Welcome to the Philadelphia Zoo’s Pressroom
Here you will find current and archived press releases, media kits, a photo gallery and animal videos. Our Communications Manager welcomes any opportunity to assist credentialed journalists with feature stories and editorial coverage of the Philadelphia Zoo-so feel free to contact us with any story ideas or needs.
Just a few things...
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Media can contact the Zoo's Communications department at 215-243-5305 or email mediarelations@phillyzoo.org or Lombardo.Dana@phillyzoo.org for inquiries or photo requests. If you are on deadline and unable to contact the Communications Manager, please call the Zoo's main number at 215-243-1100, press "0" at the menu and ask the operator to page someone to help you.
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All interviews with Zoo employees will be arranged through the Communications department; we are here to make your job fun & easy so feel free to contact them at anytime to schedule a meeting or interview.
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As much as we love to go above and beyond to obtain great editorial coverage, quarantine areas are typically off limits --but there’s a whole zoo to explore!
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The Philadelphia Zoo staff can aid with obtaining special permission to enter Zoo exhibits and off-exhibit areas- Just coordinate a visit with our Communications team and they will be sure to get you where you need to be!
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To have our Communications department include you on the Philadelphia Zoo's media and/or press release distribution list, please email Lombardo.dana@phillyzoo.org with your name, title, affiliation and contact information and we will ensure you are “in the know.”
Film Your Movie at the Zoo
Permission is required for all photo, film or video shooting for commercial purposes at the Philadelphia Zoo, its grounds and property.
The Zoo reserves the right to determine acceptable requests and appropriate photo and film uses of the Philadelphia Zoo's facilities, animals and staff based on the safety and dignity of the wildlife collection, guest impact, pre-existing partnerships and the overall image of the Philadelphia Zoo.
Due to the amount of time associated with arranging film crew visits, we unfortunately cannot accommodate requests for school projects. If you are a student and have animal- related questions, please email our volunteer docents at dcouncil@phillyzoo.org.
At least two weeks before you wish to film, please email your request to lombardo.dana@phillyzoo.org or send a letter to Philadelphia Zoo, Marketing Department, 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Anyone who wishes to film at the Zoo for commercial, non-news purposes must submit detailed information about the proposed project in writing, including:
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Nature of the project and how the footage will be used and distributed
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Locations requested
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Preferred date and time of shooting
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Length of shooting
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Number of people and vehicles involved in each day's shooting
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Type of activity to be filmed, taped or photographed
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List of equipment and vehicles used in connection with the project
A location fee may be charged and a certificate of general liability insurance will be required. Additional expenses may apply (such as overtime staffing and security, dressing rooms, carts, etc.) and will be the responsibility of the requesting agency or production company. All fees are due the day of the shoot.
The Zoo appreciates the many donations of photography it has received from guests and supporters. If you have a photo you'd like to share with us, please email a high-resolution file to mediarelations@phillyzoo.org. Please note that your photo may be used for Zoo marketing, publications, public relations and on our website, so include proper crediting information. Thank you!
Press Kits
Press Releases
Become the Ultimate Wildlife Warrior This Summer
Back better than ever for the 2013 season, Philadelphia Zoo's "Wildlife Warriors Summer Camp" now offers campers even more opportunities for hands-on learning and up-close personalized animal experiences.
Greater Philadelphia and Elmwood Park Host Cinco de Rhino Fundraiser
Local zoo keepers from the Philadelphia area are partnering with American Association of Zoo Keepers (AZA) to host a unique fundraiser for the conservation of rhinos and the ecosystems they inhabit. The event, called Cinco de Rhino Walk/Ride, will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2013, to coincide with Cinco de Mayo
Philadelphia Zoo Unveils $24 Million Transportation Center
The Philadelphia Zoo’s transformation continues as it unveils the Centennial District Intermodal Transportation Center, a project that will improve the visitor experience with the opening of a new parking garage today, and the addition of new sustainable landscaping and dramatically improved streetscape lighting and traffic signaling.
Merlin, a 21-year old African Lion at the Philadelphia Zoo Dies
The Philadelphia Zoo announced today that Merlin, a 21-year-old male African lion, was euthanized on Sunday due to the recent decline in his medical condition. Zoo veterinarians confirmed that respiratory insufficiency secondary to pulmonary edema led to the euthanasia decision. At 21, Merlin exceeded the typical lifespan for his species.
KidZooU: Hamilton Family Children's Zoo & Faris Family Education Center Set to Open Saturday, April 13 at Philadelphia Zoo
The wait is almost over. Home to America’s first children’s zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo today announced its new KidZooU: Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo & Faris Family Education Center will officially open to the public on Saturday April 13, 2013.
Philadelphia Zoo to Hold 3rd Annual Conservation Gala
On Thursday, November 1, 2012, the Philadelphia Zoo will host its 3rd Annual Global Conservation Gala, honoring innovators in the world of conservation. The 2012 honorees are the Hamilton Family, Girl Scouts Rhiannon Tomitshen and Madison Vorva; Project ORANGS and the Zoo CREW—Zoo Champions for Restoring Endangered Wildlife.
Celebrate Halloween at the Annual "Boo at the Zoo"
The Philadelphia Zoo will host the annual two-weekend “Boo at the Zoo” Halloween celebration on Saturday, October 20th and Sunday, October 21st and Saturday, October 27th and Sunday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Philadelphia Zoo's Tammy Schmidt to Participate in Polar Bear International's Leadership Camp
Philadelphia Zoo’s Curator of Carnivores Tammy Schmidt will travel to the tundra near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, in early October for a week-long Communicators Leadership Camp sponsored by Polar Bears International (PBI), the world’s leading polar bear conservation group.
New Spots are Coming to the Philadelphia Zoo
The transformation of the Philadelphia Zoo continues as it prepares to welcome 683 new “spots” at today’s ground breaking for The Centennial District Intermodal Transportation Center Project, an effort that will improve the visitor experience at the Zoo with the addition of a parking garage, new sustainable landscaping and dramatically improved streetscape lighting and traffic signaling.
Philadelphia Zoo Unveils Great Ape Trail
The Philadelphia Zoo experience continues to be transformed for both animals and guests with today’s opening of the Great Ape Trail, the second piece of the Zoo’s new campus-wide travel and exploration trail network. It’s the first such exploration trail network in the world.
Shoemaker/Perryman to Build 683-Space Parking Garage at Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo announced that Shoemaker/Perryman, a Joint Venture will build the much-anticipated parking garage to be completed in spring 2013. The garage is part of the Centennial District Intermodal Transportation Center which will increase parking capacity and improve traffic, safety, storm water management and aesthetics in the area.
Zoo Welcomes New Female Lion
The Philadelphia Zoo recently welcomed another addition with the arrival of African lion Tajiri—which means “rich” in Swahili—to the First Niagara Big Cat Falls exhibit. The big cat, born in March 2010, came from the Racine Zoo and is settling in well to her new environment. She will debut to the public on Friday, April 6th.
Seminar: An Intimate Evening with Primatologist Dr. Carel van Shaik
The Philadelphia Zoo, University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and Penn Undergraduate Anthropology Society present an evening with Dr. Carel van Schaik a preeminent primatologist, Professor and Director of the Anthropological Institute & Museum and the University of Zurich, Switzerland on Monday, April 16th at 6pm in Penn Museum’s Rainey Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.
Zoning Approved for Parking Garage at Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo received zoning approval yesterday for a 683-space parking garage to be completed by spring 2013. The garage will be a part of The Centennial District Intermodal Transportation Center Project and will fulfill two main objectives: increasing parking capacity and bettering the overall environment with new lighting, landscaping, and traffic enhancements.
Zoo Welcomes New Male African Lion
The Philadelphia Zoo just welcomed another addition with the arrival of African lion Makini—which means which means “dignity” in Swahili-African dialect to the First Niagara Big Cat Falls exhibit.
University UNLESS Prize
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first Zoo, is inviting university students across the United States to join their efforts to save the critically endangered orangutan by competing to win the 2012 University UNLESS Prize.
Doctors from CHOP and Philadelphia Zoo Access Gorilla's Cardiac Health
As part of a physical exam, cardiologists from the Cardiac Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia were invited to join veterinarians from the Philadelphia Zoo in assessing the cardiac health of a 33-year-old, 207-pound female gorilla named Kivu.
Philadelphia Zoo's African Elephant Moves to New Facility
Officials from the Philadelphia Zoo, the Pittsburgh Zoo and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced today that Kallie, a female African elephant formerly from the Philadelphia Zoo, will move from the Pittsburgh Zoo’s International Conservation Center (ICC) to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s new $25 million African Elephant Crossing.
Snow Leopard Cub to Undergo 2nd Eyelid Surgery
On October 12, the Philadelphia Zoo’s two snow leopard cubs had minor surgery to correct eyelid abnormalities. This week one of the cubs will have a second surgery to further correct the condition called upper eyelid coloboma.
Philadelphia Zoo Snow Leopard Cubs to Undergo Surgery
The Philadelphia Zoo’s two snow leopard cubs, born on June 2011, will undergo minor surgery to correct eyelid abnormalities. The cubs are otherwise developing well, weigh about 20 pounds each, and are playing, eating, running and jumping normally.
Philadelphia Zoo Elects H. Craig Lewis to Board of Directors
The Philadelphia Zoo recently announced the election of H. Craig Lewis to its Board of Directors.
Zoo Announces Groundbreaking K-12 UNLESS Contest to Help Save Orangutans from Extinction
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Philadelphia Zoo has launched the UNLESS contest aimed at engaging K-12 classrooms throughout the Delaware Valley region in a unique way to help save orangutans from extinction.
Philadelphia Zoo Appoints New Vice President of Development
The Philadelphia Zoo is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg H. Goldman to the role of Vice President of Development.
It's a Boy! Philadelphia Zoo Announces New Jaguar Cub is a Boy
The Philadelphia Zoo confirmed it new addition to its animal family is a boy, the jaguar cub, named Lucha was born on June 3rd, Lucha, meaning “fight” in Spanish, was born to Kanga, the Zoo’s 10 year old Jaguar and her mate, Jutai, age 7 years old.
Philadelphia Zoo Unveils Treetop Trail
The Philadelphia Zoo is excited to unveil its newest exhibit, perhaps its most innovative to date. Treetop Trail is a system of elevated passageways and lookouts situated among the treetops for primates to travel and explore.
Zoo Announces Birth of Snow Leopard Cubs
The Philadelphia Zoo is pleased to welcome two Snow Leopard cubs to its growing animal family. Maya, the Zoo’s 3-year-old female snow leopard, gave birth to two cubs in the afternoon of Thursday, June 9th. This is Maya’s first litter. These cubs are also the first offspring for Amga, the Zoo’s 5-year-old male snow leopard.
Philadelphia Zoo Announces Birth of Jaguar Cub
The Philadelphia Zoo is pleased to welcome a new addition to its animal family. Kanga, the Zoo’s 10 year-old female jaguar, gave birth to one cub on the evening of Friday, June 3 at Jaguar Cubapproximately 10 p.m. Kanga has had 3 previous litters; her other offspring are currently at zoos across the country.
Philadelphia Zoo Welcomes a New Baby White Handed Gibbon
The Philadelphia Zoo is proud to announce its newest arrival, Leo a male white-handed gibbon born to dad Mercury and mom Phoenice. Leo was born on April 7, 2011.
Traffic Improvement
The Philadelphia Zoo, next month, will begin final design on much-anticipated traffic and access-related improvements. Benefitting Philadelphia Zoo visitors and the neighboring cultural attractions and communities, improvements will ultimately include significant enhancements to traffic flow, pedestrian safety and the overall environment around the Zoo and its neighboring Centennial and Parkside Communities.
The AZA Honors Zoo with Significan Achievement Exhibit Award
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) honors the Philadelphia Zoo with the Significant Achievement Exhibit Award for its McNeil Avian Center. With this award, the AZA recognizes excellence in the area of live animal display and exhibit design by an AZA accredited organization both nationally and internationally.
Zoo Announces Groundbreaking Admission Program
The Philadelphia Zoo is giving back to the Philadelphia community in an unprecedented way. On June 4, 2010, Zoo President & CEO Vik Dewan will announce the Zoo’s new community access program.