Editing Philadelphia Zoo

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Philadelphia Zoo
| image =
| image_caption = Philadelphia Zoo entrance
| type = Zoo, wildlife conservation
| address = 3400 West Girard Avenue
| neighborhood = Fairmount Park
| coordinates = 39.9726,-75.1956
| phone = (215) 243-1100
| website = https://www.philadelphiazoo.org
| established = 1874
| founder = Zoological Society of Philadelphia
| director = Vikram Dewan
| collections = 1,300+ animals
| visitors = 1.3+ million annually
| hours = Daily 9:30 AM - 5 PM
}}

'''The Philadelphia Zoo''' is America's first zoo, opened on '''July 1, 1874''', and remains one of the nation's leading zoological institutions. Located on 42 acres in [[Fairmount Park]], the zoo is home to over 1,300 animals representing more than 340 species, including some of the world's rarest creatures. The zoo pioneered the revolutionary '''Zoo360 trail system'''—a network of elevated mesh trails that allow animals like big cats, primates, and red pandas to travel above and around visitors.<ref name="zoo">{{cite web |url=https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/about/ |title=About the Philadelphia Zoo |publisher=Philadelphia Zoo |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Beyond displaying animals, the Philadelphia Zoo is deeply committed to conservation and has led programs saving species from extinction. The zoo has bred endangered animals for release into the wild and supports conservation projects worldwide. With its historic architecture, innovative exhibits, and dedication to animal welfare and conservation, the Philadelphia Zoo offers one of the premier zoological experiences in America.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-philadelphia-zoo/ |title=Philadelphia Zoo |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Founding ===

The Philadelphia Zoo was established by the '''Zoological Society of Philadelphia''', which received a charter in '''1859'''. The Civil War delayed construction, and the zoo finally opened on '''July 1, 1874''', making it the '''first zoo in America'''.

Opening day facts:
* 3,000 visitors
* Admission: 25 cents for adults, 10 cents for children
* Initial collection included animals from the Smithsonian

=== Early Years ===

The zoo grew rapidly:
* Acquired rare and exotic animals
* Built distinctive Victorian-era buildings
* Became a model for zoos nationwide
* Attracted millions of visitors

=== Historic Buildings ===

Several original structures survive:
* '''Penrose Building''' (1876): Victorian animal house
* '''Solitude''' (1785): John Penn's country house (on zoo grounds)
* '''Treehouse:''' Historic building now used for education

=== Modern Era ===

The zoo has transformed from a Victorian menagerie to a modern conservation institution:
* New naturalistic habitats
* Zoo360 trail system
* Conservation breeding programs
* Education and outreach

== Zoo360 ==

=== Revolutionary Design ===

'''Zoo360''' is a network of see-through mesh trails that allow animals to travel through and above the zoo:
* '''Big Cat Crossing:''' Lions, tigers, and other cats
* '''Treetop Trail:''' Primates and red pandas
* '''Great Ape Trail:''' Gorillas and orangutans

=== Experience ===

* Animals move freely along trails
* Visitors can observe from below
* Enriches animal lives and visitor experience
* Pioneered by Philadelphia Zoo

== Exhibits ==

=== African Plains ===

African animals in naturalistic habitat:
* Giraffes (giraffe feeding available)
* Zebras
* Hippos
* African birds

=== Big Cat Falls ===

Home to the world's great cats:
* Lions
* Tigers
* Pumas
* Leopards
* Snow leopards

=== PECO Primate Reserve ===

Primate habitats including:
* Gorillas
* Orangutans
* Gibbons
* Other primates

=== Bear Country ===

North American and other bears:
* Polar bears
* Grizzly bears
* Sloth bears
* Spectacled bears

=== Rare Animal Conservation Center ===

Critically endangered species:
* Blue-eyed black lemurs
* Other rare animals
* Conservation breeding programs

=== KidZooU ===

Interactive children's area:
* Barnyard animals
* Animal encounters
* Educational programs
* Carousel

=== Other Highlights ===

* Reptile and Amphibian House
* Bird House
* Penguin Point
* Outback Outpost (Australian animals)

== Conservation ==

=== Breeding Programs ===

The Philadelphia Zoo participates in Species Survival Plans:
* Endangered species breeding
* Genetic management
* Population sustainability
* Release programs

=== Field Conservation ===

Support for conservation worldwide:
* Habitat protection
* Research programs
* Community-based conservation
* Partnership with organizations globally

=== Philadelphia Zoo's Impact ===

Notable conservation achievements:
* Breeding programs for rare species
* Research publications
* Conservation education
* Support for field projects

== Visiting the Zoo ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Daily:''' 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (gates close at 4:00 PM)
* Hours may vary seasonally
* Open every day except major holidays

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $28 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Children (2-11):''' Approximately $24
* '''Parking:''' Additional fee
* '''Members:''' Free admission

=== Tips ===

* Allow 3-4 hours for a full visit
* Arrive early for best animal viewing
* Download the zoo app for maps and updates
* Big Cat Falls and Zoo360 are highlights
* Summers can be crowded—weekdays are better

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 15, 32, 38
* '''SEPTA Trolley:''' Route 15
* '''By Car:''' Girard Avenue exit from I-76
* '''Parking:''' Large on-site lot (fee)

=== Location ===

The zoo is located in Fairmount Park, about 10 minutes from Center City.

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Please Touch Museum]] (10-minute drive)
* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Mann Center]] (adjacent)
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]] (10-minute drive)

== See Also ==

* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Please Touch Museum]]
* [[Family Attractions in Philadelphia]]
* [[Conservation in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.philadelphiazoo.org Philadelphia Zoo Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-philadelphia-zoo/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Philadelphia Zoo - America's First Zoo
|description=Visit the Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo since 1874. 1,300+ animals, the revolutionary Zoo360 trail system, Big Cat Falls, and world-class conservation programs in Fairmount Park.
|keywords=Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo, Zoo360, Big Cat Falls, gorillas, lions, family attractions Philadelphia, Fairmount Park, wildlife
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Family Attractions]]
[[Category:Wildlife]]
[[Category:Conservation]]