PHILADELPHIA ZOO ANNOUNCES REOPENING FOR THURSDAY, JULY 9TH WITH TICKETS ON SALE STARTING THIS WEEK ON JUNE 26TH

Philadelphia Zoo is set to reopen to the public on Thursday, July 9th. “We are thrilled to welcome our members and guests back to the Zoo,” says Vikram H. Dewan, the Zoo’s President and CEO.  “On the first visit back, guests will find that some of the procedures look a bit different, but with more than 1300 rare and endangered animals in our care, and many visitors onsite, the enhanced procedures will help with maintaining a delightful, clean and safe experience,” says Dewan.

Taking a phased reopening approach, the Zoo will welcome Philadelphia Zoo members first beginning Monday, July 6th and Tuesday, July 7th and Wednesday, July 8th and to the general public on Thursday, July 9th. Members can reserve tickets online beginning Thursday, June 25th and the public can purchase tickets online beginning Friday June 26th at www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org.

In addition to phasing the opening, the Zoo will limit visitor capacity and implement health and safety measures recommended by state and local officials to provide a safe environment for humans and animals alike. “We are happy to welcome everyone back to see our amazing animals and excited staff while connecting with nature and the outdoors,” says Dewan.

Before Your Visit:
* All visitors MUST reserve / pre-purchase timed-tickets for admission at www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org. Tickets will not be available for purchase onsite.
* Tickets for ages 2+ are $20, and parking is $17 per vehicle. Children under age 2 are free but must have a reserved ticket.

* Members must make advanced reservations online and may reserve one visit per membership at a time for up to the number of adults, children and guests covered by their membership.

* Social distancing is required.asks are required for guests 8+

* Masks are encouraged for children age 2-7

* No masks for children under 2

At the Zoo guests will see:
* Indoor animal exhibits and attractions including the Rainforest Carousel, Wildworks Ropes Course, SEPTA PZ Express Train, and Swan Boats remain closed.

* Touchless toilets, faucets, paper towel and soap dispensers.

* Hand sanitizing stations throughout the campus.

* More grab and go food selections and touchless transactions at food locations like The Urban Green, Impala Plaza, Eagles’ Roost—for mobile order scheduled pick-up as well as window service and Dippin’ Dots.

* Guests can bring their own food in the Zoo.

* Clean Team – staffers dedicated to sanitizing and cleaning high touch areas.

* New procedures that allow public safety officers to check bags without touching.

“We are committed to creating a great environment for everyone. With 42-acres of beautiful gardens, the Zoo is the perfect spot to connect with loved ones while enjoying the outdoors,” says Dewan. While closed to the public, the Zoo launched the Spring Back Fund where supporters can help fund Zoo operations, launched a new, limited-edition shirt and hoodie line purchased at https://dsgntree.com/philadelphia-zoo, and joined Cameo a website and app that creates personalized videos starring the Zoo’s famous penguin flock.  To support the Zoo directly visit www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org/donate.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA ZOO:

Animals are on the move like never before at Philadelphia Zoo with Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of see-through trails passing through treetops, crossing over pathways and connecting habitats, giving animals like amazing big cats, majestic primates and marvelous meerkats the opportunities to travel and explore. Visit our young western lowland gorillas, baby sloth bear cub, giraffes, hippos, white rhino, zebras, Amur tigers and more at America’s first

Zoo. Explore our 42-acre Victorian garden and enjoy award-winning exhibits like Big Cat Falls, PECO Primate Reserve, McNeil Avian Center and KidZooU, a wildlife academy that offers dynamic displays, rare breeds and hands-on experiences.  Philadelphia Zoo is the second highest ticketed attraction in Philadelphia, one of the region’s foremost conservation organizations and home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered. By connecting people with wildlife, Philadelphia Zoo creates joyful discovery and inspires action for animals

and habitats. The Zoo welcomed more than 1.25 million visitors last year. Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Philadelphia Zoo is a non-smoking facility.  For more information on, as or to purchase and print tickets online, visit us at www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org. Facebook: PhiladelphiaZoo; Instagram: @philadelphiazoo; Twitter: @phillyzoo.