The Bronx Zoo, located on Fordham Road - Bronx River Parkway in The Bronx, is one of the largest zoos in the United States. It is the flagship menagerie of the largest network of metropolitan zoos in the country and the center of the Wildlife Conservation Society, New York. The Bronx Zoo was one of the first U.S. zoos to move away from cages and exhibit animals in naturalistic habitats. The history of The Bronx Zoo dates back to 1895 when the New York Zoological Society (now WCS) was planning to create a zoological park, a place to advance the study zoology, protect wildlife, and educate the public. The zoo opened its doors to the public in 1899. At that time, the Bronx had 22 exhibits and 843 animals. Presently, the zoo stretches out across 265 acres of man made Himalayan Highlands and African Plains, and is home to about 4,100 animals. A safari through its open plains gives the visitor a rare chance to enjoy surprisingly intimate views of the wildlife. The zoo’s Congo Gorilla Forest has Western lowland gorillas while snow leopards can be spotted at a roaring distance in its Himalayan Highlands habitat. The re-created Asian rain forest (Jungle World) is home to the world's most amazing wildlife, where one could get to see Indian rhinoceros, white-cheeked gibbons, black leopards, Malayan tapirs, and silvered leaf monkeys. Other wildlife spots in The Bronx Zoo include the Baboon Reserve, Cope Lake - with its gibbons and pelicans - Sea Lion Pool, the Monkey House in Astor Court, Tiger Mountain, reptile house, aviary, and the Carter giraffe building. Also offered at the zoo are camel rides, the zoo shuttle train, and the Skyfari gondola buckets. The Daily Feedings and Demonstrations is a not-to-miss sight. Education programs for adults, children and families are offered by the Bronx Zoo education department.