Your Gateway to Wildlife Discovery!

Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first zoo, is renowned for innovation in animal care and unwavering commitment to wildlife. A zoo of firsts, Philadelphia Zoo has been a leader since opening its historic gates on July 1, 1874. (Its charter was signed on March 21, 1859, but due to the Civil War the opening was delayed for 15 years). Responsible for the first successful orangutan and chimpanzee births in the U.S., being the first zoo in the world to build an on-site animal care center, developing the first specially-formulated foods for zoo animals, and opening the first Children’s Zoo in the U.S., Philadelphia Zoo has always been an industry leader, setting standards for animal care and guest experiences.

Hours

Beginning November 1, the Zoo will be open daily from 9:30am - 3pm.

Closed: Thanksgiving Day