Viewing NYC Articles Categorized Under Animals

[VIDEO] Why the Bronx Zoo is unlike any other zoo in America

2026-10-03T12:00:00-04:00

Discover the unique story of the Bronx Zoo in this revealing documentary. Hidden in plain sight within New York City, this institution is not just a place to see animals; it's a global leader in wildlife conservation. The video explores its origins more than a century ago, highlighting the vision of pioneers like William Temple Hornaday, and its pivotal role in protecting endangered species, such as the American bison, from extinction. Home to approximately 11,000 animals across 600 species, this urban oasis offers a rare opportunity to experience wildlife in naturalistic habitats. The film also delves into the Wildlife Conservation Society's broader impact, overseeing five parks across New York City's boroughs and operating conservation programs in over 50 countries worldwide. From its historic Rainey Memorial Gates to its groundbreaking educational initiatives and ongoing rescue efforts, the Bronx Zoo stands as a testament to how a zoo can be a world within a city, leaving a lasting legacy in wildlife protection and research.

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[VIDEO] New York City's Weird Folklore

2026-05-16T12:00:00-04:00

This video delves into the strange folklore and urban legends surrounding New York City. It explores bizarre tales of hidden subway stations and secret platforms, including a mysterious incident on the G train and rumors of a hidden station beneath the Brooklyn Public Library. The video also uncovers the story of a secret nightclub called The Night Heron, located in a Chelsea water tower, accessed via a cryptic invitation. It highlights the acoustic phenomenon of the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Station. Historical legends are shared, such as the supposed boat race that determined Staten Island's allegiance to New York, and the persistent urban myth of alligators lurking in NYC's sewers, a legend even commemorated by sculptures and backed by some historical sightings. The video touches on the TWA Flight 800 crash and the various conspiracy theories surrounding it. Finally, it unearths the forgotten history of cattle tunnels beneath Manhattan, confirming their surprising existence with historical documents, and recounts the disturbing true story of Ota Benga, a Congolese man tragically exhibited at the Bronx Zoo in the early 20th century.

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[VIDEO] Follow a Turtle on an Existential Journey Through New York City

2026-02-26T12:00:00-05:00

.New Land. is a short, surreal film from cinematographer Steffen Krones that follows a turtle through an existential journey all around New York City, learning about and observing bizarre life all around.

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[VIDEO] Sure NYC Pigeons Are Gross, But Are The Birds an Underrated Animal?

2025-05-23T12:00:00-04:00

Pigeons in NYC are often referred to as "Rats with Wings," the ultimate put-down with a comparison to the City's most reviled animal. But is our contempt for these ubiquitous flying pests warranted or knee-jerk?

In this video from Vox, a strong case for the pigeon is made, and the fascinating history of the pigeon is explored.

Sure, there are bad things about these birds (like the way they deface statues of our own species' great leaders). But over the centuries, their unique abilities to be trained and to find their way home have been used in interesting and surprising ways (that almost make up for their constant cooing).

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[WATCH] NYC Shop Cat and Street Mouse Play a Real Life Tom and Jerry

2025-05-21T12:00:00-04:00

Watch this funny video showing a street mouse teasing a frustrated shop cat behind a glass door. The short video was uploaded to YouTube by Yamil Lopera, who told Gothamist:

My wife and I were walking home last night and as we passed the Health Nut Store (1208 2nd Ave., New York, NY 10065) we saw the cat by the glass door very attentively scoping the area on the sidewalk. Next thing we knew this mouse just ran over and started leaping up and down in front of the cat. I took out my iPhone as fast as I could.

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[INFOGRAPHIC] The Flora and Fauna You Can Find Here in New York City

2025-05-10T12:00:00-04:00

Using sources from the NYC Parks Department and others, the team at Bike Rental Central Park recently created this great infographic showing all of the fauna and flora you can find in New York City. Suspiciously omitted are the giant rats and sewer alligators…

When you imagine New York City, visions of imposing skyscrapers, dazzling lights, and concrete labyrinths may come to mind. The incredible population of New York suggests that there would be little room for biodiversity beyond humans. In reality, New York City is home to hundreds of animal species, making it a vibrant hub of urban wildlife.

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[REPOST] Forget Boston, Learn All About Whale Watching Here in the New York City Harbor

2024-04-17T12:00:00-04:00

Gotham Whale is a Staten Island based non-profit organization that seeks to "study, advocate for, and educate about the whales and marine mammals of New York City, through Citizen Science." In this video from the Staten Island Advance, learn all about how you can see whales just off the coast of New York City on a Gotham Whale/American Princess tour.

"I always say, Rockaway is the new Cape Cod," says Captain Tom Paladino. You can see whales and dolphins in the New York City harbor. Gotham Whales partnered with the American Princess ship to research and watch whales in New York. The boat leaves from Riis Landing in Rockaway, Queens.

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[WATCH] How Sheep Are Saving Trees On New York City's Governors Island

2023-09-08T12:00:00-04:00

Sheep have been hired to eat invasive plants on Governors Island. They're feasting on phragmite and mugwort to help preserve the trees of Hammock Grove.

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[VIDEO] Searching for Seals in New York City

2023-08-03T12:00:00-04:00

Yes, believe it or not, these rubber puppies are native to New York City! The city brings a different sort of animal to mind -- think pigeons or rats -- but seals are here too. Driven locally extinct by the industrialization of New York Harbor over 100 years ago recent efforts to clean up New York's waterways have paid off and scientists now track two seal colonies within the city.

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[WATCH] Forget Boston... Learn All About Whale Watching Here in the New York City Harbor

2022-10-16T12:00:00-04:00

"I always say, Rockaway is the new Cape Cod," says Captain Tom Paladino. You can see whales and dolphins in the New York City harbor. Gotham Whales partnered with the American Princess ship to research and watch whales in New York. The boat leaves from Riis Landing in Rockaway, Queens.

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