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 opened on July 1, 1874. It was America's first zoo, and it still ranks among the nation's best zoological institutions. You'll find it spread across 42 acres in Fairmount Park, packed with over 1,300 animals from more than 340 species, including creatures so rare they're found almost nowhere else on earth. What really sets this place apart is the Zoo360 trail system - an innovative network of elevated mesh trails that let big cats, primates, and red pandas roam above and around visitors, not trapped behind glass or walls.^[1]

This isn't just a place to gawk at animals. The Philadelphia Zoo takes conservation seriously. They've bred endangered species to release back into the wild and support conservation work all over the world. The combination of historic buildings, thoughtful exhibits, and genuine commitment to animal welfare makes it one of America's premier zoological experiences.^[2]

History

Founding

The Zoological Society of Philadelphia received its charter in 1859. Then the Civil War got in the way. When things finally settled down, the zoo opened on July 1, 1874. It was the first zoo in America.

Opening day was a success:

3,000 visitors showed up
Adults paid 25 cents, kids paid 10 cents
The initial collection came from the Smithsonian

Early Years

Growth happened fast:

Rare and exotic animals kept arriving
Workers constructed distinctive Victorian-era buildings
The zoo became a model that other institutions copied
Millions of visitors poured through the gates

Historic Buildings

Some original structures are still standing:

Penrose Building (1876): A Victorian animal house
Solitude (1785): John Penn's country house, now on zoo grounds
Treehouse: Historic building repurposed for education programs

Modern Era

From a Victorian menagerie to a serious conservation operation. That's the transformation. The zoo now features naturalistic habitats, the Zoo360 trail system, breeding programs for endangered species, and extensive education and outreach efforts.

Zoo360

Revolutionary Design

Zoo360 lets animals travel through and above the zoo on see-through mesh trails:

Big Cat Crossing: Lions, tigers, and other big cats move freely
Treetop Trail: Primates and red pandas have space to roam
Great Ape Trail: Gorillas and orangutans explore above visitors' heads

Experience

The system works because it benefits everyone. Animals get enrichment and exercise. Visitors get to watch them behaving naturally. It's a win for both sides. Philadelphia Zoo pioneered this approach.

Exhibits

African Plains

African animals in naturalistic habitat:

Giraffes (you can hand-feed them)
Zebras
Hippos
African birds

Big Cat Falls

Home to the world's greatest cats:

Lions
Tigers
Pumas
Leopards
Snow leopards

PECO Primate Reserve

Several primate habitats:

Gorillas
Orangutans
Gibbons
Other primate species

Bear Country

Bears from North America and beyond:

Polar bears
Grizzly bears
Sloth bears
Spectacled bears

Rare Animal Conservation Center

This area focuses on critically endangered species:

Blue-eyed black lemurs
Other rare animals
Active conservation breeding programs

KidZooU

Built for the younger visitors:

Barnyard animals
Direct animal encounters
Educational programs
Carousel

Other Highlights

Reptile and Amphibian House
Bird House
Penguin Point
Outback Outpost with Australian animals

Conservation

Breeding Programs

The Philadelphia Zoo participates in Species Survival Plans. This work involves breeding endangered species, managing genetics carefully, sustaining populations, and preparing animals for potential release into the wild.

Field Conservation

The zoo doesn't stop at the gates. They support conservation globally through habitat protection, research programs, community-based initiatives, and partnerships with organizations worldwide.