Philadelphia Zoo

Why go

Philadelphia Zoo earns time because it offers a large family visit where route choices matter more than checking every exhibit. Its central thread is historic grounds, animal habitats and overhead Zoo360 trails in Fairmount Park. Zoo360 trails let some animals move above and across visitor paths. The zoo's Victorian gatehouses recall its long history while newer habitats change the scale.

What to look for

• Zoo360 trails let some animals move above and across visitor paths.
• The zoo's Victorian gatehouses recall its long history while newer habitats change the scale.

The full story

Philadelphia Zoo is best understood through historic grounds, animal habitats and overhead Zoo360 trails in Fairmount Park. The Philadelphia Zoo, located in the Centennial District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the west bank of the Schuylkill River, was the first zoo in the United States. Chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 21, 1859, its opening was delayed by the American Civil War until July 1, 1874. It opened with 1,000 animals and an admission price of 25 cents. For a brief time, the zoo also housed animals brought over from safari on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution, which had not yet built the National Zoo in the 1850s. The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the premier zoos in the world for breeding animals that have been found difficult to breed in captivity. The zoo also works with many groups around the world to protect the natural habitats of the animals in their care. The zoo is 42 acres and is home to more than 1,300 animals, many of which are rare and endangered. The zoo features a children's zoo, a paddleboat lake, a rainforest themed carousel, and many interactive and educational exhibits. The Philadelphia Zoo, located in the Centennial District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the west bank of the Schuylkill River, was the first zoo in the United States.

Useful to know

• Reserve in advance when required and start with the habitats highest on your list.
• Allow several hours and expect substantial outdoor walking with limited shortcuts.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.