BRONX, NY – October 21, 2025 – Today, the Bronx Zoo announced the return of its spectacular float, Wondrous World of Wildlife, in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Thursday, November 27th. The float features representations of the iconic animals and Beaux-Arts architecture that Bronx Zoo visitors know and love, plus the added glow of new festive lighting – kicking off the countdown to the Bronx Zoo’s magical winter season and highly-anticipated Holiday Lights festival.

The Bronx Zoo is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) which works to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, and education. The float spotlights three distinct biomes – the Russian Boreal Forest, the African Savanna, and the African Rainforest – with representations of their respective animals that include the Amur tiger, Grevy’s zebra, Western Lowland gorilla, and more. 

“We’re very happy to return to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to spotlight the Bronx Zoo and help kick off the holiday season," said Jim Breheny, Director of the Bronx Zoo and EVP of WCS Zoos & Aquarium. “The Bronx Zoo and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are two great reasons to visit New York City for the holidays.”

The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights is the City’s most festive night out, with millions of lights for guests to delight in and a lineup of fun-for-all holiday activities. Six signature lantern trails, featuring over 400 animal- and plant-themed lanterns, will connect visitors to animals found across the world and at the Bronx Zoo. For a sneak peek at how the animals portrayed on this year’s float will be represented in illuminated lantern form at Holiday Lights, visit bronxzoo.com/thanksgiving-parade. For more program details, read the Holiday Lights press release here.

“From one fellow New York institution to another, we’re thrilled to welcome the Bronx Zoo back for the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Jordan Dabby, producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “Last year's float brought a joyful parade of animal figures back to the heart of Manhattan, captivating both live spectators and viewers across the country. This year these representations of beloved animals return once again to charm spectators and bring a touch of magic to the holiday season.”

The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air Thursday, November 27 in the U.S. on NBC and stream on Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in all time zones. To follow and participate in the excitement, check out @macys on various social platforms and follow #MacysParade. For more information, visit macys.com/parade. Following the Parade, viewers are invited to experience the wonder of the Bronx Zoo firsthand during Holiday Lights, running November 21, 2025 - January 4, 2026 on select nights. Tickets are on sale now at bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights.

About Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:  
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. Since 1924, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade features Macy’s signature giant character balloons, fabulous floats, incredible marching bands, celebrities, clowns, dance and performance groups, and the one and only Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer. For more information on the Macy’s Parade, please visit www.macys.com/parade.