The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) zoos and aquarium today announced plans to reopen the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo on Friday July 24, after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic since March 16. From July 20 to 23, there will be special preview days for WCS members only.

The New York Aquarium is temporarily closed as New York City deals with the COVID-19 crisis. During the closure, the animal care staff remains focused on the health and well-being of the animals – including the latest addition to the Sea Cliffs exhibit. Erie, a California sea lion pup (Zalophus californianus) born this fall, will be ready to greet visitors when the aquarium re-opens.

The following statement was issued by Sara Marinello, WCS Vice President for Government & Community Affairs:

Sustainable seafood and perfect wine pairings were featured at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s seventh annual Sip for the Sea – a benefit that showcases and celebrates WCS’s marine conservation and education work at the New York Aquarium and around the globe.

Sustainable seafood and perfect wine pairings will be front and center at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s seventh annual Sip for the Sea – a benefit that showcases and celebrates WCS’s marine conservation and education work at the New York Aquarium and around the globe.

Sip for the Sea will take place at the Central Park Zoo on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will help further the mission of WCS and the New York Aquarium to save wildlife and wild places.

Experts at the New York Aquarium recommend ten locations where people might have the best chance to see a whale from shore–including the roof of its own Ocean Wonders: Sharks!