Visit the oldest zoo in the United States for a chance to meet endangered species and wander amid fascinating habitats from around the world.
Clocking in at just 17 hectares in size, the Philadelphia Zoo is a small zoo with a lot to offer. Home to around 1,300 animals across 15 different habitats from Africa to Australia, the zoo is renowned for its exceptional breeding programmes and eco-friendly policy.The zoo is one of the oldest in the country, dating back over 150 years, but has managed to stay up-to-date with current trends in animal care, habitat creation and environmental policy. Free-roaming habitats such as the Jungle Bird Walk and Monkey Junction are evidence of this, not to mention the children's environmental education programme. Other impressive habitats worth visiting in the park include the First Niagara Big Cat Falls and Carnivore Kingdom. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the zoo's white Timbavati lions, believed to now be extinct in the wild.Philadelphia zoo is celebrated for its successful record in the breeding of endangered animal species. Take Vinkel for instance this white lion, originally from Johannesburg Zoo, has given birth to the first white lion cub born in the US. Other endangered species flourishing at the zoo include Arctic polar bears and Asian orangutans.If you are visiting the zoo with the kids and they fancy something a bit more hands-on, try the KidZooU attraction. This child-friendly section of the zoo gives under-13s the chance to help care for a selection of farm animals. Alternatively, for something a little different, you could take the kids up in the Zooballoon gondola, which offers fantastic views over the zoo and the city of Philadelphia.The Philadelphia Zoo is located six kilometres to the north-west of Philadelphia city centre. It is easy to reach by car, though parking nearby can be quite expensive. Probably the easiest and cheapest way to get here is via a Phlash bus from the city centre. The zoo is open every day except for major winter holidays. Opening hours vary depending on the time of year so it's best to check this before you arrive.
