Philadelphia Zoo

Type	Zoo, wildlife conservation
Address	3400 West Girard Avenue
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	Fairmount Park
Phone	(215) 243-1100
Website	Official site
Established	1874
Founder	Zoological Society of Philadelphia
Director	Vikram Dewan
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.^[1]

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.^[2]

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