Can You Fly a Drone at the Bronx Zoo?

Why Drones Are Restricted at the Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo, operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), is located within Bronx Park—a 718-acre property managed by NYC Parks. Under NYC Administrative Code § 18-146 and 1 RCNY § 1-05(r)(2), drone operations on all NYC Parks property are banned except at the five designated model aircraft fields. The Bronx Zoo is not one of these designated locations.

Wildlife Disturbance Concerns

Beyond the Parks ban, flying a drone near zoo animals raises significant wildlife welfare issues. Drones produce noise and visual disruption that can stress captive and wild animals. New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law § 11-0103(13) broadly defines “taking” wildlife to include “disturbing, harrying or worrying”—which could apply to drone operations that visibly distress animals.

The New York State DEC also advises drone operators to never fly directly at wildlife or hover in front of animals, with particular caution during breeding and nesting seasons.

What About the Adjacent Areas?

Bronx Park, including both the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden to the north, is all NYC Parks property. The drone ban applies throughout. Launching from a street or property adjacent to the zoo and flying over the zoo grounds may also violate Parks rules, as the restriction covers drone operations within park boundaries, not just launches from park land.

Airspace and Permit Requirements

Even if the Parks ban did not apply, the area around the Bronx Zoo is within New York Class B airspace, requiring LAANC authorization. An NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit under § 10-126 would also be required for any non-park takeoff location. Both are separate and mandatory requirements.

Where You Can Fly Instead

The nearest designated model aircraft fields are in Queens: Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Forest Park. These fields do not require an NYPD permit, though FAA rules including LAANC and Remote ID apply.