Construction Update

Continuing Our History of Innovation at America’s First Zoo

Thanks to YOU, we’re improving YOUR Zoo! Your support, including admission and parking, directly contributes to animal well-being, innovative habitat updates, and global conservation efforts. While these upgrades might temporarily shift pathways, close some areas, or move animals to new habitats, it’s all part of our commitment to enhancing the experience for both guests and our animals. We’re working hard to keep disruptions minimal while building exciting new features. Here are just a few of the fun things you can see now:

• Wildlife Rescue Climbable Structures: Climb (or take a selfie with!) larger-than-life climbable animal sculptures and learn about some of the world’s most inspiring conservation success stories—one climb at a time.
• Baby Boom inside PECO Primate Reserve: Meet Sumatran orangutan Jambi, red-tailed monkey Khari, and black-and-white colobus Yei, all less than a year old!
• Wildlife Chats: This is your chance to meet an animal expert and learn the species facts and personalities of the animals that live at your Zoo. See the full schedule.
• Mommy the Galapagos tortoise at the Reptile and Amphibian House: Mommy is a female Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise that has lived at the Zoo since April 23, 1932 and is estimated to be 99 years old.
• Puma siblings Elbroch and Olympia: The Zoo has become their permanent home after they were rescued in Washington state in 2023.
• Tony the Rhino: The Zoo’s biggest resident has a lot of personality. See him and zebras Lavern, Shirley, and Susie.
• KidZooU Contact Yard: Interact with our herd of rare goats, including breeds that are nearly extinct.

Construction Updates

You’ll need to loop around construction fencing near McNeil Avian Center as we work on an exciting new walk-through flamingo habitat. At Bear Country and Penguin Point, there are shifts in pathways to get to African Plains and other habitats, starting on January 2025 through April 2026. The pathway between African Plains and the historic Solitude house will be closed. Don’t worry, Tony the Rhino and more of your favorite animals are still accessible! To visit them, simply follow the detour signs throughout the Zoo. Behind the construction fence, we’re reimagining Bear Country to incorporate more water features, caves and dens, and a first-in-the-world Zoo360 trail for bears. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we enhance your Zoo experience. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project!

Additional Information

Philadelphia Zoo, along with the city of Philadelphia, have many plans for 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Be sure to plan several upcoming visits to see our exciting experiences, learn more about helping to conserve wildlife, and to view the new Flamingo and Bear Country habitats.