We have a series of parks, which will be unrivaled when they are fully laid out we have our two splendid museums of art and of natural history we shall soon have a fine botanic garden and a zoological garden which will be in every way worthy of the greatness of our city.” Since New York City was becoming more and more inhabited, many New Yorkers felt like the zoo would be a place for people to unwind and relax. With this in mind, the New York Times described plans for the new zoo stating, “It is intended that the garden shall be one of the finest in the world-may copy after London.” In addition to this, Green stated, “We should, first of all strive to make New York a greater and greater commercial centre, and with the means which brings us, develop our educational, artistic, and aesthetic features to the largest extent.
The city’s population was growing at a rapid pace and many could recognize the potential New York City had to be one of the world’s greatest metropolises. The only restriction on the location of this site is a clause in the act of incorporation placing it within the city limits, north of One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Street.” With these requirements needing to be met, the area located in the above the island of Manhattan, known as the Bronx, seemed like a perfect place to locate the zoo.
Green, one of the founding members of the New York Zoological Society stated to a New York Times reporter, “Our first great objective after organization will be the choice of a site which may easily and cheaply be reached by the great masses of the people. In addition to creating this permanent organization, a location for a new zoo was needed. An article in the New York Times stated, “Its objects are to establish and maintain a zoological garden in this city for the purpose of encouraging the study of zoology, for original researches in the same kindred subjects, and of furnishing instruction and recreation for the people.” Chartered by the state of New York on April 26, 1895, a permanent organization was founded to conserve wildlife. The Wildlife Conservation Society dates back to 1895 with its previous name, the New York Zoological Society. The five are: the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and the New York Aquarium. Today, the Wildlife Conservation Society operates five zoos and aquariums located in New York City to promote the study of zoology and marine biology. The zoo, which is presently owned by the Wildlife Conservation Society, is known worldwide for its non-profit conservation efforts. Known for its diverse amount of animals, conservation efforts to preserve native species, and grand size, the Bronx Zoo attracts over two million visitors every year. Rather than having animals in cages, the zoo offered a natural habitat for animals through the combination of the terrain of Bronx Park and the Bronx River, which flowed directly through the park. Opened on November 8, 1899, the zoo offered a rather difference experience to visitors. Located on 265 acres of land in Bronx Park, the Bronx Zoo is one of America’s largest zoos.