Philadelphia Zoo
| Type | Zoo |
|---|---|
| Address | 3400 W Girard Avenue |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Fairmount Park |
| Phone | (215) 243-1100 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1874 |
| Collection | 1,300+ animals, 200+ species |
| Visitors | 1,200,000+/year |
| Admission | $28 adults, $24 children |
| Hours | Daily 9:30am-5pm (varies seasonally) |
| 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.[1]
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
| 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
See Also
References
- ↑ "Philadelphia Zoo". Philadelphia Zoo. Retrieved December 23, 2025