Located at the corner of 34th Street and Girard Avenue in historic Fairmount Park, the Philadelphia Zoo is the world's largest landscaped city park. Sectioned into 18 different habitats with animals, rides and other attractions, it is no wonder the Philadelphia Zoo is one of the most popular sites in the city.
Zoo Habitats
Reptiles and amphibians have their own house, as do small mammals, and rare animals. The Primate Reserve is home to gorillas, lemurs, orangutans and other primates. Pachyderms, better known as elephants, rhinos and hippos, have their own buildings and an outside area. Big Cats Falls is an outdoor area featuring cliffs and waterfalls. Tigers, lions, jaguars and other large cats roam this open area. The African Plains features zebras, antelope, giraffes and a white hippo. Australian animals such as kangaroos have their own yard. Children can enjoy a special children's zoo and can "get dirty" in My Wild Backyard. Bears have their own Country and Carnivores have a Kingdom to call home at the zoo. The newly re-modeled Avian Center, showcasing over 100 birds and a multi-sensory 4-D Migration Theater, is scheduled to open May 30, 2009.
Rides and Other Things to Do
- The most recent attraction to open at the zoo is The Amazon Rainforest Carousel. This wooden, hand-carved and hand-painted carousel is the first of its kind in the United States. It features endangered species found within the Amazon Rainforest. The carousel includes 30 bird, reptile, mammal and amphibian "seats,” as well as two spinning snake chariots.
- Perhaps the most visible feature of the Philadelphia Zoo is the Zoo Balloon. Journey over 400 feet above to catch glimpses of zoo animals as well as views of Fairmont Park and the Philadelphia skyline.
- Zoo visitors can take a ride on a camel, draft horse or pony.
- Swan boats are available for guests to paddle around the lake in the center of the zoo.
- An open-air exhibit, Birds of Australia, features colorful lorikeets and lories. The birds will eat nectar right from your hand.
- Children can take a train ride on the PZ Express. They can also pan for gems in a water contraption designed for mining.
Visiting the Zoo
- The zoo is easily accessible through public transportation. Several parking lots are also available at a fee of $12.
- The Philadelphia Zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, December 24, 25 and 31, and New Year’s Day. The Zoo does close early on the second Thursday in June. Hours are 9:30-5 PM in-season and 9:30-4 PM out of season.
- Tickets can be purchased at the zoo or on-line. Prices are $18.00 for adults and $15 for children ages 2-11. Children under 2 are free. The Zoo Balloon, Carousel, Swan Boats, PZ Train and animal rides are an additional cost. Check into a Philadelphia City Pass or a Zoo Membership to save money. A Zoo Membership offers free parking and unlimited admission for one year. There are also over 100 zoos and aquariums across the country that participate in a reciprocal program. Your Zoo Membership will provide free or discounted admission to those places when you travel.
- Multiple indoor and outdoor food concessions offer visitors many eating options. Guests can also bring in their own food to eat in the large picnic area.
- Wheelchair and strollers are available to rent, although some buildings and exhibits are not stroller accessible.
- A variety of shops throughout the zoo offer visitors the opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
Whether you visit in the spring, summer, winter or fall, the Philadelphia Zoo offers something for everyone- human and animal alike.
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