Philadelphia Zoo353

The Philadelphia Zoo, winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Place for Family Bonding in Philadelphia, is home to more than 1,300 rare and exotic animals from around the world and despite its size - 42 acres of gardens and historical architecture - the zoo can easily be seen in a single visit.

Some of the zoo's most popular African species include warthogs, sable antelope, Mhorr's gazelle, reticulated giraffes, hippos, and zebras. Exotic South American animals, such as giant anteaters, capybaras (the largest rodents in the world) and giant bearded pigs, are also on exhibit.

The Primate Reserve houses ten species of primates including Sumatran orangutans, lowland gorillas, lemurs, langurs and gibbons. Giant Rodrigues fruit bats, naked mole rats, blue-eyed lemurs, tree kangaroos, and other rare animals can be found in the zoo's Rare Animal Conservation Center.

The Reptile and Amphibian House features an interactive adventure path - where guests can see giant tortoises up close - and more than 125 species of amphibians and reptiles. A family of playful giant otters frolic in the Carnivore Kingdom, along with snow leopards, red pandas, and clouded leopards in unique, naturalistic environments.

The Children's Zoo, a wildly popular family favorite, includes domestic animals, live animal shows, and a petting yard where kids can feed and brush sheep and goats. The zoo's newest exhibit, Big Cat Falls, features African lions, a Amur tiger, a jaguar, and pumas.

Interactive attractions are available throughout the zoo (for additional fees), including the Zooballoon, Dodge Wild Earth, Talking Storybooks, Swan Boat rides, and camel, pony, and draft horse rides. Hundreds of educational programs, family workshops, special public events, ecotourism travel opportunities, and children's shows and concerts are ongoing at the zoo year-round.

The zoo rents strollers and wheelchairs at the main gate. Indoor and outdoor food concessions provide a variety of eating options, and guests are permitted to bring food and drinks in from outside. Several picnic areas are available. The zoo's gift shops feature an array of gifts and unusual souvenirs for kids of all ages.

The Philadelphia Zoo also offers full-, half-, and extended-day Summer Zoo Camp for children ages three to 15. Campers learn about the world of animals in an exciting, hands-on way, all in the company of the zoo's animals. Sessions run from one to three weeks in June, July, and August. For more information or to register for Summer Zoo Camp, call 215.243.5311. Winter Zoo Camp is offered - with before- and after-camp programs - for kids ages five to eight after Christmas and before New Year's. Call 215.243.5254 for details.

The Philadelphia Zoo on Wheels, a traveling program designed exclusively for kids four to 12 years old, can bring a little bit of Philadelphia Zoo to birthday parties and other special events throughout the Philadelphia area. Call 215.243.5314 for details and reservations.