Norristown's Elmwood Park Zoo Wins National Award

NORRISTOWN, PA — When the Elmwood Park Zoo built their new animal hospital and welcome center last year, they expressed aspirations to transform the zoo into a world class facility.

An award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums this week seems to certify just that. The zoo won the 'Facility-Innovation' award for its Frank & Paige Engro Veterinary Health and Welcome Center.

"The award recognizes excellence in the design and construction of a facility that supports the mission of an AZA Institution," the zoo shared in an announcement, but specifically for parts of the zoo that do not actually include animal exhibitions as their main function.

Elmwood received the distinction during the recent AZA Annual Conference.

Dozens of other zoos with new animal hospitals, education facilities, entrances, restaurants or retail, infrastructure, and were under consideration for the award in the same category.

The zoo's new Welcome Center and world class Veterinary Health Center officially opened on June 27, 2024. Both were under construction for over a year since the zoo received a landmark $30 million donation from philanthropists Frank and Paige Engro to significantly expand their operations.

The hospital features massive viewing bays that allow the public an "unprecedented" glance at the work of the always busy veterinary crew at Elmwood.

The 39,000 square foot Welcome Center has a large entrance plaza, coffee shop, cafe, gift shop, and pathways that "evoke the zoo's natural surroundings," including unique paths and walkways that mimic the flow of Stony Creek. Various interpretative exhibits touch on the zoo's century of history and its progress as it has grown into one of the most successful in the region.