Philadelphia Zoo
Follow overhead animal trails through the country's first zoological garden.
Artwork inspired by Charles Searles
Opened in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is the oldest zoo in the United States. the clever contemporary feature is Zoo360: enclosed pathways that let some animals move above visitors and between habitats. pause at a crossing and watch for movement overhead; the routes make animal activity feel less predictable than a fixed exhibit.
The 42-acre grounds reward a loose loop, with time for big mammals, smaller conservation exhibits, and breaks under mature trees. Animal visibility changes with weather and feeding cycles. The zoo is west of Center City in Fairmount Park, so public transit or a planned parking stop makes more sense than treating it as a quick downtown walk.
- Opened
- 1874
- Grounds
- 42 acres
- Signature
- Zoo360 animal trails
Quick guide
- Watch the sky
- Zoo360's enclosed overhead routes let selected animals travel between habitats.
- Begin at the gate
- The historic main entrance recalls the zoo's 1874 opening.
Know before you go
- Watch the sky
- Zoo360's enclosed overhead routes let selected animals travel between habitats.
- Begin at the gate
- The historic main entrance recalls the zoo's 1874 opening.
- Pace the loop
- Use the 42-acre grounds as a half-day visit, not a hurried checklist.
- Plan arrival
- Buy a dated admission ticket and account for separate parking.
Good to know
Animal movement on Zoo360 is voluntary, so a particular crossing cannot be guaranteed.
Notice these
- America's first zoo
- Begin at the gate
- Zoo360 animal trails