The Bronx Zoo debuts 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade float

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The Bronx Zoo on Tuesday announced it will join the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time.

The float, titled Wondrous World of Wildlife, honors the zoo’s 125th anniversary and will display three different natural biomes that pay homage to the its animals and exhibits.

The float design was unveiled by the creative artisans at Macy’s Studios after approximately six months from conception, design, construction and decoration.

"We are really happy to partner with Macy’s and bring the spirit of the Bronx Zoo to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year," Jim Breheny, Director of the Bronx Zoo said. "For 125 years, the Bronx Zoo has been a leader in animal care and exhibits, becoming a cultural icon and a gateway to the wonders of nature for more than a half billion visitors. We are proud to celebrate the Bronx Zoo on the national stage as millions across the country learn more about the animals in our park and the work we are doing to protect them."

The float features the Russian Boreal Forest with an Amur tiger in its natural snow-covered environment, the African Savanna, including a giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, ostrich, and the Von Der Decken's hornbill. It will also feature the African Rainforest with animals including the western lowland gorilla, okapi, and African grey parrot.

The float was also inspired by the classic architecture of two historic and familiar Bronx Zoo locations: the Rainey Memorial Gate and Zoo Center.

"The Bronx Zoo and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are two iconic New York City institutions that have captured the hearts of visitors from around the globe for generations," Jordan Dabby, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade producer said. "Every aspect of this float has been carefully crafted to highlight the Bronx Zoo’s commitment to animal care and wildlife conservation and we look forward to welcoming them to the streets of New York this November."

In addition to the Thanksgiving Day Parade, guests can experience Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo which kicks off on Nov. 22.