Which city is the main setting for the opening zoo scenes in Madagascar?

New York City is the main setting for the opening zoo scenes in Madagascar.

The film begins at the Central Park Zoo in New York City, where Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria live as attractions. Marty’s curiosity about the wild leads the group away from the zoo, beginning the journey that eventually takes them to Madagascar.

New York is not just a brief establishing location. The zoo environment explains the animals’ routines, friendships and expectations before the plot changes their lives. The city also provides the contrast for the film’s later wilderness settings, especially the island of Madagascar.

The setting is sometimes reduced to “Central Park,” but the question asks for the city. Central Park Zoo is located in Manhattan, New York City. The animals do not begin on Madagascar; they arrive there only after being captured during their attempted escape and transported by ship.