February 17, 2023

Philadelphia Zoo Announces Birth of Two Sloth Bear Cubs

February 17, 2023/ Philadelphia Zoo/ Kory Aversa

Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of two threatened sloth bear cubs. The cubs were born January 2, 2023, at 3:53am and 4:16am to 10-year-old mom Kayla and 10-year-old dad Bhalu. This is the second successful birth of this species at the Zoo in the last four years, and marks the first successful pair of cubs of this species born in more than 30 years at the Zoo. Mom and cubs are doing well and the Zoo's animal team continues to monitor their health via camera in their behind-the-scenes den. Kayla is showing great maternal behavior and has been in constant physical contact with the infants since birth. The sex of the cubs has not yet been determined and names have not been chosen. They will NOT be visible to the public until April when mom decides it is time for them to venture out.

October 10, 2022

Philadelphia Zoo Lights Up Million Holiday Lights for LumiNature

October 10, 2022/ Philadelphia Zoo/ Kory Aversa

Philadelphia Zoo’s dazzling winter light show experience is back! LumiNature returns for another season of breathtaking sights, sounds and surprises from Thursday, November 17, 2022 to Saturday, January 7, 2023. With more than a million twinkling lights across 14 one-of-a-kind artistically illuminated zones, LumiNature is sure to wow adults and children alike as they take a magical journey celebrating the wonder of wildlife and the beauty of our planet during the holiday season. Highlights will include a brand new Penguin Prismatic show featuring a 40 ft. tall penguin, plus a new coral and under the sea holiday tree, a new 15 foot tall glowing blue gorilla, 100 ft-long aquarium tunnel, enormous jellyfish, a 21-feet tall brilliant colored snake, hundreds of illuminated penguins, giant cat eyes glowing in the dark of night, a 22-feet-tall Butterfly Tree, a Wilderness Express Train, and a 25-foot tree made entirely of lit flamingo lawn ornaments. LumiNature is a nighttime experience, with timed entrance tickets available every half hour from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. All guests must pre-purchase timed-tickets at philadelphiazoo.org/luminature.

April 18, 2022

Philadelphia Zoo Debuts NatureBlazer Adventures and Announces Mommy's 90th Anniversary

April 18, 2022/ Philadelphia Zoo/ Kory Aversa

Spring is the perfect time to visit the Zoo! The weather is warmer, the animals are active and guests can stroll the beautiful campus and experience magnificent wildlife. “We are thrilled to welcome guests and launch the season,” says Amy Shearer, Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer. “It is a wonderful time to visit, the gardens are in bloom and there are so many new things to see. I really can’t think of a better day than being outdoors, enjoying nature, seeing amazing wildlife and making lifelong memories!” said Shearer.

October 10, 2021

Philadelphia Zoo Lights Up A Million Holiday Lights for Dazzling Return of LumiNature

October 10, 2021/ Philadelphia Zoo/ Guest User

Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W. Girard) announces the dazzling return of LumiNature Presented by Chase, from November 18th to January 9th. The giant-sized holiday extravaganza will transform the entire Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Guests will experience a magical journey of lights, music, sounds and surprises. LumiNature will feature 14 illuminated experience zones that will feature lively themed displays, newly-enhanced installations and hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights. Highlights will include a 100 ft-long aquarium tunnel, enormous jellyfish, a brand new octopus tree, a 21-feet tall brilliant colored snake, hundreds of illuminated penguins, giant cat eyes glowing in the dark of night, a 22-feet-tall Butterfly Tree, a new Wilderness Express Train, and a 25-foot tree made entirely of lit flamingo lawn ornaments.

March 08, 2021

Philadelphia Zoo Announces Return of Cherished Zoo Keys Plus Unveils Limited Edition Dino-Key

March 08, 2021/ Philadelphia Zoo/ Guest User

Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W. Girard Avenue) announced today the return of the famous Zoo Key and talking story books, plus the addition of a new, limited-edition Dino-Key. Back by popular demand, the animal–shaped Zoo Keys will be able to be used at solar-powered audio boxes situated around the Zoo campus. Beginning March 25th, guests can use their Zoo Keys to unlock all new stories and secret tales about the magnificent creatures living at the Zoo. The new Dino-Key will unleash amazing stories of when dinosaurs and other massive creatures roamed the Earth in prehistoric times. Zoo-goers can listen to all audiobooks in both English and Spanish. Zoo Keys will retail for $3.00 and be available at any Zoo retail location and the Zoo shop.

June 22, 2020

Philadelphia Zoo Announces Reopening Date, Tickets Go on Sale This Week!

June 22, 2020/ Philadelphia Zoo/ Guest User

Philadelphia Zoo is set to reopen to the public on Thursday, July 9th. “We are thrilled to welcome our members and guests back to the Zoo,” says Vikram H. Dewan, the Zoo’s President and CEO. “On the first visit back, guests will find that some of the procedures look a bit different, but with more than 1300 rare and endangered animals in our care, and many visitors onsite, the enhanced procedures will help with maintaining a delightful, clean and safe experience,” says Dewan.

May 14, 2020

Philadelphia Zoo Launches Limited Edition Shirts for Spring Back Fund

May 14, 2020/ Philadelphia Zoo/ Kory Aversa

Philadelphia Zoo wants to update your stay-at-home workday and home-school fashion with a colorful and eye-catching new collection of apparel that will fund the Zoo's Spring Back Fund. Show your support for Philadelphia Zoo on those Zoom and Skype calls while you social distance with a new limited edition t-shirt and hoodie line that will support the vital operations of Philadelphia Zoo. While the Zoo remains closed to the public, the new Spring Back Apparel Collection will support operations during this global crisis. Philadelphia Zoo partnered with local t-shirt company Printfly and website DSGNtree.com on the unique shirts that feature original Philly-centric designs with a fun Zoo twist. Shirts can be purchased at https://dsgntree.com/philadelphia-zoo. Join the Spring Back Campaign and help support America's first Zoo.

June 04, 2019

Lions, Tigers and Beers, Oh My! Philadelphia Zoo Announces Summer Ale Festival with 120+ Taps Pouring from Over 70 Breweries

June 04, 2019/ Alex Swanson

Philadelphia Zoo’s legendary Summer Ale Festival returns on Saturday, June 22, 2019, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Festival-goers are invited to go wild for craft beer and cider with 120+ selections pouring from over 70 regional and national breweries. This exclusive night also features private Zoo access after-hours, live entertainment, delicious lite bites from Philly’s top food trucks (available for purchase) and, of course, the most majestic animals from around the globe.

May 01, 2019

Philadelphia Zoo Set to Open WildWorks Presented by Independence Blue Cross with Ropes Courses and Zipline on Tuesday, May 7th

May 01, 2019/ Alex Swanson

Animals aren’t the only ones roaming overhead this spring! Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W Girard Avenue) invites guests to take to the air with the opening of WildWorks Presented by Independence Blue Cross opening on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. This new aerial adventure offers high-flying fun that will have guests pushing limits and reaching new heights. This new, ultra-exhilarating experience offers fun for both adults and littles with two courses designed for different ages and skill levels.

April 09, 2019

Philadelphia Zoo Debuts Exciting New Outdoor Dining Destination Featuring Food Trucks, Vertical Farm and Seating for 200+

April 09, 2019/ Alex Swanson

Come hungry, Philadelphia! Starting this week, Philadelphia Zoo debuts a oversize new dining destination and urban oasis called The Urban Green. Philadelphia Zoo’s new open-air air food and drink marketplace debuts just in time for the start of spring and summer seasons. I, guests will find three brand-new food trucks including The Fry Bowl (fried favorites), Root to Leaf (vegetarian-based fare) and Pressed (paninis and wraps). Lancer Hospitality’s Executive Chef Oleg Zelonko has designed an array of delicious options from fresh, delicious sandwiches and custom fries to frequently changing craft beers and vibrant wines.