$20M Project Will Transform Philly Zoo Bear Exhibit

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Zoo is transforming its Bear Country exhibit thanks to a multi-million dollar gift.

According to officials, the zoo got a milestone $5 million gift from the W. P. Carey Foundation that will spark the exhibit's transformation.

In addition, the overall $20 million effort is being supported by the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, donors, and fundraising efforts. It is also supported by the William Penn Foundation, whose investment further emphasizes their commitment to making the arts and culture organizations in Philadelphia more accessible to all local residents.

Working with PGAV Destinations design firm, the zoo will embark on a significant expansion and renovation.

This will include the extension of the zoo’s Zoo360 trail system, and the addition of a third bear habitat.

The zoo will be breaking ground on the new exhibit in early 2025 and the new Bear Country is expected to open in spring of 2026.

According to information from the zoo, the project will allow the institution to continue to "provide the highest standard of care and quality of life for animals; create an awe-inspiring guest experience that increases opportunities for guests to get close to animals and see them in an entirely new way; provide new educational opportunities for school and community-based programs; and highlight the Zoo’s conservation work advocating for and protecting species around the globe."

Highlights of the project include:

• A Zoo360 exploration trail that will allow the bears to rotate through all habitats
• A third habitat to expand space for bears and aid in the Zoo’s breeding program
• An additional off-exhibit habitat to aid in the rearing of cubs
• New water features, landscaping, and the removal of moats to add space to the bears’ habitats
• Water features will include recirculating water to help the Zoo achieve sustainability goals
• Additional opportunities for animal keepers to set up behavioral enrichment
• Glass viewing areas to allow guests to come nose-to-nose with the bears
• New areas to allow guests to watch keeper training with bears
• Improved structural designs for the Zoo’s animal keepers to facilitate efficient care

As construction begins, the zoo’s three bears will be moving to other Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facilities. Sloth bears, Bhalu and Kayla, are expected to return to the Zoo once construction is complete. Andean bear, Sinchi, has been paired with another female and will remain at another zoo.

"Philadelphia Zoo has provided a unique and innovative experience with wildlife that can change lives," Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman said. "This state-of-the-art exhibit will not only transform our campus and give our guests brand new ways to see and interact with our bears with the addition of a brand-new habitat and Zoo360 trail, but it will enhance the conservation work we can do to protect endangered bears around the world."

With the design and footprint of the current Bear Country exhibit, the zoo saw a unique opportunity to create a state-of-the-art exhibit that will strengthen the zoo’s commitment to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan and Saving Animals From Extinction Program.

The zoo’s colony of Humboldt penguins will also be temporarily relocated to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facility. The zoo’s flamboyance of flamingos will be relocated to a habitat south of McNeil Avian Center.