Philadelphia Zoo Receives $5 Million Gift to Transform Bear Country

The project includes the expansion of the Zoo’s Zoo360 animal exploration trails and the addition of a third bear habitat.

Philadelphia Zoo announced a milestone $5 million gift from the W. P. Carey Foundation that will spark the transformation of its Bear Country exhibit. Working with PGAV Destinations design firm, the Zoo will embark on a significant expansion and renovation. This will include the extension of the Zoo’s revolutionary Zoo360 trail system, and the addition of a third bear habitat. These enhancements will allow the Zoo to continue to provide the highest standard of care and quality of life for animals; create an awe-inspiring guest experience that increases opportunities for guests to get close to animals and see them in an entirely new way; provide new educational opportunities for school and community-based programs; and highlight the Zoo’s conservation work advocating for and protecting species around the globe. The W. P. Carey Foundation, with family roots in Philadelphia and a history of charitable giving in the region and throughout the country, has pledged lead charitable support for the project. In addition, this $20 million effort is being graciously supported by the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, donors, and continued fundraising efforts. It is also supported by the William Penn Foundation, whose investment further emphasizes their commitment to making the arts and culture organizations in Philadelphia more accessible to all local residents. The Zoo will be breaking ground on the new exhibit in early 2025 and the new Bear Country is expected to open in spring of 2026.

“Philadelphia Zoo has provided a unique and innovative experience with wildlife that can change lives,” says President and CEO, Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “This state-of-the-art exhibit will not only transform our campus and give our guests brand new ways to see and interact with our bears with the addition of a brand-new habitat and Zoo360 trail, but it will enhance the conservation work we can do to protect endangered bears around the world.”

“Philadelphia Zoo has been a meaningful destination for the Carey family to connect and learn about wildlife for decades. We are thrilled to support the transformation of Bear Country to provide enriching multigenerational learning experiences and honor Francis J. Carey (“G-Bear”)’s love for bears,” says William P. Carey II, Chairman of the W. P. Carey Foundation.

“Pennsylvania is truly the Great American Getaway – and Philadelphia Zoo is an exciting place for Pennsylvanians and visitors alike to see an incredible array of animals and learn more about our natural world,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “When the eyes of the world are on Philadelphia in 2026, our Commonwealth will be ready to welcome millions of visitors – and with this new exhibit, important cultural institutions like the Zoo will play an important role in helping visitors recognize that Pennsylvania is a place worth coming back to over and over again.”

“The Zoo is more than just a destination for all families. It’s a safe place, as well as an educational and inspiring place that brings people together and moves them to act on behalf of wildlife,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We are proud to support this reimagined exhibit at our Philadelphia Zoo, and we’re excited for people in the city and region to experience it.”

Highlights of the project include:

• A Zoo360 exploration trail that will allow the bears to rotate through all habitats
• A third habitat to expand space for bears and aid in the Zoo’s breeding program
• An additional off-exhibit habitat to aid in the rearing of cubs
• New water features, landscaping, and the removal of moats to add space to the bears’ habitats
• Water features will include recirculating water to help the Zoo achieve sustainability goals
• Additional opportunities for animal keepers to set up behavioral enrichment
• Glass viewing areas to allow guests to come nose-to-nose with the bears
• New areas to allow guests to watch keeper training with bears
• Improved structural designs for the Zoo’s animal keepers to facilitate efficient care

As America’s first zoo, Philadelphia Zoo has been a leader in animal care for more than a century. As the Zoo continues to innovate its campus, it is constantly looking for ways to not only enhance animal habitats and how they are cared for, but ways to engage guests and create memorable experiences that inspire action for wildlife. With the design and footprint of the current Bear Country exhibit, the Zoo saw a unique opportunity to create a state-of-the-art exhibit that will strengthen the Zoo’s commitment to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan and Saving Animals From Extinction Program. The next chapter of the Zoo reimagines the impact that a zoo in an urban setting can have on all the communities that experience the Zoo’s gardens. The Zoo’s work with bears headlines a series of investments that position the Zoo to be a leader in conservation education and action to address some of the most important issues of our time.

As construction begins, the Zoo’s three bears will be moving to other AZA accredited facilities. Sloth bears, Bhalu and Kayla, are expected to return to the Zoo once construction is complete. Andean bear, Sinchi, has been paired with another female and will remain at another zoo. The Zoo’s colony of Humboldt penguins will also be temporarily relocated to another AZA accredited facility. The Zoo’s flamboyance of flamingos will be relocated to a habitat south of McNeil Avian Center. The Bear Country project will be supported by philanthropy, public support, and Zoo funding.