Great news just arrived in my inbox, a press release titled Philadelphia Zoo reopens. I’ve always loved the Philadelphia Zoo. When my boys were younger, we used to visit a lot. We were members and no visit was complete without a trip to the treehouse to climb over frog eggs or into dinosaur eggs.
We’ve continued to visit the Philadelphia Zoo through the years. There’s always something new and another reason to visit. The treetop trails, the wild cats exhibit, the new Children’s area.. if you live in New Jersey you definitely need to make an experience at the Philadelphia Zoo part of your family’s memories.
Like all things, the Philadelphia Zoo has been closed in recent months, but today they have announced their reopening plan. Philadelphia Zoo is set to reopen to the public on Thursday, July 9, 2020.
We are thrilled to welcome our members and guests back to the Zoo.
On the first visit back, guests will find that some of the procedures look a bit different, but with more than 1300 rare and endangered animals in our care, and many visitors onsite, the enhanced procedures will help with maintaining a delightful, clean and safe experience.
Vikram H. Dewan, Philadelphia Zoo’s President and CEO
About the Philadelphia Zoo
Animals are on the move like never before at Philadelphia Zoo with Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of see-through trails passing through treetops, crossing over pathways and connecting habitats, giving animals like amazing big cats, majestic primates and marvelous meerkats the opportunities to travel and explore.
Visit the Philadelphia Zoo’s young western lowland gorillas, baby sloth bear cub, giraffes, hippos, white rhino, zebras, Amur tigers and more at America’s firstZoo.
Explore a 42-acre Victorian garden and enjoy award-winning exhibits like Big Cat Falls, PECO Primate Reserve, McNeil Avian Center and KidZooU, a wildlife academy that offers dynamic displays, rare breeds and hands-on experiences.
Philadelphia Zoo is one of the region’s foremost conservation organizations and home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered. By connecting people with wildlife, Philadelphia Zoo creates joyful discovery and inspires action for animals and habitats.
What can guests expect when the Philadelphia Zoo reopens?
Ticket Sales
Taking a phased reopening approach, the Zoo will welcome Philadelphia Zoo members first beginning Monday, July 6, 2020, and Tuesday, July 7, 2020, and Wednesday, July 8, 2020. Members can reserve tickets online beginning Thursday, June 25, 2020, at noon.
- Members may reserve one visit per membership at a time for up to the number of adults, children and guests covered by their membership.
The general public can start visiting on Thursday, July 9, 2020 and can purchase tickets online beginning Friday, June 26, 2020, at noon, at www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org.
The Zoo will limit visitor capacity to 1/3 of its capacity and implement health and safety measures recommended by state and local officials to provide a safe environment for humans and animals alike.
We are happy to welcome everyone back to see our amazing animals and excited staff while connecting with nature and the outdoors
Vikram H. Dewan, Philadelphia Zoo’s President and CEO
All visitors MUST reserve or pre-purchase timed-tickets for admission at www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the front gate or ticket booth.
- Tickets for ages 2+ are $20, and parking is $17 per vehicle. Children under age 2 are free but must have a reserved ticket.
Philadelphia Zoo Safety Procedures
In addition to limiting the number of visitors to the Philadelphia Zoo at any one time, the Zoo will also implement the following safety procedures.
Do I need to wear a mask to the Philadelphia Zoo?
- Masks are required for guests ages 8 years and older.
- Masks are encouraged for children ages 2-7 years old.
- Children under 2 years old are not required to wear a mask.
Social Distancing
Social distancing is required for all guests.
Food at the Philadelphia Zoo
- Guests can bring their own food in the zoo.
- Grab and go food selections will be available.
- Touchless transactions will be an option at food locations like The Urban Green, Impala Plaza, Eagles’ Roost, and Dippin’ Dots.
Cleanliness
- Guests and staff will have access to touchless toilets, faucets, paper towel and soap dispensers.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the Philadelphia Zoo.
- The Philadelphia Zoo Clean Team, a group of staffers, will be dedicated to sanitizing and cleaning high touch areas.
Zoo Security
- New procedures will be in place that allow public safety officers to check bags without touching.
What will be closed at the Philadelphia Zoo?
- Indoor animal exhibits and attractions
- Rainforest Carousel
- Wildworks Ropes Course
- SEPTA PZ Express Train
- Swan Boats
- The Zoo Key storybooks will not be operational for now.
What will be opened when the Philadelphia Zoo reopens?
The regular outdoor exhibits will be open when the Philadelphia Zoo reopens. Additionally, there will be 4 options for snacks, meals, and other refreshments.
- The Urban Green
- Impala Plaza
- Eagles’ Roost
- Dippin’ Dots
We are committed to creating a great environment for everyone. With 42-acres of beautiful gardens, the Zoo is the perfect spot to connect with loved ones while enjoying the outdoors.
Vikram H. Dewan, Philadelphia Zoo’s President and CEO
To learn more about the Philadelphia Zoo, visit our articles, 10 Things to Do at The Philadelphia Zoo with Kids, 13 Secrets to an Amazing Adventure at the Philadelphia Zoo, or their website, philadelphiazoo.org.
Are you ready to get back to the Philadelphia Zoo when it reopens?