Philadelphia Zoo

Chartered in 1859 the Zoo's opening was delayed until 874, largely due to the Civil War. In July of that year the Victorian gates and gatehouses, designed by renowned architect Frank Furness, welcomed the Zoo's first patrons. The campaign to create the zoo was championed as early as the 1850s by prominent Philadelphia physician, Dr. WIlliam Carmac who is generally acknowledged as its "founding father." While today's admission is considerably more than the 25-cents charged on opening day, more than a million patrons find their way to the Zoo annually.

See Map