This zoo has more than 7,000 animals, representing more than 700 species, in natural habitats. Get face-to-face with the critters with no bars to separate you. In the pitch-black World of Darkness, populated exclusively by nocturnal animals, experience real nightlife. The Congo Gorilla Forest re-creates an African rain forest with more than 300 animals, including 30 gorillas, who range through 11 waterfalls, bamboo forests, meadows and wading pools. (32-year-old Pattycake was the first gorilla born in New York City.) Jungle World re-creates four Asian habitats filled with bear cats, black leopards, elephants, Indian rhinoceroses, white Siberian tigers and the Asian small-clawed otter. For an overview, ride the Bengali Express monorail through the zoo. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Open Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm (November-March daily till 4:30 pm). US$14 adults, US$12 seniors, US$10 children, free for children younger than 3. Pay what you wish on Wednesday. In winter, rates are reduced. Some activities charge an additional fee. Combination tickets are available. Strollers US$6, double strollers US$10. All-day parking is US$8. Fordham Road and Bronx River Parkway (subway line 2 or 5 to East Tremont Avenue-West Farm Square; exit left and walk north two blocks on Boston Road to the zoo entrance), Bronx, New York City. Phone 718-367-1010. http://www.bronxzoo.com.
