Visiting the Bronx Zoo is an adventure on its own, but one of its most unique attractions is the Wild Asia Monorail. This 20-minute guided ride takes you through some of the zoo’s most stunning landscapes, offering a safari-like experience right in New York City.
But here’s the big question: Is the Bronx Zoo Monorail worth it?
Some visitors love it, while others wonder if it’s better to explore on foot. So, if you’re debating whether to add this experience to your itinerary, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it all down!
The Basics: What You Need to Know
Before deciding if the Bronx Zoo Monorail is worth it, here’s what you should know.
📍 Location:
✔️ The Wild Asia Monorail is located in the Bronx Zoo’s Asia section.
🕰 Operating Season:
✔️ The monorail only runs from spring to fall and is closed during winter.
🎟 Cost:
✔️ Included with the Bronx Zoo Total Experience ticket or available as an add-on.
🚊 What to Expect:
✔️ A 20-minute ride with live narration by zookeepers.
✔️ A scenic and relaxing journey through the Wild Asia exhibit.
✔️ A rare chance to see certain animals that aren’t visible anywhere else in the zoo.
🔥 Pro Tip: Sit on the left side of the monorail for the best views of the animals!
The Animals: What Can You See?
One of the best things about the Wild Asia Monorail is that it takes you through huge, open habitats designed to resemble natural environments. That means the animals have plenty of space to roam!
Here are some of the main highlights:
🐅 Tigers
✔️ Sometimes seen lounging near the water or moving through the trees.
✔️ One of the most exciting sightings on the ride!
🦏 Indian Rhinos
✔️ These massive creatures are rare in zoos and a must-see.
✔️ They’re usually found bathing in mud or grazing in the grass.
🐃 Asian Water Buffalo
✔️ Often spotted cooling off in the water or relaxing in the shade.
✔️ They play a huge role in agriculture in Asia.
🦌 Père David’s Deer
✔️ A species that was once extinct in the wild but was saved through conservation.
✔️ A great example of how zoos help protect endangered species.
🐒 Langurs & Gibbons
✔️ These playful primates swing between trees and are always fun to watch.
✔️ Keep an eye out for their acrobatic moves—they’re incredible!
🔥 Pro Tip: Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see animals active!
The Experience: What’s the Ride Like?
Once you board the Bronx Zoo Monorail, you’ll be taken on a slow-moving, narrated tour through the Wild Asia exhibit. Here’s what you can expect:
🚊 The Ride:
✔️ The monorail glides through forests, rivers, and open fields, giving you a peaceful, immersive experience.
✔️ The elevated tracks offer fantastic panoramic views of the animals and landscapes.
🎧 Live Narration:
✔️ Zookeepers provide fascinating insights about the animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts.
✔️ Learn about how the Bronx Zoo helps protect endangered species around the world.
🔥 Pro Tip: Bring binoculars or a zoom camera for better views of animals in the distance!
The Pros & Cons: Is It Worth It?
Still not sure if you should add the Wild Asia Monorail to your itinerary? Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons:
✅ Pros (Why You Should Ride)
✔️ Perfect for all ages – Great for families, kids, and older visitors.
✔️ A break from walking – The zoo is huge, and this ride lets you rest while still seeing animals.
✔️ The only way to see certain species – Many of the animals on this ride aren’t visible anywhere else in the zoo.
✔️ Educational experience – The live narration makes it engaging and informative.
❌ Cons (Why It Might Not Be Worth It)
❌ Not available year-round – It’s closed during the winter months.
❌ Long wait times – On busy weekends, wait times can be 30+ minutes.
❌ No guarantee of animal sightings – Some animals may be hiding or resting.
🔥 Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid long lines!
Who Should Ride the Bronx Zoo Monorail?
✅ It’s Perfect For:
✔️ First-time visitors who want a different perspective of the zoo.
✔️ Families with kids who need a fun and relaxing activity.
✔️ Older visitors looking for a break from all the walking.
✔️ Animal lovers excited to see rare Asian species up close.
❌ You Might Skip It If:
❌ You’re short on time and want to see other major exhibits.
❌ You prefer interactive animal experiences instead of an observation ride.
❌ You’re visiting in winter (since it’s closed!).
🔥 Pro Tip: If you’re on a tight schedule, check the monorail wait time before deciding!
Final Verdict: Is the Bronx Zoo Monorail Worth It?
Yes, if you love wildlife and scenic rides! 🐾
The Bronx Zoo Monorail is a peaceful, informative, and fun ride that offers rare animal sightings and a unique way to experience the zoo.
🚀 Worth it if:
✔️ You want to see Asian wildlife in a naturalistic setting.
✔️ You need a break from walking but still want an exciting experience.
✔️ You enjoy guided tours with fun animal facts.
⚠️ Might not be for you if:
❌ You’re short on time and want to explore other exhibits.
❌ You don’t want to wait in line on a busy weekend.
Final Tip: If you’re visiting in spring, summer, or fall, the Bronx Zoo Monorail is 100% worth adding to your trip!
