Construction Update
Continuing Our History of Innovation for Your Zoo
As America’s First Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo has more than 160 years of innovation in caring for animals, conserving wildlife, and educating our communities. Your Zoo has always been an industry leader, setting standards for animal care and guest experiences. Over the years, we’ve implemented many amazing “firsts,” such as the first successful orangutan and chimpanzee births in the U.S., the first zoo in the world to build an on-site animal care center, and the first Children’s Zoo in the U.S. We created Zoo360, a first-in-the-world campus-wide system of see-through trails to pass through treetops, cross over pathways, and connect habitats, providing animals like big cats and primates more opportunities to explore. More than 65 zoos worldwide have been inspired to create their own trail systems, serving many more animals. Once again, we’re embarking on more new habitats and immersive experiences for our guests. To create these new spaces, construction projects may temporarily shift pathways, close buildings, and move animals to new habitats. During this process, the Zoo is working diligently to minimize impacts, while continuing to maintain the best experience possible for both our guests and all of our animals. Read more below!Â
Construction Updates
You’ll need to loop around construction fencing near McNeil Avian Center as we work on an exciting, new walk-through flamingo habitat. At Bear Country and Penguin Point, there are shifts in pathways to get to African Plains and other habitats, starting on January 2025 through April 2026. The pathway between African Plains and the historic Solitude house will be closed. Don’t worry, Tony the Rhino and more of your favorite animals are still accessible! To visit them, simply follow the detour signs throughout the Zoo. Behind the construction fence, we’re reimagining Bear Country to incorporate more water features, caves and dens, and a first-in-the-world Zoo360 trail for bears. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we enhance your Zoo experience. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project!
Flamingos
Our Flamingos are getting a new home! The new habitat, located next to McNeil Avian Center, will provide our flamboyance of flamingos with an updated, enriching habitat that includes a walk-through guest experience. You will get closer than ever before!
Preview Next Exhibit
Bear Country
A major renovation and expansion of Philadelphia Zoo’s Bear Country exhibit is coming, sparked by lead charitable support from the W. P. Carey Foundation. The new, state-of-the-art home for the Zoo’s beloved bear species is scheduled to open in 2026.
Learn MorePenguin Point
Attached to our Bear Country area is Penguin Point with a large pool and rock walls. This area will be impacted while updates and construction occur at Bear Country. Once Bear Country construction is completed, penguins will be back and as perky as ever at Penguin Point.
Learn MoreTiger Terrace
One of our main eateries, Tiger Terrace, located near Big Cat Falls and the aerial big cat 360Trail, was refreshed with a beautiful new dining area, signage, and a pick-up-and-go marketplace with self-checkout.
Dining & RefreshmentsBig Cat Falls
Our popular Big Cat Falls area received beautiful new graphics, railings, and other improvements throughout. As one of the best big cat habitats in the USA, BCF is home to Amur tigers, an Amur leopard, pumas, snow leopards, and a beloved pair of African lions.
Meet Our SpeciesAdditional Information
Philadelphia Zoo, along with the city of Philadelphia, have many plans for 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Be sure to plan several upcoming visits to see our exciting experiences, learn more about helping to conserve wildlife, and to view the new Flamingo and Bear Country habitats.