Location
34th Street and Girard Avenue
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Slideshow
Click here to view a photo slideshow of the awesome visitor experience at the Philadelphia zoo.
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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.
Big Cat Falls
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.
Visitor Details
Open daily, year-round. Parking can be tight so public transit is a great option.
Check out the Zoo's trolley shuttle, available through October, making hourly stops at the Independence Visitor Center and 30th Street Station. Service is available starting at 10 a.m. seven days a week through August 31, 2008, with weekends-only service in September and October.
SEPTA Routes 15 and 32 Buses stop within blocks of the zoo. Find specific stops and schedules here.