Philadelphia Zoo

• Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Map)
• Phone Number: (215) 243-1100
• Email Address: info@philadelphiazoo.org
• Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
• Date Founded: July 1, 1874
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
• Number of Animals: More than 1,300
• Number of Species: Over 340
• Park Size: 42 acres
• Website Link: https://philadelphiazoo.org/

The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, originally founded in 1859 by a group of prominent Philadelphia citizens, including Dr. William Camac. However, the zoo’s opening was delayed due to the Civil War and did not officially open until July 1, 1874. The original zoo was located in the city’s West Fairmount Park, and it quickly became a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.

Over the years, the Philadelphia Zoo has undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of the McNeil Avian Center, the Big Cat Falls exhibit, and the Zoo360 animal exploration system. Today, the zoo is home to over 1,300 animals from around the world, representing over 340 species.

One of the Philadelphia Zoo’s primary goals is to promote conservation and education, and it has been a leader in the field of wildlife preservation since its inception. The zoo’s Center for Conservation and Research, established in 1984, conducts groundbreaking research on animal behavior, genetics, and veterinary medicine. The zoo is also a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which sets high standards for animal welfare and promotes conservation efforts worldwide.

In addition to its animal exhibits, the Philadelphia Zoo hosts a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year, including summer camps, school programs, and community outreach initiatives. With its rich history and commitment to conservation and education, the Philadelphia Zoo is truly a beloved institution in the City of Brotherly Love.

We hope you’re excited to visit the Philadelphia Zoo and explore all of its incredible exhibits and attractions. With its rich history, commitment to conservation, and diverse collection of animals, the Philadelphia Zoo is a must-visit destination for families of all ages.

• The Philadelphia Zoo is home to the first ever children’s zoo, which opened in 1957.
• The zoo has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including “Rocky II” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
• The oldest animal at the zoo is a Galapagos tortoise named Mommy, who is over 90 years old.
• The zoo’s Big Cat Falls exhibit features rare Amur tigers and snow leopards.
• The zoo is committed to conservation efforts and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans to help protect endangered species.
• Visitors can take a ride on the WildWorks zipline, which spans 500 feet and soars over the zoo’s TreeTops exhibit.
• The zoo’s Rare Animal Conservation Center is dedicated to breeding and caring for endangered animals, including the red panda and the blue-eyed black lemur.
• The zoo offers a variety of educational programs and events for all ages, including behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.
• The Zoo360 animal exploration system allows animals to roam freely through a series of elevated and ground-level pathways, providing a unique viewing experience for visitors.
• The zoo is also home to a popular botanical garden, featuring a wide variety of plant species from around the world.

• KeyBank Big Cat Falls, come face to face with big cats from around the world, including snow leopards, pumas, Amur tigers, African lions, jaguars and Amur leopards.
• The zoo’s Reptile and Amphibian House is home to a rare albino alligator.
• The Zoo Balloon, a tethered helium balloon that offered panoramic views of the city, was one of the zoo’s most popular attractions.
• The zoo’s PECO Primate Reserve is home to a family of western lowland gorillas, including the popular silverback male, Motuba.
• The zoo’s Small Mammal House is home to some of the world’s smallest and cutest animals, including the pygmy slow loris and the golden lion tamarin.
• Visitors can see giant otters up close at the zoo’s KidZooU exhibit, which features a 4,000-gallon aquatic habitat where the otters play and swim.
• The zoo’s McNeil Avian Center is home to over 100 bird species from around the world, including a rare blue-billed curassow.
• The zoo’s Animal Exploration Trail takes visitors on a journey through the African savannah, featuring species such as giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
• The zoo’s Zoo360 system not only provides an exciting viewing experience for visitors, but also allows animals to exhibit natural behaviors and explore their surroundings.

• The zoo’s children’s zoo, known as the KidZoo, allows kids to pet and feed a variety of animals, including goats and sheep.
• The zoo’s Zoo on Wheels program brings live animals to schools and community events for hands-on learning opportunities.
• The zoo’s Zoo Camp offers a variety of summer camps for kids of all ages, where they can learn about and interact with animals.
• The zoo’s WildWorks zipline allows kids to soar through the air like birds, overlooking the zoo’s animal exhibits.
• The zoo’s Water is Life exhibit teaches kids about the importance of water and its role in supporting animal life.
• The zoo’s Butterfly Pavilion allows kids to observe and interact with live butterflies and learn about their life cycle.
• The zoo’s Zoo360 animal exploration system provides a unique perspective for kids to see animals up close and personal.
• The zoo’s KidZooU exhibit offers hands-on learning opportunities for kids to understand the important role of animals in our world.