Central Park Zoo History – Maps & Milestones

The zoo’s roots trace to a park menagerie.

Walk the plaza as a timeline — plaques and arches hint at past eras.

Milestones

• 1860s maps planning the park.
• 20th-century rebuilds and design shifts.
• Modern conservation focus.
• Ongoing improvements to habitats and visitor flow.

Design Evolution

• From cages to immersive habitats.
• From spectacle to education and welfare.
• From passive viewing to interactive learning.

Why It Matters

Urban zoos evolve — Central Park shows how design reflects ethics and education. History gives context to today’s conservation mission.

Look for historic photos around the plaza; they add context to the space.