Established in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is one of the most eclectic and comprehensive of its kind, housing more than 1,300 animals which include some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world.
Famed as the first zoo in America, the zoo still retains much of its former splendor, with the original Victorian gates welcoming over a million visitors every year. Here, you can view elusive mammals, reptilians, amphibians and birds like the much sought-after White's tree frog, the Sifaka, and the bewitching red panda. With painstakingly planned and crafted habitats like the African Plains which are home to giraffes and the giant southern white rhino, the Bird Valley, the Carnivore Kingdom and the Monkey Junction, the Philadelphia Zoo allows you intimate encounters with animals in their most natural environs, thus letting you study often overlooked aspects of their behavior.
Young minds will undoubtedly delight in the aptly named Children's Zoo where they can pet, feed and observe animals in safe and controlled environs. What's more, you can even take a break with a camel safari or sail away in a graceful swan boat with your little ones in tow, as they explore their first hands-on experience with nature at her most spectacular. The Zoo also conducts a number of events from time to time like the Earth Day party and the Bunny Hop to make for an even more exciting visit. You can even adopt an animal of your very own and have the expert keepers care for your ward, while lending a hand with donations to voice your support for preservation and ecological harmony.
Admittance to the Philadelphia Zoo is priced at about $17.50 per person with special discounts for children and members. If you're planning to visit in a group of more than 15, you can also call ahead to avail of discounted rates. The Philadelphia Zoo is open to visitors from 9:30 am to 5 pm all through the week in the summer months and 9:30 am to 4 pm in winter.
For further information, you can visit the website http://www2.philadelphiazoo.org or call the Philadelphia Zoo at 215-243-1100.
The Philadelphia Zoo
3400 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104-1196
