Discover the 6 Best Zoos in Pennsylvania (And the Ideal Time to Visit Each)

Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of wild species, which makes it an excellent holiday spot for animal lovers. Besides, what better way to learn about the state’s natural life than to visit its finest zoos? But what should you know about zoos in Pennsylvania?

Every zoo in the state offers a unique experience with its many animal types, attractions, and activities. Yet, with so many options, deciding which zoo to visit in Pennsylvania can be difficult. To assist you, we’ll look closely at the greatest zoos in the state, along with the ideal times to visit each one.

Philadelphia Zoo

Situated in Fairmount Park, one of the country’s biggest urban parks, Philadelphia Zoo spans over 42 acres. Of all the zoos in Pennsylvania, this one is the oldest. In fact, it holds a special place in American zoological park history, being the first zoo in the country to welcome the general public in 1874.

The Philadelphia Zoo features an impressive range of animals from around the globe. In addition to the magnificent African elephants, majestic Amur tigers, and playful Sumatran orangutans, the zoo boasts an array of over 15 reptile species, 67 varieties of birds, and a whopping 200 distinct mammal species. Visitors can witness a vast collection of creatures from around the world and learn about their individual characteristics and habitats.

The Philadelphia Zoo has set a remarkable standard in the realm of animal welfare and protection. This zoo holds a prestigious distinction as the pioneer of animal care facilities within zoo premises. It has also made significant advancements in successfully breeding animals, such as breeding the first healthy chimp and orangutan babies in the United States. It has also contributed to animal nutrition by developing specially-formulated feeds to meet the nutritional requirements of zoo animals. The Philadelphia Zoo is also an active member and contributor to different wildlife conservation programs. 

This exciting zoo offers a variety of activities, including animal interactions, the opportunity to feed giraffes, animal displays, and the unique Zoo360 experience, which enables animals to walk freely along a network of overhead paths. A seasonal Zoo Key, which activates interactive learning stations around the park, is also available.

Best Time to Visit

Early hours of the morning or late afternoon are advisable for an enjoyable experience. The best seasons to explore the zoo are spring and fall when the weather is comfortable. However, plan accordingly for the summer months since the weather can be hot. Arrive early on the weekends to avoid crowds.

Except for Christmas, New Year’s, and Thanksgiving, the zoo is open daily. Visitors must register online in advance for general admission. Holidays are peak times, so expect larger crowds during those periods.

Pittsburgh Zoo

The city of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania has a famous attraction known as the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. This one-of-a-kind zoo brings in an estimated one million visitors annually. This zoo is among the exclusive group of only six zoos in the United States that also features an aquarium as part of its attractions. Situated in Highland Park, it is spread over 77 acres and is home to over 4,000 animals belonging to 475 different species!

The animals are divided into several themed areas like the African Savanna, the Tropical Forest, and the Asian Forest. Guests can observe majestic big cats such as lions, tigers, and jaguars, along with fascinating primates, intelligent elephants, and playful sea lions. A wide assortment of marine creatures inhabits the zoo, ranging from adorable penguins and amazing sea turtles to potentially dangerous sharks.

The Animal Adventures Summer Zoo Camp provides children between the ages of two and 13 with an opportunity to learn about the significance of wildlife through various engaging activities such as lessons, animal encounters, tours, songs, and crafts.

The Pittsburgh Zoo is known for its commitment to conservation and education. The zoo actively participates in a number of breeding programs to help endangered species. Visitors can also learn about the importance of conservation efforts through interactive exhibits and programs. The zoo also hosts several events and activities throughout the year, like the Summer Safari and ZooBoo.

Best Time to Visit

With the exception of a few holidays, the Pittsburgh Zoo welcomes visitors year-round. However, if a serene visit is what you seek, it’s advisable to plan your trip during weekdays. Visiting during less busy times ensures a more peaceful experience, allowing visitors to soak up the sights and sounds of the zoo without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

Weekend visits to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium can be hectic, particularly during the summer and holidays.

Erie Zoo

Located in Glenwood Park, Pennsylvania, Erie Zoo is a 15-acre zoological park. For almost a century, Erie Zoo has been a vital contributor to the preservation of animal species. The zoo has provided a haven for over 400 animals representing more than 100 different species since its establishment in 1927. In addition, the botanical gardens and greenhouse exhibit over 600 plant species from around the world. To witness different kinds of animals and attractions, over 400,000 visitors make their way to this zoo each year.

Visitors can experience an African-themed safari adventure at the Kiboka Outpost, where you can observe the fascinating warthogs and majestic rhinos up close. Alternatively, take a stroll through the Wild Asia exhibit and encounter adorable red pandas and playful orangutans.

At the Children’s Zoo, you can participate in educational programs and watch entertaining animal shows in the specially designed theater. Children visiting the Erie Zoo can look forward to an interactive experience at the petting zoo. Here, kids can interact with a range of domestic animals, such as friendly goats, fluffy sheep, and cute pigs.

Erie Zoo is committed to preserving endangered species through participation in various conservation programs. The zoo also hosts several educational programs and events yearly to raise awareness about conservation efforts.

Best Time to Visit

If a trip to the Erie Zoo is on your agenda, be sure to plan it during the summer months – from June through August – for the best experience. The mild weather and energetic animals make it the perfect time for exploration. However, be prepared for larger crowds and longer lines, as it’s also the peak season. But fret not; to avoid large crowds, plan your visit on a weekday or by getting there early in the morning. 

As a friendly reminder, the Erie Zoo operates seasonally, from March to November. 

Elmwood Park Zoo

Elmwood Park Zoo is a popular zoo located in Norristown, Pennsylvania. The zoo is spread over 16 acres and features over 300 animals of 100 different species.

Some of the creatures you can visit at Elmwood Park Zoo are depilated eagles, jaguars, red pandas, zebras, giraffes, and various species of primates, birds, and snakes. Guests can socialize with tamed creatures such as goats, sheep, and bunnies at the zoo’s petting area.

One of the unique features of Elmwood Park Zoo is its TreeTop Adventures, which requires an additional admission fee. It is a high ropes course and zip line park built within the trees of the zoo. Visitors can take part in exciting activities like zip lining, aerial obstacle courses, and rope bridges while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the zoo.

This zoo has committed itself to advancing wildlife conservation by cooperating with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to manage several beast control ambitions. To rescue endangered animals, the zoo has adopted the Species Survival Plan (SSP), the official AZA program. The SSP aims to manage the breeding and protection of threatened animals.

Several species included in the SSP at Elmwood Park Zoo are the capybara, cougar, and black-footed ferret. And of all the zoos in Pennsylvania, this is the place to see Chilean flamingos.

Best Time to Visit

The most suitable time to visit Elmwood Park Zoo is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is lovely, and the crowd size is relatively small. The zoo tends to be crowded in summer, especially on weekends and holidays. However, visiting during the weekdays in the summer months can be a good option to avoid crowds.

Elmwood Park Zoo operates on a schedule that includes closure on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is worth noting that the zoo is also closed on several specific dates, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, so be sure to double-check hours before visiting.

ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a North American wildlife park that has been attracting visitors for over a century! It is situated adjacent to Hersheypark and covers an area of approximately 11 acres. The zoo’s uniqueness lies in showcasing only North American indigenous animals, creating an excellent avenue to appreciate and understand the varied fauna found on the continent.

Over 200 animals, comprising 75 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, call the zoo their home. Some of the creatures that can be seen at the zoo are black bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, bison, elk, river otters, bald eagles, and various vipers and amphibians.

Protecting the golden eagle and peregrine falcon from endangerment in their natural habitat is a crucial responsibility shouldered by ZooAmerica. The zoo’s conservation initiatives, which have raised numerous birds of prey, ultimately led to the nesting of a peregrine falcon along the Susquehanna River. The zoo also participates in various other conservation programs aimed at protecting and preserving endangered species and their habitats.

Best Time to Visit

Consider visiting on a weekday morning, as it tends to be quieter and less crowded. The zoo is open throughout the year, so you have plenty of options. However, the cooler months are when the animals are most active and lively, making it a fantastic time to visit. The zoo remains closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Visitors should prepare accordingly for their trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, as summers can be hot and humid.

Lehigh Valley Zoo

Don’t miss out on the Lehigh Valley Zoo, an essential destination for animal enthusiasts. Located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, it’s worth a visit. This zoo spans 29 sprawling acres of land and houses an impressive collection of over 325 creatures belonging to 125 distinct species.

The zoo is home to several animals, such as African penguins, Amur tigers, red pandas, Mexican grey wolves, North American river otters, kangaroos, zebras, and giraffes. Additionally, visitors can enjoy watching various birds, including bald eagles, owls, and parrots.

Back in 2009, the zoo was actively involved in the conservation of three different animal species through the Species Survival Plans (SSP) initiative. The three species under the program were the mongoose lemur, scimitar-horned oryx, and African penguin.

Annually, the zoo attracts more than 125,000 tourists, building its reputation as a dynamic and culturally significant zoo in the Lehigh Valley. Besides providing visitors with an entertaining experience, the zoo also offers various educational opportunities, such as programs for different age groups, camps, and family-friendly events.

Best Time to Visit

The Lehigh Valley Zoo welcomes visitors year-round, offering a great opportunity to enjoy the animal exhibits in different seasons. According to the zookeepers, the mild spring and fall months are the best times to see the animals in their active state during the day. 

While weekends and holiday seasons can get busy, mornings are usually less crowded, offering visitors a chance to explore the zoo in a more peaceful and quiet atmosphere.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Alex JW Robinson/Shutterstock.com