Philadelphia Zoo Receives $75,000 Grant from Foxwynd Foundation for Educational Enhancements in New Bear Country Exhibit

Philadelphia Zoo is proud to announce a generous donor-advised fund grant of $75,000 from the Foxwynd Foundation, aimed at enriching the new Bear Country exhibit through the installation of state-of-the-art educational graphics and signage.

This funding will enable the Zoo to provide engaging and informative content that enhances the visitor experience and raises awareness about bear conservation. The redesigned Bear Country exhibit, which will feature naturalistic habitats for the Zoo’s sloth bears and Andean bears, is part of a broader initiative to promote wildlife conservation and educate the public about the ecological roles and conservation needs of bears. The Foxwynd Foundation’s contribution specifically supports the creation of interactive educational materials that will help visitors better understand the importance of bears to diverse ecosystems and the conservation efforts required to protect them.

“Thanks to the Foxwynd Foundation and the generosity of its Board of Trustees, the Bentley family, our Bear Country exhibit will not only be a sanctuary for bears but also a dynamic educational space that inspires action for wildlife conservation,” says Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “The new educational graphics and signage will create memorable learning experiences that resonate with our guests long after their visit.”

This grant will include:

• Interactive Signage: Using cutting-edge technology, these signs will provide visitors with interactive learning experiences about bear behavior, diet, and conservation status.
• Conservation Stories: Detailed panels will tell the stories of bears in the wild and the Zoo’s efforts in conservation, providing context and background that connect visitors with the global impact of their zoo visit.
• Sustainable Practices Information: Information on how the exhibit uses sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact, serving as a model for conservation-minded construction.

This funding is part of the Foxwynd Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting environmental education and sustainable practices in community institutions.

“The Bentley family is passionate about supporting initiatives that foster wildlife conservation and education. We believe Philadelphia Zoo plays a vital role in preserving endangered species and inspiring future generations to care for our planet. We are honored to contribute to this remarkable institution and its impactful efforts,” says Executive Director of Foxwynd Foundation Pamela Villagra.

Philadelphia Zoo invites guests to visit the new Bear Country exhibit, which is set to open in March 2026, to see firsthand the enhancements made possible by the Foxwynd Foundation’s generous support.