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Philadelphia Zoo

3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Description

Philadelphia Zoo is home to nearly 1300 animals belonging to over 300 species. It bills itself as the first true zoo in the USA, having opened in 1874 near the site of the 1876 Centennial Exposition. There are various sections such as African Plains (rhinoceros, zebras, hippos, giraffes, gazelles), Bird Valley (flamingos), Bear Country, Big Cat Falls (lions, leopards, tiger), Small Mammal House (meerkats, sloths), Monkey Junction, Outback Outpost (emus and kangaroos), Penguin Point, Water is Life, and The Reptile and Amphibian House.

Access & Transport

Philadelphia Zoo is located at the corner of 34th Street and Girard Avenue in Fairmount Park, about 4km to the northwest of the center of Philadelphia. Trolley #15 stops to the north of the zoo at 'Girard Av & 34th St' and bus #38 to the south at 'Mantua Av & 34th St'. Parking is available at the Zoo Garage at 35th & Girard Ave, Tiger Parking Lot, and Zoological Drive. It costs $17 per vehicle (free for members). Accessibility info: https://philadelphiazoo.org/accessibility/

Instructions & Recommendations

Note that all visitors must make advance online reservations You should also double check the opening hours before heading to the zoo as they change seasonally.

Meta review

The zoo seems to be mostly popular with families but those who have experienced other top-tier zoos in the USA or abroad rate it as merely average: it seems to lack animals and the signage also needs improvement. Food is described as pricey.

Environmental & Social

Involved in breeding of endangered species and conservation projects: https://philadelphiazoo.org/conservation/. To be balanced with animals held in captivity

Conclusion

The Philadelphia zoo isn't top-tier by international standards but makes for a good alternative away from cultural attractions, provided you are comfortable with the concept of animals being held in captivity.

Key positive

Great for families

Involved in conservation efforts

Key negative

Not great value

Upkeep could be improved

Suitability

Accessible and suitable for all ages

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed around Christmas, New Year and most of January. Last admission is 1h before closing

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:May, 01

Season 1

MONDAY09:30 - 17:00

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY09:30 - 17:00

THURSDAY09:30 - 17:00

FRIDAY09:30 - 17:00

SATURDAY09:30 - 17:00

SUNDAY09:30 - 17:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY09:30 - 15:30

FRIDAY09:30 - 15:30

SATURDAY09:30 - 15:30

SUNDAY09:30 - 15:30

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$25
Adult
12 - 64
US$25
Child
2 - 11
US$20
Infant
0 - 1
US$0

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