Bronx Zoo in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Astor Court: An Enduring Monument to Conservation
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 5, 2022
1. Astor Court: An Enduring Monument to Conservation Marker
You are standing in historic Astor Court, wit its symmetrical great lawn and surrounding classical buildings. The Wildlife Conservation Society, founded in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society, opened the Bronx Zoo in 1899.
A Foundation in Conservation
The Zoo's first director, William T. Hornaday, selected this location from several possible choices in the Bronx. He envisioned the greatest zoo in the world, one dedicated from its inception to protecting wildlife and wild lands.
Exhibits Then and Now
When the Lion House opened in 1903, it featured state-of-the-art exhibits for that time. As we renovate existing exhibits and develop new ones, we continue to set new standards for animal care and exhibition.
An Official New York City Landmark
Astor Court showcases "Beaux Arts" architecture, featuring classical forms with rich detailing. We have undertaken a careful restoration of the Court to safeguard our heritage.
The Heads and Horns Building
Ever since it opened in 1922, as a museum to house the National Collection of Heads and Horns, the building to your right (now closed to the public) has been used to educate people about wildlife. Today the building is the headquarters for our education division, a global leader in conservation education.
this page online
Erected by Wildlife Conservation Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Architecture • Education • Landmarks • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 40° 51.173′ N, 73° 52.678′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in Bronx Zoo. Marker can be reached from Bronx Park Road south of East Fordham Road (U.S. 1), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2300 Astor Ct Trail, Bronx NY 10460, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Outstanding Partnership (a few steps from this marker); A Delicate Web of Life (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named A Delicate Web of Life (within shouting distance of this marker); State-of-the-art for the 21st Century (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Saved From Extinction (about 300 feet away); Père David's Deer (about 400 feet away); To Make a Building Green (about 400 feet away); A Conservation Success Story (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 5, 2022
2. Astor Court: An Enduring Monument to Conservation Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 274 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
