This summer, Philadelphia Zoo is celebrating 150 years of YOU! On July 1, 1874, Philadelphia Zoo opened its gates to guests for the very first time, earning the title of “America’s First Zoo.” 

Since opening day, the Zoo has welcomed millions of guests over six generations from around the world, connecting them to the wonders of wildlife. 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. Be sure to visit philadelphiazoo.org for all the info!

New at the Zoo this season, visit PECO Primate Reserve and meet baby white-handed gibbon, Eros! Guests can easily spot him clinging to mom, Phoenice, the only blonde member of the gibbon family. Fur color in white-handed gibbons is similar to how humans get their hair color. Dark fur is more dominant, which is the color of dad Mercury’s fur. Named after the asteroid that orbits Mars, Eros’ birth is a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding program to ensure the survival of this species and maintain a genetically diverse population. 

Also, be sure to visit two other new additions to the Zoo this season: western lowland gorilla Patty and snow leopard Marcy, both at the Zoo on SSP breeding recommendations. Patty joins the Zoo from Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois. In her large family troop there, she played with and helped care for younger members in the group, which shows positive signs that she’ll be a great mom in the future. The Zoo’s animal team says Marcy is a very independent cat who loves milk as her reward during training sessions. Her favorite place for a cat nap is high up on the rocks inside her habitat at Big Cat Falls.

For things to do at the Zoo, explore the ocean’s depths, soar above the plains of Africa, and trek deep into the forest at the brand-new Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experience. This 360° visual experience includes a motion seat, an immersive VR headset, and audio. Available daily during Zoo hours at Bird Lake Plaza. 

At Giraffe Experience, get up close and personal with the tallest animals on the planet and feed our giraffe trio in this one-of-a-kind adventure. Available 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 – 4:00 pm daily.  Step inside and share a space with our family of ring-tailed and mongoose lemurs at Lemur Island! This walkthrough experience takes you inside their exhibit located outside of PECO Primate Reserve — no fences, moats, or barriers of any kind. Available 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily. Stop by Impala Lawn at 2:00 pm daily for our Free Flight Hawk Experience! Watch Payson the Harris’ hawk takes to the skies and learn about this spectacular species. And be sure to stop by the Scoop Shack for a number of sweet treat options, including Over the Top Milkshakes (souvenir cup included)!

For more information, visit philadelphiazoo.org.