Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo is a zoological park spanning 17 hectares with Victorian gardens, paths and enclosures for 1,300 animals from 340 species. The grounds combine traditional houses with modern facilities housing animals from Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The institution received its charter in 1859 but opened in 1874 after the Civil War as the first operational zoo in the United States. Over the decades, the grounds expanded and developed new enclosures and research programs.

The name Penrose comes from the founder of the research laboratory established in 1901. Visitors today can explore the grounds connected to research facilities and historic animal houses.

The zoo opens in the morning at 9:30 AM and closes in the afternoon at 3 PM, with last entry at 1:30 PM. Visitors can purchase tickets online in advance or at the entrance directly.

The Zoo360 system allows primates and big cats to move through elevated pathways above visitor walkways. This construction creates a network that lets animals wander between enclosures while people walk below.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: July 1, 1874

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Website: http://philadelphiazoo.org

GPS coordinates: 39.97250,-75.19667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:46