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 recent years, 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, penguins and more at the Pittsburgh Zoo, which has been
educating and entertaining 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, stingrays and much more. 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, “Zoo Snooze” camp outs and more, 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 lowland gorillas to African waterbirds with special events and
activities for the entire family. Go on an African-inspired safari to see cheetahs and rhinos 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.
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.
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.
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
http://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!