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Saturday, January 10, 2026
Central Park Zoo, East 64th Street & 5th Ave, New York, NY, USA
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Sea Lion Pool Guide – Times, Spots, Behavior

Feeding times, viewing angles, and ethology cues to make the most of Central Park Zoo’s Sea Lion Pool.

1/8/2026
11 min read
Sea lion mid-leap above the pool during feeding

The Sea Lion Pool is the plaza’s magnet. Feeding sessions show training and veterinary checks disguised as play.

Heads-up: Sessions are short. Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early for prime rail spots.

Where to Stand

  • Front-left rail: great leaps and spins.
  • Side platform: fewer heads in your frame.
  • Upper steps: overview shots.
  • Shade pockets: good for summer shows; scout before start.

Behavior Cues

  • Whisker twitching near trainers = anticipation.
  • Group circling = social synchronization.
  • Vertical bob = listening for cues.
  • Stationing at target poles = training in progress (health checks).

Read the Routine

  • Short sequences of cues → reinforcement with fish.
  • Calm holds → body checks and dental looks.
  • Splashy finishes → crowd-pleaser and reset.

Tip: If you miss a show, the plaza is still lively — grab a bench, then pivot to Tropic Zone while crowds thin.

After the Show

Head to the Tropic Zone while the plaza crowds disperse. If you’re a photographer, mark angles and return for the next session.

About the Author

NYC Zoo Expert

NYC Zoo Expert

I wrote this guide to make your Central Park Zoo visit effortless, engaging, and full of NYC‑savvy tips.

Tags

Sea Lions
Show
Feeding
Plaza

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