-Courtesy of Aversa PR & Events
On July 1, 1874, Philadelphia Zoo opened its gates for the very first time, welcoming more than 3,000 guests and marking its place in history as “America’s First Zoo.” Fifteen years earlier, on March 21, 1859, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania approved and signed the charter for the Zoological Society of Philadelphia, but the Civil War delayed fundraising efforts, postponing opening for another 15 years. On opening day in 1874, guests arrived by horse and carriage, by street car, by foot, and even by steam boat which carried residents from Center City up the Schuylkill River to a dock adjacent to the Zoo. As guests entered, they were greeted by a lively brass band before taking a stroll through the Victorian gardens and visiting nearly 600 animals, which included a pair of curassows (type of bird) donated by President Ulysses. S. Grant. To celebrate this historic achievement and thank Philadelphia and the region for being a part of its story for the last 150 years, the Zoo will be hosting additional celebrations, ticket and membership deals, and giveaways and contests for fans of all ages – including a flash sale for tickets priced at $18.74, special priced memberships,
“Philadelphia Zoo has welcomed nearly 100 million guests since the Zoo first opened its gates 150 years ago, connecting generations of families to the wonders of wildlife, and we cannot wait to celebrate this major milestone with the community that made us,” says President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “As we mark this moment, we also celebrate 50 years of continuous accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and the highest standards in animal care and welfare.”
PROMOTIONS
Now through Sunday, June 9, the Zoo will hold a flash ticket sale to celebrate the year of the Zoo’s grand opening: all General Admission Adult and Children’s tickets will cost $18.74 (plus processing fees). Guests can purchase tickets during the flash sale and use them any day from Monday, June 10 through Labor Day weekend (Monday, September 2). Limited quantity available and available online only.
The Zoo will also have a special $150 ticket bundle available June 6th through Labor Day weekend (Monday, September 2). In this bundle, guests receive: 2 Adult Tickets, 2 Children Tickets, and a Zoo Attractions Pass that includes: 2 Nature Blazer Scavenger Hunt Wrist Bands, and 4 tickets each for Rainforest Carousel, SEPTA PZ Express Train and Wings of the World. Available online only.
The Zoo will be hosting a special membership deal for $150 from Thursday, June 6 – Monday, July 1. Enjoy comp daytime admission on every operating day for a year, comp parking, exclusive members-only events and content, discounts on dining and retail, and so much more—all while directly supporting Philadelphia Zoo. The $150 deal includes (available online only):
* Admission for 2 named adults (18+)
* Admission for 2 children (17 & under) each visit
* 2 Nature Blazer Scavenger Hunt Wrist Bands for first visit
* Comp Parking
* Special Members-Only Events
* 10% off (online only) select attractions, General Admission guest, LumiNature and Summer Ale Fest tickets, and Behind-the-Scenes experiences
CELEBRATIONS
From Friday, June 28 – Sunday, June 30, the Zoo invites guests to come and experience the Zoo with a 150th flair. The first 150 guests on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will receive a commemorative “150 Years of Philly Zoo” pin. The Zoo’s animal habitats will have additional 150th-themed animal enrichment and the Conservation Education team will be hosting additional activities, including a daily history tour starting at 10:30am on Impala Plaza.
On Monday, July, 1, the Zoo will be celebrating its 150th grand opening anniversary in style- just like 1874! A brass band will greet guests as they enter the Zoo from 9:30-11:30am. Dietz & Watson will also be selling $1.50 hot dogs at the Zoo to celebrate. The Zoo’s animal habitats will also have additional 150th -themed animal enrichment and the Conservation Education team will be hosting additional activities. Plus: Stay tuned for more specials ways to get involved and celebrate the Zoo’s history on this day – details coming soon.
Also, on Monday, July 1, Wawa Welcome America will be hosting a Philadelphia Zoo 150th Anniversary Celebration just outside the Zoo from 1:00 – 5:00pm. Guests of all ages can enjoy comp food samples, performances, face painting, arts and crafts, games and more. This no-charge celebration will also feature unique opportunities to see some of your favorite animals and learn about the Zoo in a unique way. Enjoy complimentary admission to the Philadelphia Zoo 3:00pm-5:00pm, on a first come first served basis.
Notable Dates in Philadelphia Zoo’s History:
1859- Philadelphia Zoo is established
1874- Philadelphia Zoo Opens
1901- First-of-its-kind animal health laboratory established
1928- First successful births of an orangutan and chimpanzee in a U.S. zoo
1931- Leo, the MGM lion, retires to the Zoo
1932- Mommy the Galapagos tortoise arrives at the Zoo, and continues to live at the Zoo to this day
1935- Zoo develops first scientifically controlled diets called the “zoocake”
1938- First Children’s Zoo in the U.S. Opens
1956- First cheetahs born in a U.S. zoo
1974- Philadelphia Zoo Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
1979- Rocky proposes to Adrian in front of the Carnivore House
2004- First successful birth of a giant river otter in North America
2011- The first Zoo360 trail opens at the Zoo, changing Zoo exhibit design forever
2024- 50 Years of Continuous AZA Accreditation
For more information, visit philadelphiazoo.org. Facebook: PhiladelphiaZoo; Instagram: @philadelphiazoo; X (formerly Twitter): @phillyzoo; TikTok: @philadelphiazoo
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