Must-See Zoos in Pennsylvania
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Must-See Zoos in Pennsylvania Lions and tigers and bears…oh my! If your pursuit of happiness takes you to find your favorite animal, then Pennsylvania is the perfect destination! Year-round zoo experiences can be found throughout the Keystone State to educate visitors of all ages about animal conservation efforts and provide the chance to see creatures of the wild firsthand. From small community zoos to large, world-renowned sanctuaries, Pennsylvania is home to some of the most unique animal exhibits in the country. Philadelphia Zoo Philadelphia and the Countryside Philadelphia www.philadelphiazoo.org The Philadelphia Zoo is known as “America’s first zoo” and is home to more than 1,300 animals, many of which are rare and endangered. The zoo, fulfilling its mission of conservation, science, education, and recreation, supports and engages in conservation efforts to protect endangered species around the world. In 2015, the Philadelphia Zoo debuted another first: Zoo360 Animal Exploration Trails. These exploration trails are a first-of-its-kind and consist of five trails – Treetop Trail, Great Ape Trail, Gorilla Treeway, Meerkat Maze and Big Cat Crossing. These trails allow guests to experience the zoo in a whole new way, with animals roaming around them. Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium Pittsburgh and its Countryside Pittsburgh www.pittsburghzoo.com Meet elephants, polar bears, gorillas, and penguins at the Pittsburgh Zoo, which has educated and entertained crowds for more than 100 years. Exhibits feature naturalistic habitats, including an Asian Forest, the Water’s Edge and an African Savanna. Visitors can also experience the 45,000-square-foot PPG Aquarium, the only public aquarium in the state, which is home to sharks, eels, penguins, and stingrays. Kids ages 2-13 can learn about the importance of wildlife through lessons, animal encounters, tours, songs, and crafts at the Animal Adventures Summer Zoo Camp. Elmwood Park Zoo Philadelphia and the Countryside Norristown www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/ Celebrating more than 90 years as Montgomery County’s premier destination for animal lovers of all ages, the Elmwood Park Zoo features more than 300 animals native to North and South America. Through its programs, special events, day camps, and “Zoo Snooze” camp outs, the zoo aims to foster an appreciation for wildlife that inspires active participation in conservation. To top it off, visitors can elevate this outdoor quest at the Treetop Adventure, Pennsylvania’s only location to zip line over zoo exhibits. “Majestic Predators,” the Jaguar exhibit, is designed to transport thrill seekers into deep jungles. Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region Erie www.eriezoo.org The Erie Zoo features everything from African lions to North American river otters, as well as special events and activities for the entire family. Go on an African-inspired safari to see warthogs and the Southern White Rhino at the Zoo’s Kiboka Outpost or meet red pandas and orangutans in the Wild Asia exhibit. The Children’s Zoo features special educational programs – and even an animal show theater and indoor wildlife carousel. ZooAmerica® Dutch Country Roads Hershey www.zooamerica.com ZooAmerica® began as The Hershey Zoo in 1916 when Milton S. Hershey opened his private animal collection to the public. Today, the zoo features more than 200 North American animals, including bears, bobcats, and lynx. Guests can even take advantage of a special falconry demonstration or naturalist educational sessions to meet and touch the animals. A unique experience for all, the Great Southwest Biome features ocelots that are twice the size of an average house cat and are the only spotted cats remaining in the United States. Lehigh Valley Zoo Lehigh Valley Schnecksville www.lvzoo.org/ Lehigh Valley Zoo is home to more than 300 animals representing 125 species from African penguins to zebras. The zoo hosts more than 125,000 guests annually and offers hundreds of educational programs, camps for all ages and family-friendly events, making it one of the most vibrant educational and cultural institutions in the Lehigh Valley. Claws 'n' Paws Animal Park Upstate PA Lake Ariel www.clawsnpaws.com This “zoo in the woods” in the Upstate PA region offers unique hands-on activities for the entire family, including a petting zoo where guests can interact with deer, lambs, and goats. Visitors can meet African Tortoises in Turtle Town, dig around for fossils at the Dinosaur Outpost, or take apples into the parrot aviary to feed the lories. Claws 'n' Paws features many rare and exotic species of animals, including a white tiger, a black panther, and an African lion. The facilities also offer educational programs and demonstrations throughout the day. Lake Tobias Wildlife Park Dutch Country Roads Halifax www.laketobias.com Established in 1965, Lake Tobias is not just a zoo, but also a working farm. In addition to the peacocks, chickens, and guineas roaming freely about the grounds, Lake Tobias also has 50 acres of exhibits and displays including a petting zoo. Visitors can cruise through pasture land and learn expert information about exotic animals with the park’s Safari Tour on a roofless bus. From African lions and Bengal tigers to American alligators and Burmese pythons, Lake Tobias has a variety of wildlife to observe and enjoy. Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland Valleys of the Susquehanna Allenwood www.reptiland.com Clyde Peeling's Reptiland is an AZA-accredited zoo specializing in reptiles and amphibians from around the world! Enjoy modern indoor exhibits of over 40 species year-round. During warmer months, experience life-size animatronic dinosaurs and hundreds of colorful parakeets with exciting seasonal exhibits. Stunning naturalistic habitats, fun interactive exhibits, live shows, and hands-on animal encounters make Reptiland an educational adventure for the whole family! .