|
 |
|
The Philadelphia Zoo
Animals and plants thrive at America’s first zoo
|
Philadelphia Zoo
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
|
Outsider Tip
The highly anticipated pride of the Philadelphia Zoo, Bank of America Big Cat Falls, home to felines from around the world, opened in 2006. The lush new exhibition features waterfalls, pools, authentic plantings and a simulated research station for aspiring zoologists.
Lions, leopards, jaguars, pumas, tigers and seven new cubs are the star attractions.
Sculpture at the Zoo
Designed as “zoological gardens,” the Zoo offers attractive landscaping and a host of sculptural animals to complement the live ones. Near the entrance, look for Heinz Warneke’s giant Cow Elephant and Calf. Henry Mitchell’s popular Impala Fountain shows athletic impalas leaping over sprays of water, and the same sculptor contributed Hippo Mother and Baby. Other fine sculptures feature bears, penguins, wolves and lions.
Kids' Stuff
Many of the animals can’t be seen at other zoos, including rare white lions, capybara, lemurs, giant anteaters, pygmy marmosets, coati and okapi.
The Experience at the Zoo
One of the best laid-out and most animal-packed zoos in the country is set among a charming 42-acre Victorian garden with tree-lined walks, formal shrubbery, ornate iron cages and animal sculptures. The zoo has garnered many “firsts" in addition to being the first zoo charted in the United States (1859). The first orangutan and chimp births in a U.S. zoo (1928), world’s first Children’s Zoo (1957), and the first U.S. exhibit of white lions (1993), among others.
In addition to its animals, the zoo is known for its historic architecture, which includes the country home of William Penn’s grandson, its botanical collections of over 500 plant species, its groundbreaking research and its fine veterinary facilities.
COME PREPARED
Open daily, year-round. Parking can be tight so public transit is a great option — SEPTA Routes 15 and 32 Buses stop within blocks of the zoo.
SEPTA's Route 32 bus runs north/south between Roxborough and Center City, stopping in Manayunk, East Falls and North Philadelphia. The bus stops at Girard Avenue two blocks away from the zoo. Find specific stops and schedules here.
SEPTA's Route 15 trolley runs east/west straight past the zoo along Girard Avenue. The trolley runs from Port Richmond in the northeast to Haddington in West Philadelphia, find specific stops and schedules here.
|