Animals in Captivity

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The Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY (2026)

In October 2025, our team completed an undercover zoo investigation for one of the top Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos in the United States: the Bronx Zoo in New York. One of the oldest in the country, the zoo opened its gates in 1899. Today, encompassing 265 acres, it is also one of the nation’s largest zoos, despite its urban setting. It is operated by the conservation organization, Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs multiple zoos as well as various global conservation projects.

During our visit, we assessed the accuracy and efficacy of major aims stated by the zoo industry, including educating visitors about the animals, providing optimal animal welfare with appropriate physical and mental stimulation, and participating in, or leading, meaningful conservation efforts. It is our intention, with providing data from some of the top AZA-accredited zoos in the U.S. – often considered the ‘gold standard’ of the zoo industry – that we illustrate a more accurate picture and scrutinize what these facilities offer the animal inhabitants and human visitors.