Philadelphia Zoo
3400 West Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 243-1100 • 243-5301 Groups
http://www.philadelphiazoo.org

Founded in 1859, this 42-acre zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals comprising nearly 500 different species. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring all that the Zoo has to offer.

The unique Rare Animal House features a variety of animals from around the world. The naked mole-rat, bred right at the zoo; the langur, a leaf-eating monkey; and the little marmoset are among the many unusual animals to be found here.

The Reptile and Amphibian House presents more than 100 species of reptiles and amphibians. The frogs, snakes, turtles, crocodilians, and other amphibians and reptiles here are very popular indeed.

Most of the animals live in exhibits that approximate their natural habitats. Bears live in Bear Country, which includes a 200,000 gallon pool for polar bears. The South American Exhibit features the highland terrain where anteaters, llamas, capybaras, and others live.

Another habitat contains elephants and rhinos, while Australia, and the African Plains are also represented, as are the habitats of Pennsylvania at Penn's Woodland Trail.

Well over 100 species of birds will be found at the Zoo's new McNeil Avian Center. Visitors will walk through a variety of lush habitats and coloful exotic landscapes to enjoy the sights and sounds of our avian friends. A presentation in the multi-sensory 4-D Migration Theater follows Otis the Oriole on his first migration south from where where he hatched in Fairmount Park to his winter home in Central America.

Big Cat Falls, with its jaguar, snow leopards, Amur tigers, and other wonderful felines offers visitors a chance to get as close to the big cats as most would want.

The Children's Zoo features animal demonstrations, a pony ride, a hatchery, domestic animals that can be petted, and exhibits. The Treehouse, another center especially for children, features special kid-style exhibits. Daisy the Dinosaur, a 27-foot beehive, giant frog eggs, and much more will be found here. Puppet Shows, Skits, Singing, and other activities take place here, as well as overnight programs, birthday parties, and more. Call for further details.

Throughout the year the Zoo offers activities for individuals and families, from special events to a wide variety of classes and workshops. Call for a calendar.

School Groups (15 or more) can simply visit the Zoo or partake in one of many programs. In the Thick of Things (grades Pre-K - 5) explores predator-prey relationships. All American Homes (3 - 5) features animal role-playing to find out about habitats. Adaptations Head to Toe (3 - 8) uses live animals to illustrate how they have developed for survival. Wildlife Alert (9 - 12) examines issues involving endangered species through activities and debates. Many other programs are available, including programs and theatre brought to the school. Most programs take 30 - 60 minutes.