemoan-state-of-queens-zoo.html |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> and the zoo's last seals died in 1976.<ref name="Banner 1981">{{Cite news |last=Banner |first=Randy |date=July 2, 1981 |title=4 Sea Lion Pups Find New Home in Flushing Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-4-sea-lion-pups-find-new-home-in/154005988/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=3 }}</ref>

The zoo's opponents continued to advocate for its closure. Tony Carding of the World Federation for the Protection of Animals wrote that, while the zoo was "a more humane and potentially educational attempt at exposing captive wild animals to public view", the site had high amounts of noise pollution.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Asbury |first=Edith Evans |date=June 1, 1976 |title='Shameful Conditions' at New York Zoos Reported by Group That Seeks to Shut |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/06/01/archives/shameful-conditions-at-new-york-zoos-reported-by-group-that-seeks.html |access-date=August 25, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> A groundhog pen was added to the zoo in 1978.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singleton |first=Donald |date=February 3, 1978 |title=News Buys Groundhog for the Five Burrows |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-news-buys-groundhog-for-the-f/154002253/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=669 }}</ref> The same year, U.S. Congressman [[Benjamin Rosenthal]] proposed adding the surrounding park to the [[Gateway National Recreation Area]], allowing the [[National Park Service]] to take over the zoo's operation,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnston |first=Laurie |date=February 13, 1978 |title=Bill Pushed to Give Gateway Area Park Corridor Through Queens |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/02/13/archives/bill-pushed-to-give-gateway-area-park-corridor-through-queens-city.html |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> but this legislation was not successful.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gianotti |first=Peter M. |date=July 26, 1978 |title=Flushing Park Bill Stalled |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-flushing-park-bill-stalled/154002133/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=7 }}</ref> By the following year, the zoo had only five exhibits, and it suffered from a lack of funds and staff.<ref name="nyt-1979-11-27" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kirkman |first=Edward |date=November 27, 1979 |title=Decry Few Animals at the Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-decry-few-animals-at-the-zoo/153913884/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=363 }}</ref><ref name="Logan 1979">{{Cite news |last=Logan |first=Betti |date=November 27, 1979 |title=Corona Park Zoo: Trying to Restore a Fallen Facility |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-corona-park-zoo-trying-to-resto/154002495/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=6 }}</ref> The seal pool was completely empty,<ref name="nyt-1979-11-27" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kirkman |first=Edward |date=November 28, 1979 |title=4 Sea Lions to Be the Zoo's Who |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-4-sea-lions-to-be-the-zoos-w/153914006/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=650 }}</ref> and the zoo as a whole did not have many North American animals.<ref name="Logan 1979" /> Further contributing to its unpopularity, the Flushing Meadows Zoo closed at 4 p.m. each day, and the city government was not planning any major renovations.<ref name="Logan 1979" />

=== WCS operation ===

==== 1980s takeover agreement ====
[[File:Queens Zoo dome outside jeh.jpg|thumb|The aviary's exterior]]

By 1980, the city government was again negotiating to hand over control of the three municipal zoos to the New York Zoological Society.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Leahy |first=Jack |date=January 25, 1980 |title=Zoo Takeover Deal Confirmed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-zoo-takeover-deal-confirmed/154003937/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=677 }}</ref> The society had wanted to take over only the Central Park Zoo, but the city government insisted that the group also take control of the two other zoos.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Alice |date=September 21, 1981 |title=Better Days at the Zoo Promised on Takeover |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-better-days-at-the-zoo-promis/154006640/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=117 }}</ref> Mayor [[Ed Koch]] and the New York Zoological Society signed a fifty-year agreement in April 1980, wherein the Central Park, Prospect Park, and Flushing Meadows zoos would be administered by the Society.<ref name="Duggan 1980">{{Cite news |last=Duggan |first=Dennis |date=April 23, 1980 |title=Queens Zoo: New Management |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-queens-zoo-new-management/154003170/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=7 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 22, 1980 |title=Prospect Park Zoo in Takeover |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-prospect-park-zoo-in-takeover/154003509/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=319 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 23, 1980 |title=City's 3 Zoos to Be Taken Over By New York Zoological Society |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/04/23/archives/citys-3-zoos-to-be-taken-over-by-new-york-zoological-society-citys.html |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> As part of the takeover, the Society planned to implement an admission fee, and it would spend $4.5 million renovating the zoo and adding animals.<ref name="Duggan 1980" /> Queens borough president [[Donald Manes]] requested that the city provide $2 million for the zoo's renovation in its budget for fiscal year 1981.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 15, 1980 |title=Manes: '81 Budget Good, '82 Better |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-manes-81-budget-good-82-bett/154004937/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=6, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-manes-81-budget-good-82-bett/154005005/ 18] }}</ref> Negotiations continued for another year and a half, and the New York City Council and [[New York City Board of Estimate|Board of Estimate]] had to approve the admission fees as well.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arena |first=Michael |date=September 18, 1981 |title=Queens Zoo to Improve Under New Operator |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-queens-zoo-to-improve-under-new/154004221/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=19 }}</ref> The zoo received four sea lions in 1981,<ref name="Banner 1981" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pugh |first=Thomas |date=July 1, 1981 |title=It's Pure Puppy Love as Seals Arrive at Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-its-pure-puppy-love-as-seals/154006024/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=469 }}</ref> and it also received a lion cub despite having no lion enclosure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dallas |first=Gus |date=October 15, 1981 |title=New Den Floor for Cub to Li-On? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-new-den-floor-for-cub-to-li-o/154006442/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=172 }}</ref>{{Efn|The lion was later moved to California.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Edward |last=Kirkman |date=February 4, 1982 |title=Feline Fine, Takes Shine to California, Vice Versa |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-feline-fine-takes-shine-to-c/154007338/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=171 }}</ref>}}

The Zoological Society signed an agreement in October 1981 to manage and renovate the zoos.<ref>{{cite news |last=Giordano |first=Mary Ann |date=October 15, 1981 |title=Society Takes on Taming of the Zoos |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31198250/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905235229/https://www.newspapers.com/article/31198250/ |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2019 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=11 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Arena |first=Michael |date=October 16, 1981 |title=Zoo Pact to Be Weighed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-zoo-pact-to-be-weighed/154004792/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=6 }}</ref> Although the Board of Estimate approved the agreement that month,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sulzberger |first=A. O. Jr. |date=October 23, 1981 |title=Board Approves Leases for South St. Seaport Plan |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/10/23/nyregion/board-approves-leases-for-south-st-seaport-plan.html |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Rabin |first=Bernard |date=November 23, 1981 |title=Boro programs receive funding |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-boro-programs-receive-funding/154006946/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=122 }}</ref> the society was not scheduled to take over the zoo immediately.<ref name="McKelvey 1981">{{Cite news |last=McKelvey |first=Gerald |date=October 23, 1981 |title=City OKs Tax Break in Project for Aged |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-city-oks-tax-break-in-project-fo/154005484/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=21 }}</ref> As part of the agreement, the three municipal zoos were to be renovated.<ref name="McKelvey 1981" /> The Flushing Meadows Zoo was originally planned to be renovated between 1984 and 1985 for $5 million,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Giordano |first1=Mary Ann |last2=Butler |first2=William |date=October 19, 1981 |title=$5M Will Be Freed for Repairs at the Flushing Park Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-5m-will-be-freed-for-repairs/154005332/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=115 }}</ref> though designs for the renovation were incomplete at the end of 1981.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strum |first=Charles |date=December 6, 1981 |title=Follow-Up On the News; Zoo Stories |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/12/06/nyregion/follow-up-on-the-news-zoo-stories.html |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The zoo launched a program the next year, in which it showed exotic animals to children across Queens.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKenna |first=Ken |date=August 13, 1982 |title=Zoo Parks the Animals Where Kids'll See Them |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-zoo-parks-the-animals-where-k/154007159/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=101 }}</ref> NYC Parks began promoting the zoo in 1985 after finding that many Queens residents did not know about its existence.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ain |first=Stewart |date=February 25, 1985 |title=Queens Zoo Will Be in Parks' Spotlight |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-queens-zoo-will-be-in-parks/154008098/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=151 }}</ref> The same year, NYC Parks formed the Friends of the Queens Zoo group to oversee improvements at the zoo.<ref name="Rabin 1985">{{Cite news |last=Rabin |first=Bernard |date=May 5, 1985 |title=Crowd to Roar at Annual Fest to Benefit Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-crowd-to-roar-at-annual-fest/154008227/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=476 }}</ref> By then, the zoo had 200 animals.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Caldwell |first=Jennifer |date=June 9, 1985 |title=City Almanac |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-city-almanac/154008405/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=228 }}</ref> Following a mauling at the Prospect Park Zoo, signs and fences were installed around the bear enclosure,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kramer |first=Marcia |date=May 29, 1987 |title=Warning on Bears at Zoo in Queens |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-warning-on-bears-at-zoo-in-qu/154055180/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=197 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 29, 1987 |title=Council calls Queens zoo dangerous |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/mount-vernon-argus-council-calls-queens/154050457/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Mount Vernon Argus |pages=18 }}</ref> and security at the zoo was increased.<ref>{{cite news |last=Liff |first=Bob |date=June 26, 1987 |title=Problems Nothing New for City Zoos |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=19 |id={{ProQuest|277886890}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Barron |first=James |date=May 22, 1987 |title=Officials Weigh Tighter Security at Zoos in Parks |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/22/nyregion/officials-weigh-tighter-security-at-zoos-in-parks.html |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> In addition, the zoo still experienced power shortages,<ref name="Dallas 1988">{{Cite news |last=Dallas |first=Gus |date=August 7, 1988 |title=Such Captivating Captivity! |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-such-captivating-captivity/31231386/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=158 }}</ref> and a U.S. federal inspector raised concerns that the zoo's clinic lacked consistent electricity.<ref>{{cite news |last=Liff |first=Bob |date=May 25, 1987 |title=Problems Nothing New for City Zoos |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=4 |id={{ProQuest|285362604}} }}</ref> The aviary also reopened {{Circa|1987}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 20, 1987 |title=At a Glance: At the Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-at-a-glance-at-the-park/154055265/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=320 }}</ref>

==== Renovation and 1990s ====
The Zoological Society began drawing up plans for the zoo in 1986;<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 31, 1986 |title=Flushing Meadows: Zoo to Get New Look, Management |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-flushing-meadows/154051237/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=26 }}</ref> the renovation was part of a larger project to refurbish Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cheng |first=Mae M. |date=October 9, 1994 |title=Changing of the Yard Flushing Meadows Is Getting a Facelift – but Some Don't like What They See |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=A100 |id={{ProQuest|278790201}} }}</ref> The Flushing Meadows Zoo was in better condition compared with the Central Park and Prospect Park zoos, so it needed fewer renovations.<ref name="Dallas 1988" /><ref name="Brown 1987">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Peggy |date=April 3, 1987 |title=Zoo; It's Spring, And the Creatures Are Stirring, From the Gharial Crocodile to the Whit-Cheeked Gibbon |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-zoo/154053707/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=190, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-zoo/154053760/ 215], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-zoo/154053782/ 216] |id={{ProQuest|277801416}} }}</ref> The Board of Estimate gave NYC Parks permission to hire a construction contractor for the zoo in April 1987,<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 13, 1987 |title=Board Goes Wild over Zoo Project |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-board-goes-wild-over-zoo-proj/154052043/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=98 }}</ref> and Lehrer, McGovern & Bovis were hired to rebuild the zoo.<ref name="Benkoe 1987">{{Cite news |last=Benkoe |first=Jeff |date=July 6, 1987 |title=Queens Zoo to Close for Renovation |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-queens-zoo-to-c/154047977/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=19 }}</ref> The city government announced in July 1987 that the zoo would close for renovations, and it began moving animals out of the zoo.<ref name="Benkoe 1987" /> At the time, the zoo's renovation was scheduled to take two or three years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Neugebauer |first=William |date=September 20, 1987 |title=It May Be the Jewel in City Park Crown |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82216761/it-may-be-the-jewel-in-city-park-crown/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726161007/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82216761/it-may-be-the-jewel-in-city-park-crown/ |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=318, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82216838/flushing-meadows/ 319] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Susan Heller |date=November 19, 1987 |title=Park in Queens to Get $80 Million Restoration |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/19/nyregion/park-in-queens-to-get-80-million-restoration.html |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The Zoological Society sought to continue hosting North American species there.<ref name="Marzulli 1988">{{Cite news |last=Marzulli |first=John |date=June 15, 1988 |title=Moving Day Is Closer at Queens Zoo & Farm |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-moving-day-is-closer-at-queen/154058540/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=644 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Newton |first=James S. |date=April 5, 1987 |title=New Focus Is Planned for Prospect Park Zoo |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/05/nyregion/new-focus-is-planned-for-prospect-park-zoo.html |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The Flushing Meadows Zoo was supposed to have closed in late 1987, but its closure was delayed while the animals were relocated.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fairley |first=Juliette |date=June 24, 1988 |title=Queens Neighborhoods; Queens Closeup; Closing of Zoo in Summer Annoys Many |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-closing-of-zoo-in-summer-annoys/154058648/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=25 |id={{ProQuest|277976302}} }}</ref> The zoo's 30 employees were reassigned to other parks in New York City.<ref name="Marzulli 1988" /> The animals were sent to various sites in the northeast U.S.<ref name="Marzulli 1988" /> Some chickens remained behind, and the operator of the neighboring [[Flushing Meadows Carousel]] fed the chickens for the next several years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Leahy |first=Jack |date=October 2, 1991 |title=Carousel Man's Chicken Delight |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-carousel-mans-chicken-deligh/154061565/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=413 }}</ref>

The Flushing Meadows Zoo was temporarily closed for renovations on August 8, 1988,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hemphill |first=Clara |date=August 9, 1988 |title=The New Zoo's Review: It Gets Seal of Approval |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-the-new-zoos-review-it-gets-se/154058269/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=2, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-zoo-review-finn-tastic/154058075/ 21] }}</ref> and workers began razing the existing structures.<ref name="Dallas 1988" /> The project included new exhibits, a refurbished petting zoo, and rebuilt pathways,<ref name="Benkoe 1987" /> in addition to landscaping changes.<ref name="Brown 1987" /><ref name="Marzulli 1988" /> The old walls and fences were replaced or concealed, and greenery and rocks were added.<ref name="Matsuda 2002">{{cite news |last=Matsuda |first=Akiko |date=June 21, 2002 |title=Party Animals / Zoo Marks 10 Years of Creature Care, Human Education |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-party-animals/154256189/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=A45 |id={{ProQuest|279605445}} }}</ref> At the end of 1989, city officials allocated $550,000 for new equipment at the zoo.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 28, 1989 |title=Queens Neighborhoods; Funding OKd For Improvements at Parks Reconstruction of the Queens Zoo |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=21 |id={{ProQuest|278210925}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 4, 1990 |title=600G okayed for park projects |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-600g-okayed-for-park-projects/154059557/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=337 }}</ref> The renovation ultimately was finished in 1991, but the zoo remained closed because of a lack of funding from the city government.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hernandez |first=Evelyn |date=February 6, 1991 |title=Budget Cuts Happening at the Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-budget-cuts-happening-at-the-zoo/154059462/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=23 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dao |first=James |date=July 5, 1991 |title=No Ma-Zoo-Ma? Beastly! |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-no-ma-zoo-ma-beastly/154060781/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=329 }}</ref> Weeds started to grow in the zoo due to a lack of maintenance,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dallas |first=Gus |date=September 29, 1991 |title=Zoos Caught in Budget Web |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-zoos-caught-in-budget-web/154060175/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=75 }}</ref> and the Zoological Society hired security guards to patrol the site.<ref name="Dallas 1991">{{Cite news |last=Dallas |first=Gus |date=September 22, 1991 |title='New' Zoo Is Tapped Out |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-new-zoo-is-tapped-out/154059161/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=316 }}</ref> Additionally, because all of the animals had been sold off, the Zoological Society had to get new animals.<ref name="Queen 1991">{{Cite news |last=Queen |first=Joe |date=November 24, 1991 |title='Spring Training' at the Queens Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-spring-training-at-the-queens/154059738/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=222 }}</ref> Mayor [[David Dinkins]] ultimately agreed to provide funding for the zoo after Queens borough president [[Claire Shulman]] threatened to prevent the nearby [[USTA National Tennis Center]] from being expanded.<ref name="Gordy 1992">{{cite news |last=Gordy |first=Molly |date=February 12, 1992 |title=Last Days for Kids' Zoo; But in Central Park, Future Is Enchanting |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-closeup-last-day-for-kids-zoo-b/154064821/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=23 |id={{ProQuest|278490277}} }}</ref> The zoo's annual operating costs at the time were about $1–2 million.<ref name="Gordy 1992" /> In total, the project had cost $16 million<ref name="nyt-1993-10-22">{{Cite news |last=Lyall |first=Sarah |date=October 22, 1993 |title=Zoo Story: A Q.-And-A. Stroll in Queens |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/10/22/arts/zoo-story-a-q-and-a-stroll-in-queens.html |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref><ref name="Newkirk 1992">{{cite news |last=Newkirk |first=Pamela |date=May 17, 1992 |title=Coming to Life Overdue Facelift for Park in Works |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|278509560}} }}</ref> or $17 million.<ref name="Leahy 1992" />

The zoo reopened on June 25, 1992; it was renamed the Queens Zoo,<ref name="New York Daily News 1992">{{Cite news |date=June 26, 1992 |title=Roar of Applause After Redo at Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-roar-of-applause-after-redo-a/154064499/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=696 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Margulis |first=Zachary |date=June 26, 1992 |title=Animals Shy as Queens Zoo Reopens |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-animals-shy-as-queens-zoo-reopen/154064072/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=29 }}</ref> and it began charging an admission fee.<ref name="Leahy 1992">{{Cite news |last=Leahy |first=Jack |date=June 19, 1992 |title=This Zoo Is like New |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-this-zoo-is-like-new/154064528/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=1138 }}</ref> The city planned to expand a parking area near the zoo as well,<ref name="Newkirk 1992" /> and new entrances to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park from 111th Street were built to provide more direct access to the zoo.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Huang |first=Vivian |date=June 1, 1994 |title=Let Us Spray for Unisphere |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-let-us-spray-for-unisphere/154073021/ |access-date=August 27, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=613 }}</ref> Even after the renovation and renaming, the Queens Zoo struggled to attract guests.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Queen |first=Joe |date=December 27, 1992 |title=Democratic Leader Loses Two of His Jobs |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-democratic-leader-loses-two-of-h/154070404/ |access-date=August 27, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=186 }}</ref> The Zoological Society was renamed the [[Wildlife Conservation Society]] (WCS) in 1993, and the zoo was rebranded as the Queens Wildlife Center,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clines |first=Francis X. |date=February 4, 1993 |title=What's 3 Letters and Zoologically Incorrect? |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/04/nyregion/what-s-3-letters-and-zoologically-incorrect.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504164414/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/04/nyregion/what-s-3-letters-and-zoologically-incorrect.html |archive-date=May 4, 2019 |access-date=May 4, 2019 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Ladd |first=Scott |date=February 3, 1993 |title=Now the Zoo's a Zoo No More |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-now-the-zoos-a-zoo-no-more/154071239/ |access-date=August 27, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=6 }}</ref> though it continued to be known as the Queens Zoo.<ref name="Holland 1996">{{Cite news |last=Holland |first=Beth |date=April 12, 1996 |title=It's a Zoo Out There |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-its-a-zoo-out-there/154241261/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=35 }}</ref> People frequently dumped unwanted animals at the zoo after it reopened, particularly during Easter, prompting objections from WCS officials.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Forrest |first=Susan |date=April 14, 1995 |title=A Tough Holiday on Real Bunnies |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-a-tough-holiday-on-real-bunnies/154241170/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=4 }}</ref> The zoo had 400 animals by the mid-1990s,<ref name="Holland 1996" /> and it recorded around 180,000 annual visitors during that decade.<ref>See, for instance: {{cite news |last=Bertrand |first=Donald |date=December 26, 2000 |title=Foreign Visitors Cause Tourism Bump |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|305576850}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Rau |first=Jordan |date=February 25, 1997 |title=Grucci Wants Brookhaven to Go Wild |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=A.33 |id={{ProQuest|278978740}} }}</ref> A Chinese alligator exhibit was added in 1997.<ref name="DeWees 1997">{{Cite news |last=DeWees |first=Gayle |date=June 27, 1997 |title=Gilligan, And the Skipper, Too |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gilligan-and-the-skipper-to/154244240/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=790 }}</ref> Even after the renovation, few people knew about the Queens Zoo, especially because visitors tended to frequent the better-known [[Bronx Zoo|Bronx]] and Central Park zoos.<ref name="Sanders 2001">{{cite news |last=Sanders |first=Etta |date=February 25, 2001 |title=A Word to the Wise / The Little-Known Queens Zoo Boasts a Menagerie of Feathered, Furry and Fleet-Footed Friends |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-a-word-to-the-wise/154255367/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=G06 |id={{ProQuest|279409679}} }}</ref>

==== 2000s to present ====
[[File:"We're Lonely" ... (49739603361).jpg|thumb|The zoo's petting farm]]
The WCS requested $950,000 from the city government for a parrot habitat in 2000,<ref>{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=William |date=February 9, 2000 |title=Local Leaders' Budget Wish List |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-local-leaders-budget-wish-list/154250026/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=A25 |id={{ProQuest|279307805}} }}</ref> and it requested $4.2 million from Queens borough president [[Claire Shulman]] the next year for a jaguar exhibit.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shifrel |first=Scott |date=February 7, 2001 |title=Show Them Some Money! Groups Make Pitches for Funds From Boro Board |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=3 |id={{ProQuest|305568208}} }}</ref> Shulman ultimately provided $4.3 million from both projects.<ref name="QNS 2002 b269">{{cite web |date=June 19, 2002 |title=Queens Zoo holds party to celebrate its 10th year |url=https://qns.com/2002/06/queens-zoo-holds-party-to-celebrate-its-10th-year/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=QNS }}</ref> By then, the WCS had added several species to the zoo and was adding more birds to the aviary.<ref name="Parks 2000">{{cite news |last=Parks |first=Steve |date=August 18, 2000 |title=Cover Story / World Class / Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Is a Mix of Cultures Held Together by Family Ties |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=B15 |id={{ProQuest|279354258}} }}</ref><ref name="Rhoades 2001 x633">{{cite web |last=Rhoades |first=Liz |date=June 28, 2001 |title=Get Ready For New Zoo Denizens At Wildlife Center In Queens |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/north/get-ready-for-new-zoo-denizens-at-wildlife-center-in-queens/article_9c47281b-ef38-5387-80de-376473d3cfca.html |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=Queens Chronicle }}</ref> The zoo saw 200,000 annual visitors, and the WCS was hiring multilingual volunteers and printing brochures in multiple languages to attract more visitors.<ref name="Sanders 2001" /> The zoo was officially renamed the Queens Zoo in May 2001 after the WCS found that visitors were confused about the "Wildlife Center" name.<ref>{{cite news |last=Becker |first=Maki |date=May 6, 2001 |title=New Name Zoo-Ts It Ends Public Confusion |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=4 |id={{ProQuest|305675490}} }}</ref> The same year, the barn on the domestic side was expanded.<ref name="Rhoades 2001 x633" /> Following the [[September 11 attacks]] later that year, the zoo recorded increased attendance, in part because local residents were no longer traveling far.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pogrebin |first=Robin |date=November 18, 2001 |title=Arts Groups Are Reeling in Wake of the Attacks |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/18/nyregion/arts-groups-are-reeling-in-wake-of-the-attacks.html |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> When the zoo celebrated the tenth anniversary of its reopening in 2002, the WCS was about to begin constructing the parrot and jaguar habitats.<ref name="QNS 2002 b269" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Matsuda |first=Akiko |date=June 21, 2002 |title=Party Animals / Zoo Marks 10 Years of Creature Care, Human Education |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=A45 |id={{ProQuest|279605445}} }}</ref>

In 2003, Mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]] proposed eliminating funding for the Prospect Park and Queens zoos to fill a citywide budget gap,<ref>{{cite news |last=Saltonstall |first=David |date=April 15, 2003 |title=End of the Lion for 2 City Zoos? |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=2 |id={{ProQuest|305775561}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Steinhauer |first=Jennifer |date=April 15, 2003 |title=Mayor's Plans Ask for Closing Of 2 City Zoos |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/15/nyregion/mayor-s-plans-ask-for-closing-of-2-city-zoos.html |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> effectively forcing the WCS to close the zoos.<ref name="Wasserman 2003">{{cite news |last=Wasserman |first=Joanne |date=April 21, 2003 |title=Fur's Flying Over Zoo Cuts |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-furs-flying-over-zoo-cuts/154265253/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=7 |id={{ProQuest|305805528}} }}</ref> The changes would have resulted in a total savings of around $5.6 million<ref name="Colangelo 2003">{{cite news |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=April 18, 2003 |title=Zoos Struggling to Duck the Mayor's Budget Cuts |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-zoos-struggling-to-duck-the-m/154265285/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=3 |id={{ProQuest|305775333}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=English |first=Merle |date=April 16, 2003 |title=Zoos Endangered In Budget Cuts |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-zoos-endangered-in-budget-cuts/154265214/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=A05 |id={{ProQuest|279679444}} }}</ref> or $5.8 million.<ref name="Wasserman 2003" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Richardson |first=Lynda |date=April 23, 2003 |title=Public Lives; Can a Brooklyn Baboon Make a Life in the Bronx? |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/23/nyregion/public-lives-can-a-brooklyn-baboon-make-a-life-in-the-bronx.html |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> At the time, the Queens Zoo received $3.5 million per year, and closing the zoo would have cost $4 million;<ref>{{cite news |last=English |first=Merle |date=June 15, 2003 |title=Wanted: Loving Home For Wild Animals / The Queens Zoo Has Some Common (And Big) North American Species. They May Not Be Easy to Place. |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-wanted-loving-home-for-wild-ani/154260530/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page= |pages=G6, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-wanted-loving-home-for-wild-ani/154260548/ G7] |id={{ProQuest|279701803}} }}</ref> only about 10% of the zoo's operating costs were funded by the WCS itself.<ref name="QNS 2003 t887">{{cite web |date=April 24, 2003 |title=Whats A Zoo To Do? |url=https://qns.com/2003/04/whats-a-zoo-to-do/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=QNS }}</ref> The WCS would have needed to relocate 400 animals from the zoo if it were closed.<ref name="Colangelo 2003" /> In response to the announcement, local residents signed petitions opposing the budget cuts;<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Shaughnessy |first=Patrice |date=April 21, 2003 |title=Zoos Facing Extinction Plan Means Misery for B'klyn, Queens Animal Lovers |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-zoos-facing-extinction-plan-m/154265180/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=7 |id={{ProQuest|305804390}} }}</ref> one such petition garnered more than 100,000 signatures.<ref name="English 2004">{{Cite news |last=English |first=Merle |date=March 2, 2004 |title=It's Not an Endangered Species |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-its-not-an-endangered-species/154265815/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=42 }}</ref> There were discussions about restoring the funds in exchange for raising admission fees and introducing private sponsorships at the zoos,<ref>{{cite news |last=Lombardi |first=Frank |date=May 13, 2003 |title=How 2 Zoos Might Survive |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=12 |id={{ProQuest|305796277}} }}</ref> and the WCS also contemplated renting out the zoos for private events.<ref>{{cite news |last=English |first=Merle |date=June 27, 2003 |title=Plans for Rent-A-Zoo |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=A17 |id={{ProQuest|279651336}} }}</ref> That June, the city government ultimately agreed to restore $4.8 million for the Prospect Park and Queens zoos,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Janison |first1=Dan |last2=Thrush |first2=Glenn |last3=Taylor |first3=Curtis L. |date=June 26, 2003 |title=City Deal Defangs Budget / Zoos Among Programs Spared |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=A07 |id={{ProQuest|279673888}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last1=Bashinsky |first1=Ruth |last2=Colangelo |first2=Lisa L. |date=June 27, 2003 |title=Parents & Kids Lion Up to Cheer Zoos' Survival |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=3 |id={{ProQuest|305796695}} }}</ref> though the WCS had to fire staff, discontinue programs, and double admission fees.<ref name="English 2004" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hernández |first=Daisy |date=July 20, 2003 |title=Classes at 2 Zoos Falling Victim To City's Fiscal Law of Jungle |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/20/nyregion/classes-at-2-zoos-falling-victim-to-city-s-fiscal-law-of-jungle.html |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 21, 2003 |title=Brooklyn, Queens zoos plan cutbacks |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-brooklyn-queens-zo/154263829/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=Poughkeepsie Journal |pages=5A }}</ref> Funding for the zoo was accidentally removed from the city's budget in 2004, though it was quickly restored.<ref name="English 2004" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Saul |first=Michael |date=January 23, 2004 |title=Zoos to feed on green from new city budget |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-zoos-to-feed-on-green-from-ne/154290846/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=17 }}</ref>

A parrot exhibit opened at the zoo in July 2004,<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 23, 2004 |title=Top billing |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-top-billing/154295949/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=40 }}</ref> and the [[prairie dog]] habitat was replaced two years later with a habitat for [[southern pudu]].<ref name="Rhoades 2006 r076">{{cite web |last=Rhoades |first=Liz |date=February 2, 2006 |title=Groundhog Day Ends Here As Critters Shipped Out |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/north/groundhog-day-ends-here-as-critters-shipped-out/article_46c00cb3-6a1b-578f-9be4-bf7fa53534bc.html |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=Queens Chronicle }}</ref> The WCS also renovated the zoo's aviary in 2006 with $640,000 from the office of borough president [[Helen M. Marshall]].<ref name="Rhoades 2006 a840">{{cite web |last=Rhoades |first=Liz |date=June 29, 2006 |title=Queens Zoo's Aviary Really Is For The Birds |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/north/queens-zoo-s-aviary-really-is-for-the-birds/article_72d8cd1a-90cd-5bef-9ff1-8e0493eb114a.html |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=Queens Chronicle }}</ref> Though the Queens Zoo had initially focused on keeping North American animals, the zoo also included many South American animals as well by the late 2000s. This helped attract more visitors, particularly South American immigrants who lived nearby.<ref name="Colangelo 2007">{{cite news |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=June 21, 2007 |title=Animal Magnetism! Flushing Meadows' 11-acre Zoo Marks 15 Years of Teaching Visitors |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|306099477}} }}</ref> Robin Dalton, who had served as the zoo's director since it reopened, retired in 2006.<ref name="Rhoades 2008 l294">{{cite web |last=Rhoades |first=Liz |date=April 3, 2008 |title=Queens Zoo Names Silver As New Director |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/north/queens-zoo-names-silver-as-new-director/article_9b3b7a40-1253-5af8-bd89-b0ccf9d4ae99.html |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=Queens Chronicle }}</ref> The zoo's logtime curator, Scott Silver, became its director following a two-year search.<ref name="Rhoades 2008 l294" /><ref name="Mimoni n424">{{cite web |last=Mimoni |first=Victor G. |date=April 23, 2008 |title=Queens zoo strikes gold with Silver |url=https://qns.com/2008/04/queens-zoo-strikes-gold-with-silver/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=QNS }}</ref> After Silver was promoted, he sought to increase visitation by completing the jaguar habitat and adding a children's playground.<ref name="Rhoades 2008 l294" /> At the time, the zoo attracted about 200,000 annual visitors, most of who came from the surrounding neighborhood.<ref name="Mimoni n424" /> In addition, three interactive exhibits were added to the Queens Zoo in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 18, 2008 |title=Three interactive exhibits at Queens Zoo |url=https://qns.com/2008/06/three-interactive-exhibits-at-queens-zoo/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=QNS |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=May 22, 2008 |title=Interactive fun now on the menu at the Queens Zoo |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2008/05/22/interactive-fun-now-on-the-menu-at-the-queens-zoo/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 }}</ref>

The zoo had still not constructed the jaguar habitat in 2010 due to a lack of funds.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 3, 2010 |title=Big plans in store for animals at New York City zoos – if economy ever roars back to life |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2010/01/03/big-plans-in-store-for-animals-at-new-york-city-zoos-if-economy-ever-roars-back-to-life/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=December 30, 2009 |title=NY zoos exhibit new plan |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20100103/FREE/301039990/ny-zoos-exhibit-new-plan |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=Crain's New York Business }}</ref> A [[Wi-Fi]] network was added to the zoo in 2012 as part of a program to improve Wi-Fi access across New York City parks.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 25, 2012 |title=AT&T And City Parks Turn Queens Zoo Into 'Hotspot' |url=https://www.qgazette.com/articles/att-and-city-parks-turn-queens-zoo-into-hotspot/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=Queens Gazette |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=July 26, 2012 |title=Free Wi- Fi Service Is Now Available at the Qns. Zoo |url=https://qns.com/2012/07/free_wi_fi_service_is_now_available_at_the_qns_zoo/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=QNS }}</ref> In addition, borough president [[Melinda Katz]] provided $480,000 for renovations to the aviary and the overpass over the zoo's marsh.<ref>{{cite web |last=Suriel |first=Alina |date=August 11, 2015 |title=BP Katz secures $32 million for Queens parks |url=https://qns.com/2015/08/bp-katz-secures-32-million-for-queens-parks/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=QNS |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last1=Honan |first1=Katie |last2=Kern-Jedrychowska |first2=Ewa |last3=Evelly |first3=Jeanmarie |date=August 12, 2015 |title=MAP: Dozens of Queens Parks Will Get Share of $32M From Borough President |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150812/jackson-heights/map-dozens-of-queens-parks-will-get-share-of-32m-from-borough-president/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=DNAinfo New York }}</ref> In March 2020, the Queens Zoo and the WCS's other facilities were shuttered indefinitely due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New York City]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Julia |date=April 3, 2020 |title=The Bronx Zoo Is Also Empty, But the Animals Don't Mind |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/arts/bronx-zoo-coronavirus.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908180710/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/arts/bronx-zoo-coronavirus.html |archive-date=September 8, 2023 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=March 15, 2020 |title=Coronavirus Update: Wildlife Conservation Society Zoos, Aquarium in New York City to Close Amid COVID-19 Outbreak |url=https://abc7ny.com/coronavirus-bronx-zoo-central-park-prospect/6016242/ |access-date=August 27, 2024 |website=ABC7 New York }}</ref> The zoo reopened that July;<ref>{{cite web |date=July 9, 2020 |title=Reopen NYC: Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, And Queens Zoo Reopening on July 24 with Safety Protocols |url=https://abc7ny.com/reopen-nyc-covid-19-new-york-city-coronavirus/6309337/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908180710/https://abc7ny.com/reopen-nyc-covid-19-new-york-city-coronavirus/6309337/ |archive-date=September 8, 2023 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |website=ABC7 New York }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Davenport |first=Emily |date=July 9, 2020 |title=Prospect Park Zoo, New York Aquarium Slated to Reopen July 24 |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/prospect-park-zoo-new-york-aquarium-slated-to-reopen-july-24/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908180710/https://www.brooklynpaper.com/prospect-park-zoo-new-york-aquarium-slated-to-reopen-july-24/ |archive-date=September 8, 2023 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |website=Brooklyn Paper }}</ref> visitors were initially required to reserve timed tickets, and the zoo's paths were temporarily converted to one-way paths to allow [[social distancing]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Donlevy |first=Katherine |date=September 10, 2020 |title=Escape into the dens of exotic wildlife |url=https://www.qchron.com/qboro/stories/escape-into-the-dens-of-exotic-wildlife/article_e27564c7-b906-5358-9f89-a0c99bbdf0c2.html |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=Queens Chronicle }}</ref>

== Description ==
{{Flushing Meadows-Corona Park map|float=right||highlight=3}}
The Queens Zoo is located at 53{{Hyphen}}51 111th Street within Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, New York City, near 53rd Avenue<ref>{{cite book |last=Freudenheim |first=Ellen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uT-FAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT167 |title=Queens: What to Do, Where to Go (And How Not to Get Lost) in New York's Undiscovered Borough |publisher=St. Martin's Publishing Group |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-4668-5238-9 |page=167 |access-date=August 24, 2024 }}</ref> and west of Grand Central Parkway.<ref name="nyt-1966-07-22" /><ref name="NYCityMap">{{Cite web |title=NYCityMap |url=https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/d826b115c87841d491c2b41fcb175305/page/Map-Explorer/#data_s=id%3Awidget_191_output_config_0%3A0 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=NYC.gov |publisher=[[New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications]] }} Search for the address "53-51 111th St, Corona, NY, 11368, USA".</ref> It operates year-round.<ref name="English 2004" /> The Queens Zoo has been operated by the [[Wildlife Conservation Society]] since its reopening in 1992,<ref name="New York Daily News 1992" /> and it is accredited by the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Institution Status: Association of Zoos & Aquariums |url=https://www.aza.org/inst-status |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=AZA.org }}</ref>

The zoo is divided into a wild side, where animals roam around in landscaped exhibits, and a domestic side, where visitors could interact with domesticated animals.<ref name="Sanders 2001" /><ref name="QNS 2003 t887" /><ref name="Schaefer 1996">{{Cite news |last=Schaefer |first=Diane Moy |date=June 22, 1996 |title=Day Tripper |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-day-tripper/154243951/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=73 }}</ref> One of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park's paths separates the two sides.<ref name="zoo_map" /> There is a walk-through aviary within the wild side of the zoo.<ref name="zoo_map">{{Cite web |title=Zoo Map |url=http://www.queenszoo.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/QZ%20Map%20Sp2012.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501192329/http://queenszoo.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/QZ%20Map%20Sp2012.pdf |archive-date=May 1, 2012 |access-date=May 22, 2012 |work=queenszoo.com |publisher=Wildlife Conservation Society }}</ref> To the north of the zoo is the [[New York Hall of Science]] museum, while to the west is the [[Terrace on the Park]] banquet hall.<ref name="NYCityMap" /> Near the zoo's entrance are two fountains, known as the Fountain of the Planet of the Apes and the Fountain of the Grapes of Wrath.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schneider |first=Daniel B. |date=April 26, 1998 |title=F.y.i. |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/26/nyregion/fyi-643300.html |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The [[Flushing Meadows Carousel]] is next to the domestic side of the zoo (originally the children's farm).<ref name="Brown 1987" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dallas |first=Gus |date=May 15, 1981 |title=A Sad Scene at Carousel |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-a-sad-scene-at-carousel/154004485/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=194 }}</ref>

=== Wild side ===
The main zoo (now the zoo's wild side) is located on the eastern portion of the site.<ref name="zoo_map" /> The wild side originally covered {{Convert|18|acre}};<ref name="nyt-1966-08-21" /><ref name="Newsday 1966" /> following the 1990s renovation, the wild side covered an oval-shaped plot of about {{Convert|11|acre}}.<ref name="Matsuda 2002" /><ref name="Dallas 1991" /><ref name="Kadet 2013">{{cite news |last=Kadet |first=Anne |date=September 20, 2013 |title=Ranking New York City's Smaller Animal Kingdoms; Beyond the Bronx Zoo, Other Boroughs Also Have Animal Kingdoms |url-access=subscription |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324492604579087320274075570.html |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal |page= |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|1434205388}} }}</ref> There were originally pools and ponds throughout the zoo,<ref name="Martin 1968b" /> including a seal pool measuring {{Convert|110|by|30|ft}}.<ref name="Banner 1981" /> In contrast to other zoos, the Queens Zoo did not put animals in cages except when necessary.<ref name="Martin 1968b">{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Jo |date=November 1, 1968 |title=Zip to the Zoo! |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-zip-to-the-zoo/153880097/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=63 }}</ref><ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1056" /> Animals stayed outdoors, and dry moats and low fences surrounded each animal's enclosure.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1056" /><ref name="Brown 1987" /> Most animals' enclosures were designed to resemble their natural habitats.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 29, 1968 |title=The Wild, Wild East |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-wild-wild-east/153880045/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=179 }}</ref> High chain-link fences were used for the former wolf enclosure,<ref name="Martin 1968b" /><ref name="Long 1977">{{Cite news |last=Long |first=Irving |date=November 29, 1977 |title=Wolves Escape, Kill 2 Deer in Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-wolves-escape/154001337/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=3 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Schumach |first=Murray |date=November 29, 1977 |title=Wolves at Flushing Meadows Zoo Recaptured After Killing 2 Deer |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/29/archives/wolves-at-flushing-meadows-zoo-recaptured-after-killing-2-deer.html |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> which also had a moat surrounding it.<ref name="nyt-1979-11-27" /> Another fence surrounded the entirety of the zoo.<ref name="Long 1977" /> The main entrance has a decorative gate by Albino Manca and Clarke & Rapuano, known as ''Gates of Life''.<ref name="New York City Department of Parks & Recreation 2003" />

Following the 1990s renovation, the main pond was enlarged, and a marsh was added.<ref name="Dallas 1991" /><ref name="Parks 1993">{{Cite news |last=Parks |first=Steve |date=July 2, 1993 |title=It's All Happening at the Zoo—and the Aquarium |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-its-all-happen/154070680/ |access-date=August 27, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=138, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-its-all-happen/154070782/ 154] }}</ref> The wolves were removed,<ref name="Leahy 1992" /> and new exhibits were added for bears, [[bison]], [[bobcat]]s, [[coyote]]s, [[mountain lion]]s, [[prairie dog]]s, [[Roosevelt elk]], [[sandhill crane]]s, and [[water bird]]s.<ref name="Leahy 1992" /><ref name="Morales 1992">{{Cite news |last=Morales |first=Tina |date=July 5, 1992 |title=Queens Zoo |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-queens-zoo/154064418/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=168 }}</ref> The habitats include hidden landscape features, such as artificially warmed rocks in the mountain-lion exhibit, as well as tree stumps with sprinklers in the bison range.<ref name="Sanders 2001" /> Vegetation was placed over the fences to hide them, and hills were added to several habitats to allow visitors to more easily see the animals.<ref name="Sanders 2001" /> To mimic the conditions found in the wild, zookeepers hide food in landscape features such as tree trunks and logs.<ref name="Sanders 2001" /> A sea lion pool and a sea lion store occupy the center of the wild side's eastern end, and there is an administration building at the southern end.<ref name="zoo_map" />

Informational signs are placed throughout the zoo.<ref name="nyt-1993-10-22" /> The modern zoo also includes a winding pathway around the perimeter of the oval path.<ref name="Leimbach 1993" /> Observation platforms lead off the pathway into several habitats.<ref name="QNS 2003 t887" /><ref name="Leimbach 1993">{{cite news |last=Leimbach |first=Dulcie |date=April 23, 1993 |title=For Children: A Day at the Queens Zoo Music, Dancing and Questions of Race An Old-Fashioned Amusement Park Unleashing the Creative Powers. |work=The New York Times |page=C27 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|108972071}} }}</ref> In addition, there is a "graveyard" with information about extinct species.<ref name="Kadet 2013" /><ref name="English 2003">{{cite news |last=English |first=Merle |date=May 28, 2003 |title=Rescuers Need Favor Returned / Zoo Took Cubs, But Its Future in Doubt |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=A15 |id={{ProQuest|279691224}} }}</ref>

==== Aviary ====
The zoo's aviary is at the northeast corner of the wild side.<ref name="zoo_map" /> It consists of a geodesic dome designed by Thomas C. Howard for the 1964 fair,<ref name="nyt-1993-01-03" /> based on a concept by [[Buckminster Fuller]].<ref name="Parks 1993" /> The dome was originally located on what is now the site of the Buzz Vollmer Playground in the northern section of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.<ref name="nyt-2014-05-07">{{Cite web |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=May 7, 2014 |title=50 Years Later, Questions Over Who Designed a World's Fair Dome |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/07/50-years-later-questions-over-who-designed-a-worlds-fair-dome/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=City Room |language=en }}</ref> The dome is {{Convert|175|ft|4=|adj=}} wide and was one of the largest single-layer structures of its time.<ref name="nyt-1993-01-03">{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=January 3, 1993 |title=Streetscapes: The Queens Aviary; A Great Outside Interior Space |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/03/realestate/streetscapes-the-queens-aviary-a-great-outside-interior-space.html |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> For the fair's 1964 season, it was used as a multipurpose event facility with 2,100 seats.<ref name="nyt-2014-05-07" /> The following year, the dome became a memorial to former British prime minister [[Winston Churchill]], with numerous artifacts from Churchill's life.<ref name="Brown 1965">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Murray J. |date=March 28, 1965 |title=Fair Re-Opens Soon; Some Changes Made |work=The Hartford Courant |page=33A |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|548738120}} }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Anthony |date=March 22, 1965 |title=Churchill's Paintings and Other Mementos to Be Shown at the Fair; Model of His Study Will Be Center of Hallmark Display |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/22/archives/churchills-paintings-and-other-mementos-to-be-shown-at-the-fair.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The memorial was sponsored by the nonprofit organization [[People to People International|People to People]].<ref name="Brown 1965" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 3, 1965 |title=New Exhibition at Fair Will Honor Churchill |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/03/archives/new-exhibition-at-fair-will-honor-churchill.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The dome was dismantled and stored after the fair; it was later reassembled in the zoo with a mesh netting instead of a solid tent.<ref name="nyt-1993-01-03" />

Prior to the fair's 1965 season, there had been discussions about using the dome as an aviary after the fair.<ref name="nyt-2014-05-07" /> When the dome was reinstalled in the zoo, landscape architects [[Gilmore David Clarke]] and [[Michael Rapuano]] redesigned its interior as an aviary, while [[Andrews & Clark]] were hired as the engineers. Rocks, bushes, and trees were added inside.<ref name="nyt-1968-10-27" /> The aviary also had an asphalt walkway, as well as a {{convert|30|ft|m|-tall|adj=mid}}, {{convert|162|ft|m|-long|adj=mid}} spiral bridge. Birds were allowed to fly throughout the aviary, as there were no cages.<ref name="nyt-1973-07-23" /> In the 1970s, the aviary's birds were recorded as including [[Guineafowl|guinea hens]], [[myna]]s, [[Peafowl|peacocks]], [[Common pheasant|Chinese pheasants]], and [[quail]].<ref name="nyt-1973-07-23" /> After the zoo reopened in 1992, the aviary included a walkway winding upward to the height of the trees.<ref name="nyt-1968-10-27" /><ref name="Morales 1992" /> The modern interior includes native plantings such as white pine trees,<ref name="Rhoades 2006 a840" /> and the trees are constantly pruned so visitors could see the birds there.<ref name="Sanders 2001" /> The dome is covered with netting to prevent the birds from escaping. By 2006, the aviary had 90 birds from 20 species.<ref name="Rhoades 2006 a840" />

=== Domestic side ===
The western side of the zoo is dedicated to domestic animals.<ref name="zoo_map" /> Built as a [[children's zoo]] called the Heckscher Children's Farm,<ref name="Scarborough 1968" /> it was designed in the style of an American [[Homestead (building)|homestead]].<ref name="Rabin 1985" /> When the Queens Zoo was being developed, the children's farm was supposed to contain amusement rides.<ref name="Daily News 1966a" /> At the time of its opening, the children's zoo included pigs, cows, sheep, donkeys, ponies, rabbits, and ducks,<ref name="nyt-1968-02-29" /><ref name="Amon 1968" /> most of whom had been raised at the [[Central Park Zoo]].<ref name="Amon 1968" /> There was a one-story structure that exhibited live insects;<ref name="Daily News 1967" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Amon |first=Rhoda |date=November 1, 1968 |title=Fair's Gone but There's Plenty to See |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=5A |id={{ProQuest|915161500}} }}</ref> at the time of its completion, the insect house was the only one in the [[New York metropolitan area|New York City area]].<ref name="Daily News 1967" /> The children's farm included a concession stand shaped like a farmhouse,<ref name="Martin 1968a" /> and a dairy house was added in the 1990s.<ref name="Queen 1991" /> By the 2000s, the domestic side of the zoo had a barn with educational programs.<ref name="Schaefer 1996" />

=== Events and activities ===
The zoo has hosted various events over the years. For example, it has hosted the annual Bison Bonanza, with bison-themed children's activities such as face painting and storytelling.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 24, 1994 |title=Bison Bonanza Will Be a Wild Time |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bison-bonanza-will-be-a-wild/154239977/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=710 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Graeber |first=Laurel |date=June 16, 2000 |title=Family Fare; The Wild West Moves East |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/16/arts/family-fare-the-wild-west-moves-east.html |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The zoo has also presented children's activities during events such as the Fall Fun festival,<ref>{{cite news |date=October 15, 1996 |title=Corona: A Celebration of Life, Both Wild and Domestic |work=The New York Times |page=CY16 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|109450818}} }}</ref> [[International Migratory Bird Day]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Graeber |first=Laurel |date=May 11, 2001 |title=Family Fare |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/11/arts/family-fare.html?searchResultPosition&#61;1 |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> Winter Breakout, Natural History Happening,<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 16, 1997 |title=Playing in the Neighborhood |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/16/nyregion/playing-in-the-neighborhood-620491.html |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> and the International Harvest Festival.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bertrand |first=Donald |date=October 11, 1995 |title=Harvest Fest Puts Spotlight on Culture |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-harvest-fest-puts-spotlight-o/154241573/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=1289 }}</ref> There have been other events such as annual sheep-shearing weekends<ref>{{Cite news |last=Graeber |first=Laurel |date=April 28, 2006 |title=Where Family Trees Grow a Little Differently |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/28/arts/where-family-trees-grow-a-little-differently.html |access-date=August 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Parks |first=Steve |date=April 19, 2002 |title=Finally, A Warm Welcome / Spring's in the Air as LI Prepares for Earth Day Galas |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=B13 |id={{ProQuest|279571930}} }}</ref> and winter camps for children.<ref>{{cite web |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=December 30, 2011 |title=Kids get up close look at Queens Zoo residents during winter camp program |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2011/12/30/kids-get-up-close-look-at-queens-zoo-residents-during-winter-camp-program/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 }}</ref> During the 1990s, the Queens Zoo also hosted [[Groundhog Day]] ceremonies, in which people looked at the shadows of the zoo's [[prairie dog]]s to forecast an early spring;<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Haire |first=Patricia |date=January 31, 1997 |title=Now to Phil for the Forecast |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-now-to-phil-for-the-forecast/154244361/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=54 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Queen |first=Joseph W. |date=February 3, 1996 |title=Mad Marmots |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-mad-marmots/154242990/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=3 }}</ref> the practice ended in 2006 when the prairie dogs were relocated.<ref name="Rhoades 2006 r076" />
In addition, the zoo hosts classes, and high-school students help operate the zoo's education and animal-care programs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=January 11, 2000 |title=A Walk on the Wild Side at Center, Kids Can See Nature Fact-To-Face |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |page=3 |id={{ProQuest|313734141}} }}</ref> These programs are provided in several languages.<ref name="Schaefer 1996" />

== Animals ==
The zoo is home to as many as 112 species as of 2013,<ref name="Kadet 2013" /> which are native to both North and South America.<ref name="Colangelo 2007" /> Initially, the zoo only housed animals that were native to North America.<ref name="nyt-1966-08-21" /><ref name="Daily News 1966b" /> According to park commissioner [[August Heckscher II|August Heckscher]], the zoo could keep only North American animals because it operated throughout the year and because all the exhibits were outdoors.<ref name="Cohn 1968" /> The animals at the zoo also do not migrate south during the winter.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Queen |first=Joe |date=October 17, 1993 |title=It's Always a Natural Place to Visit |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-its-always-a-natural-place-to-v/154071492/ |access-date=August 27, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=239 }}</ref> The zoo's [[menagerie]] still focused on North American species after its 1990s renovation,<ref>{{cite news |last=Riley |first=John |date=April 23, 1995 |title=And Now They'll Save the World; Wildlife Conservation Society's Work Reaches Far Beyond City's New-Look Zoos |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=A.68 |id={{ProQuest|278900530}} }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Douglas |date=May 27, 1994 |title=Where City Children Can Have a Wild Time |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/27/arts/where-city-children-can-have-a-wild-time.html |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> but it has since expanded to include other species such as South American [[spectacled bear]]s<ref name="Parks 2000" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Terrazzano |first=Lauren |date=April 25, 1995 |title=Wildlife to Live It up at Zoo Birthday Bash |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-wildlife-to-live-it-up-at-zoo/154240979/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=299 }}</ref> and [[American alligator]]s. There is a small clinic for injured and sick animals; the clinic at the [[Bronx Zoo]] handles more serious injuries or illnesses.<ref name="Sanders 2001" /> As part of a WCS program, almost all of the zoo's animals undergo [[animal enrichment]] training.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farberov |first=Snejana |date=January 29, 2006 |title=Putting a leash on stress for Queens Zoo critters |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-putting-a-leash-on-stress-for/154293155/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=96 }}</ref>

Originally, the zoo's animals included bears, wolves, bison, raccoons, otters, and waterfowl.<ref name="nyt-1968-10-27" /> After the zoo's 1990s renovation, it had 250 animals from 40 species,<ref name="Morales 1992" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Leahy |first=Jack |date=June 21, 1992 |title=Festival of Heritage |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-festival-of-heritage/154064236/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=77 }}</ref> and species such as [[cougar]]s, [[Roosevelt elk]], and [[prairie dog]]s were added for the first time.<ref name="Dallas 1991" /> The zoo's menagerie had grown to 400 animals by 2001.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shapiro |first=Sorah |date=July 22, 2001 |title=Litter Patrol / At the Queens Wildlife Center, Keepers Help and Encourage the Animals to Mate |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-litter-patrol-at-the-queens-wi/154255641/ |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page= |pages=G6, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-litter-patrol-at-the-queens-wi/154255675/ G7], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-litter-patrol/154255706/ G8] |id={{ProQuest|279437376}} }}</ref> The zoo is home to [[Andean bear]]s, [[Cougar|pumas]], [[California sea lion]]s, [[coyote]]s, [[burrowing owl]]s, [[Canadian lynx]]es, [[Southern pudu]]s, [[thick-billed parrot]]s, [[American alligator]]s, [[American bison]], [[trumpeter swan]]s, [[bald eagle]]s, [[great horned owl]]s, [[snowy owl]]s, and [[Chacoan peccary|Chacoan peccaries]].<ref name="zoo_map" />

The zoo breeds Andean bears as part of a program to preserve the species; the first Andean bear was born at the zoo in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |date=August 23, 2017 |title=Meet and greet an Andean bear cub at Queens Zoo |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2017/08/23/meet-and-greet-an-andean-bear-cub-at-queens-zoo/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=May 4, 2017 |title=Queens Zoo's rare Andean bear cub has come out from hiding |url=https://www.amny.com/news/queens-zoo-s-rare-andean-bear-cub-has-come-out-from-hiding-1-13567042/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=amNewYork }}</ref> and eight Andean bears have been born there {{As of|2024|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rahhal |first=Emily |date=June 3, 2024 |title=Meet the 3 spectacled bear cubs born at the Queens Zoo |url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/queens/meet-the-3-spectacled-bear-cubs-born-at-the-queens-zoo/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=PIX11 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Shkurhan |first=Iryna |date=June 4, 2024 |title=Triple delight: Rare Andean bear cubs make their public debut at Queens Zoo |url=https://qns.com/2024/06/rare-andean-bear-cubs-public-debut-queens-zoo/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=QNS }}</ref> The zoo has had breeding programs for Southern pudu since 2005,<ref>{{cite web |author=The Associated Press |date=August 15, 2024 |title=Tiny South American deer debuts at New York City zoo |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/pudu-south-american-deer-debuts-queens-zoo-nyc/5708112/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=NBC New York |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=May 5, 2017 |title=Queens Zoo debuts 1st-ever Andean bear cub in New York |url=https://abc7ny.com/queens-zoo-andean-bear-new-york-wildlife-conservation-society/1953078/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=ABC7 New York }}</ref> [[pronghorn]] antelopes since 2008,<ref>{{cite web |date=January 2, 2008 |title=Pronghorns At Queens Zoo |url=https://www.qgazette.com/articles/pronghorns-at-queens-zoo/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=Queens Gazette |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |date=January 3, 2008 |title=Pronghorns hit the ground running at Queens Zoo |url=https://qns.com/2008/01/pronghorns-hit-the-ground-running-at-queens-zoo/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=QNS }}</ref> and [[New England cottontail]] rabbits since 2015.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 28, 2015 |title=Queens Zoo helps save New England cottontail rabbits |url=https://qns.com/2015/10/queens-zoo-helps-save-new-england-cottontail-rabbits/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=QNS |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=October 19, 2015 |title=Queens zoo working to boost population of almost-endangered New England Cottontail rabbits |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2015/10/19/queens-zoo-working-to-boost-population-of-almost-endangered-new-england-cottontail-rabbits/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 }}</ref> There is also a breeding program for [[Puerto Rican crested toad]]s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=November 19, 2014 |title=Not warts for wear! |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-not-warts-for-wear/154300029/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=32 }}</ref> Several animals have been rescued and resettled at the zoo, including a coyote caught in [[Central Park]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kilgannon |first=Corey |date=March 19, 2000 |title=Neighborhood Report: Corona; Coyote, A Wily Survivor, Is Alpha at His Zoo Home |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/19/nyregion/neighborhood-report-corona-coyote-a-wily-survivor-is-alpha-at-his-zoo-home.html |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> two lion cubs rescued from Montana,<ref name="English 2003" /> and five coyote pups rescued from Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 30, 2014 |title=Five orphaned coyote pups find a new home at the Queens Zoo |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2014/10/30/five-orphaned-coyote-pups-find-a-new-home-at-the-queens-zoo/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Tumola |first=Cristabelle |date=October 30, 2014 |title=Five orphaned coyote pups come to Queens Zoo – QNS |url=https://qns.com/2014/10/five-orphaned-coyote-pups-come-to-queens-zoo/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=QNS }}</ref>

== Reception ==
When the zoo opened, a reviewer for the ''New York Daily News'' said that "the city's latest animal farm is small...and beautiful".<ref name="Martin 1968b" /> The same writer said in 1969 that "we vote it as one of the most beautiful" attractions in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, particularly praising the aviary and the seal pool.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Jo |date=September 5, 1969 |title=It's Zoo City, Too |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-its-zoo-city-too/153897951/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=51 }}</ref> ''Newsday'' wrote in 1977 that "the Queens Zoo may strike visitors as a sylvan paradise", especially as compared with the cages in the Central Park Zoo, because animals at the Queens Zoo were allowed to roam around.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 31, 1977 |title=A Little Love, A Little Showmanship |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-a-little-love-a-little-showmans/153908649/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |pages=2 }}</ref> By the late 1970s, the zoo's decline led one local politician to describe the Flushing Meadows Zoo as a "poor man's zoo",<ref name="nyt-1979-11-27" /> while ''Newsday'' remarked that the zoo "scarcely attracts Flushing citizens out for a walk", let alone tourists.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bendier |first=Robert |date=November 13, 1981 |title=A New Kind of Zoo Story |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-a-new-kind-of-zoo-story/154006767/ |access-date=August 25, 2024 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |page=69 |id={{ProQuest|965759861}} }}</ref> Just before the zoo's renovation in 1987, ''Newsday'' wrote that the zoo was "a quiet, well-kept and surprisingly natural haven", despite the presence of the nearby Grand Central Parkway.<ref name="Brown 1987" />

After the zoo reopened in 1992, [[Sarah Lyall]] of ''The New York Times'' said: "The Queens Zoo isn't the old Noah's Ark hodgepodge [...] but is rather a modest but carefully chosen collection of 40 species from North America."<ref name="nyt-1993-10-22" /> Another ''Times'' writer, Dulcie Leimbach, described the zoo as "a comfortable yet exotic visit" and likened the landscape to a wooded backyard.<ref name="Leimbach 1993" /> A ''Newsday'' writer described the zoo's new design as evoking "a natural rather than a zoo setting".<ref name="Parks 1993" /> A ''New York Daily News'' reporter wrote in 1996 that "you're sure to feel at home on this range" because of the zoo's activities and animals.<ref name="Schaefer 1996" /> A writer for the ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]'' likened the zoo to a national park in 2007,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zammit |first=Felicia |date=January 11, 2007 |title=Go wild in Manhattan |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-go-wild-in-manhatta/154293018/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |work=Poughkeepsie Journal |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-go-wild-in-manhatta/154292991/ 1D], 2D }}</ref> and one writer for ''The Wall Street Journal'' described the zoo in 2013 as "a romantic paradise of tall trees, flowering shrubs and rocky outcroppings disturbed only by the roar of the Grand Central Parkway."<ref name="Kadet 2013" /> A ''New York Times'' writer characterized the aviary as the "most charming (and definitely the chirpiest) oasis in the park".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krueger |first=Alyson |date=August 23, 2019 |title=Nine Ways to Recharge During the U.S. Open Tennis Championship |url-access=limited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/23/nyregion/us-open-tennis-how-to-watch.html |access-date=August 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref>{{Clear}}

== See also ==
* [[List of zoos in the United States]]
* [[List of museums and cultural institutions in New York City]]

== References ==

=== Notes ===
{{Notelist}}

=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Queens Zoo}}
* {{Official website|http://www.queenszoo.com}}

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{{Zoos of WCS}}
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[[Category:1964 New York World's Fair]]
[[Category:1968 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:Entertainment venues in Queens, New York|Zoo]]
[[Category:Flushing Meadows–Corona Park]]
[[Category:Flushing, Queens]]
[[Category:Robert Moses projects]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Queens, New York]]
[[Category:Wildlife Conservation Society]]
[[Category:Zoos established in 1968]]
[[Category:Zoos in New York City]]