Central Park Zoo Trying To Cheat You Out Of Six Extra Bucks?

Flickr user Seanachaidheire

If you look on the Central Park Zoo's website, they'll tell you that it costs $12 for general admission and $18 for the "Total Experience," which includes admission to their "4-D" theater. But apparently those who visit the zoo's ticket kiosk don't get the same courtesy. Visitors tell the Post that box-office workers never mention the regular admission, and while the box-office sign reads "Zoo admission only, also available," it doesn't list the lower price. "The teller didn't even mention the $12 option," said one visitor. "It's a brilliant sales tactic. I can't imagine how many naive out-of-towners have been duped."

A zoo spokeswoman said, "We recommend that guests purchase the 'Total Experience' ticket for the best visit possible. The general-admission option is on the sign and guests are welcome to ask for it." However, not listing the price is still shady business...even to some ticket-sellers. One box office worker said she's begun telling people about the $12 option: The sign is misleading—it needs to be changed. People are coming back demanding a discount." We get that times are tough, but there plenty of ways to attract visitors without lying to them. Perhaps one of those snow monkeys could go "missing."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jaya Saxena in Arts & Entertainment on April 12, 2011 3:04 PM

Comments [rss]

ed_Extinct

The Bronx Zoo, a zoo with a helluva lot more than Central Park's, charges $16 for General Admission and $30 for "total experience."

ed_Extinct

SIDE NOTE:
most hotdog street vendors do not list prices for food. So, they tend to charge whatever they want.

Guest

The last time I was there it was $2.50. And that wasn't that long ago (honestly, less than five years at worst!).

Newhce

You are correct. I used to love going there for lunch. Then they just totally cranked up the price. Too bad. It is a nice zoo, but not worth the $18

sketto

Like many New Yorkers, I have absolutely no problem with tourists getting duped. If you live here, you know enough to check this. If you don't...well, welcome to New York and start paying attention, fatty.

Spirit of 76

This isn't much different from how most museums say but never emphasize or explain that their admission fee is "suggested" rather than required. Both are essentially a lie by omission.