It’s a Zoo in There!

Central Park has a wonderful zoo designed to teach children about wildlife and conservation. But the hours — especially during the winter — are short and the price of admission can be prohibitive.

Here’s an alternative to the zoo itself; the Fifth Avenue subway station, which is the station closest to the zoo, has brought some of the animals inside. No matter what the weather, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, you can duck underground and visit the cheerful mosaic animals created by artist Ann Schaumburger.

You can even pet these creatures. Just don’t try to feed them.

Penguin family with three babies

Penguin family with two babies

Mother and child horses

Snail family heading towards a stairway

Mommy snail

Family of butterfiles

Butterfly close-up

Monkey family

Baby monkey holding onto Mommy’s belly

Mommy and baby polar bears (click to see larger)

A flock of parrots

Parrots with purple torsos

Closer view of parrot

Central Park Zoo
Chelsea Art Galleries: Ann Schaumburger