Philadelphia Zoo Tours

Philadelphia Zoo which includes dangerous animals and zoo animals
The oldest zoo in the country is an American favorite because of its breeding program for rare species, outstanding permanent habitats and eco-friendly approach. 

The historic Philadelphia Zoo is a compact 42-acre (17-hectare) park housing 1,300 animals in 15 permanent habitats. African and Australian wildlife shares the zoo with North American mammals, birds and reptiles. The zoo’s special breeding program and environmental policy is aimed at protecting endangered species. 

This zoo is more than 150 years old but it has kept up with modern standards, such as creating free-roaming habitats. These include the Jungle Bird Walk for birds and Monkey Junction for primates. It’s children’s program actively teaches an eco-friendly lifestyle. 

The natural habitats include the lush First Niagara Big Cat Falls and the rocky Carnivore Kingdom. Keep an eye out for the white Timbavati lions, believed to be extinct in the wild. The Philadelphia Zoo has gained a reputation for successfully breeding endangered species that are difficult to propagate in captivity. Meet Vinkel, who in 1994 gave birth to the first white lion cub to be born on U.S. soil. Asian orangutans, Arctic polar bears, Galapagos tortoises and local diamondback terrapin turtles are other threatened species that you can observe here.

Children under 13 can help care for farm animals at the indoor/outdoor KidZooU attraction. On still days, get a bird’s-eye view of the zoo and Philly in the gondola of the big Zooballoon. 

The Philadelphia Zoo is located four miles (six kilometers) northwest of downtown, on the west bank of the Schuylkill River. Expect to pay a high parking fee along Girard Avenue or 34th Street. A cheaper option is to catch the Phlash bus in downtown Philly. To see as many zookeeper presentations as possible, check the schedule online. You can have a picnic in the zoo, and various restaurants and carts offer fast food and healthy options.

The zoo is open every day of the year except for major winter holidays. Operating hours vary according to season.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Philadelphia Zoo

Reviews of Philadelphia Zoo

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
356
" "5 - Excellent 53.055141579731746%
4 - Good
179
" "4 - Good 26.67660208643815%
3 - Okay
92
" "3 - Okay 13.710879284649776%
2 - Disappointing
12
" "2 - Disappointing 1.7883755588673622%
1 - Terrible
32
" "1 - Terrible 4.769001490312966%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 2, 2020

Medium size zoo with a couple of very nice habitats. (Big Cat falls and the gorillas in particular) there is free parking along a sidestreet right next to the Zoo I believe the street was Zoological drive. This would save you the $16 parking fee.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jul 5, 2019

It was a nice zoo, but the venders all seemed to be out of things.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 2, 2019

Great zoo

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 24, 2019

Get the zoo keys! They make the trip so much more fun for kids.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Oct 19, 2018

many animals not there.  only 1 of 7 gorillas out, no kangaroos, no bears.  Not happy with paying full price of $25 p/p for many missing animals and barely any food options open.  Was a very nice day in October but Not much to do.  Only about a 2 hour visit - $25 p/p  is overpriced especially since parking is additional $16.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 18, 2018

Great zoo! I parked in the covered parking lot. I believe it cost me 15.00. Outside the gates there were a few homeless but lots of families walking in. I went with my one-year old and felt pretty safe. If you have time to kill I’d go check out the zoo.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Philadelphia Zoo

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast
Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast
3 out of 5
3300 Baring Street, Philadelphia, PA
Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.