The Philadelphia Zoo - America's First Zoo

America's first zoo opened it's doors in Philadelphia in July of 1874 after its original opening date of March of 1859 was delayed because of the civil war. Since its opening the Philadelphia Zoo has emerged as one of America's most popular zoo's boasting over 1500 animals. With rare endangered species and exhibits both interactive and educational the Philadelphia Zoo is an attraction that shouldn't be missed.

Peco Primate reserve replaced the World of Primates exhibit that was tragically destroyed in a fire Christmas eve of 1995. Opening its doors in 2000 this state of the art primate exhibit is one of the Philadelphia Zoo's main attractions. The exhibit encompasses both indoor and outdoor facilities for its magnificent inhabitants. The Orangutans and the Western Lowland Gorillas are the stars of this exhibit drawing mesmerized crowds to their exhibits daily. The best feature of this exhibit is the proximity in which you can view the animals. Most of the indoor enclosures have only a panel of glass separating you and these fascinating creatures.

Big Cat Falls is another one of the Philadelphia Zoo's new state of the art exhibits. This exhibit also gives you an up close and personal look at some of its beautiful big cats. Many of the enclosures in this exhibit have you separated from the animals by only a panel of glass, as with the primate exhibit. The interesting thing about the new big cat exhibit at the Philadelphia Zoo is the set up of the animals enclosures. The design is set up to mimic each animals natural habitat as closely as possible. The Lions, Tigers, Pumas, Leopards and Jaguars can be seen in there new habitats year round.