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Visitors to the Queens Zoo, which is sponsored by the Wildlife Conservation Society along with the Bronx and Brooklyn Zoos, should expect a coast-to-coast taste of American wildlife. This 11-acre space, formerly the Flushing Meadows Zoo, was opened for the World’s Fair in 1964. Even after renovations were made by the WCS in 1992, the zoo retains some of its old World’s Fair charm by using the fair’s geodesic dome as its aviary. Traditionally American animals, such as the bald eagle, great bison and sea lions can be viewed by walking the perimeter path that moves from California to the Mississippi River Valley. Residents from local areas include Appalachian mountain lions, Jersey steer and barred owls. The Zoo also houses a native New Yorker: “Otis” the coyote, who was saved from Central Park in 1999. — Corinne Iozzio

The Queens Zoo is the only New York home of this South American native of the Andes Mountains, which is on the endangered species list.

Thick-Billed Parrots
This exhibit, which opened in July 2004, recreated the natural Mexican habitat of these parrots—the only living parrots indigenous to the North America.

Domestic Animals
Probably a thrill for very small children, these run-of-the-mill animals—horses, sheep, goats and the like—are something less than awe-inspiring for anyone over 10-years-old.