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{{Infobox Museum
| name = Philadelphia Zoo
| type = Zoo
| address = 3400 W Girard Avenue
| neighborhood = Fairmount Park
| phone = (215) 243-1100
| website = https://philadelphiazoo.org
| established = 1874
| collection_size = 1,300+ animals, 200+ species
| annual_visitors = 1,200,000+
| admission = $28 adults, $24 children
| hours = Daily 9:30am-5pm (varies seasonally)
| public_transit = SEPTA Bus 38, 15
}}

The '''Philadelphia Zoo''' is America's first zoo, opened in 1874 in [[Fairmount Park]]. Home to over 1,300 animals representing more than 200 species, the 42-acre zoo features innovative exhibits including Zoo360, a network of see-through animal trails that allow animals to move above and around visitors.<ref name="philazoo">{{cite web |url=https://philadelphiazoo.org |title=Philadelphia Zoo |publisher=Philadelphia Zoo |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== America's First Zoo ===

The Philadelphia Zoological Society was chartered in 1859, but the Civil War delayed opening until July 1, 1874. The Philadelphia Zoo became America's first true zoological garden, predating zoos in Cincinnati (1875), Buffalo (1875), and other cities.

Early exhibits reflected Victorian attitudes toward animals, with small cages and menagerie-style displays. Over 150 years, the zoo has evolved toward naturalistic habitats and conservation focus.

=== Historic Buildings ===

Several original 1874 buildings remain:

* '''The Solitude''' — 1785 mansion that predates the zoo
* '''Treehouse*** — Victorian-era building
* '''Historic gatehouses*** — Original entrance structures

== Exhibits ==

=== Zoo360 ===

Philadelphia Zoo pioneered Zoo360, a network of see-through mesh trails that allow animals to travel above and around visitors:

* '''Big Cat Crossing''' — Lions, tigers overhead
* '''Gorilla Treeway*** — Great apes moving through trees
* '''Treetop Trail''' — Small primates exploring
* First animal trail system of its kind

=== Major Exhibits ===

* '''Big Cat Falls''' — Lions, tigers, leopards, pumas
* '''PECO Primate Reserve''' — Gorillas, orangutans, gibbons
* '''African Plains*** — Giraffes, zebras, rhinos
* '''McNeil Avian Center''' — Birds from around the world
* '''Rare Animal Conservation Center''' — Endangered species
* '''KidZooU''' — Children's zoo with domestic animals
* '''Reptile and Amphibian House***

=== Animals ===

Over 1,300 animals including:

* African lions and tigers
* Western lowland gorillas
* Sumatran orangutans
* Giraffes and zebras
* Red pandas
* Giant tortoises
* Polar bears (historically—check current exhibits)

== Conservation ==

The zoo participates in Species Survival Plans and conservation programs:

* Breeding endangered species
* Research partnerships
* Field conservation support
* Public education programs

== Visiting ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Hours''' || Daily 9:30am-5pm (varies seasonally)
|-
| '''Admission''' || $28 adults, $24 children 2-11
|-
| '''Address''' || 3400 W Girard Avenue
|-
| '''Size''' || 42 acres
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 3-4 hours
|}

=== Tips ===

* Mornings are best for animal activity
* Zoo360 trails are a unique feature—don't miss them
* Parking available on-site (fee)
* Stroller-friendly paths
* Food options throughout

== Events ==

* '''Zoo Summer Concerts*** — Evening music events
* '''Boo at the Zoo''' — Halloween programming
* '''LumiNature*** — Winter light show
* '''Themed weekends''' — Special activities

== Getting There ==

* '''SEPTA Bus''' — Routes 38, 15
* '''SEPTA Regional Rail*** — Zoo Station (Cynwyd Line—limited service)
* '''Driving''' — Parking on-site, $20+
* '''PHLASH''' — Downtown Loop (seasonal)

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

{{FAQ
|q1=Is the Philadelphia Zoo the first zoo in America?
|a1=Yes, the Philadelphia Zoo opened on July 1, 1874, making it America's first true zoological garden. The Zoological Society was chartered in 1859, but the Civil War delayed opening. The zoo has operated continuously for 150 years.

|q2=What is Zoo360?
|a2=Zoo360 is an innovative trail system that allows animals to travel through see-through mesh tunnels above and around visitors. Lions and tigers can walk overhead; gorillas move through elevated treeway. It was pioneered at Philadelphia Zoo and is unique in American zoos.

|q3=How long does the Philadelphia Zoo take?
|a3=Plan 3-4 hours to see the major exhibits. The 42-acre zoo is walkable but extensive. If you have young children or want to see everything, a full day is possible. Animals are most active in the morning.

|q4=Is the Philadelphia Zoo worth the price?
|a4=At $28 adult admission, it's comparable to other major zoos. The Zoo360 system is unique and innovative. For families who will spend 3-4 hours, most find it worthwhile. Memberships offer value for repeat visitors.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Please Touch Museum]]
* [[Academy of Natural Sciences]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://philadelphiazoo.org Official Website]

{{#seo:
|title=Philadelphia Zoo - America's First Zoo in Fairmount Park
|description=The Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo since 1874, features 1,300+ animals, innovative Zoo360 overhead trails, and 42 acres of exhibits. Big cats, gorillas, giraffes, and more.
|keywords=Philadelphia Zoo, first zoo in America, Zoo360, Philadelphia animals, Fairmount Park zoo, big cats Philadelphia, family attractions
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Zoos]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Family Attractions]]

Philadelphia Zoo - Revision history

Gritty: Humanization pass: prose rewrite for readability

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Gritty: Automated upload via Philadelphia.Wiki content pipeline