The Philly Zoo Is Turning 150 Years Old, Here's How It's Celebrating

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Zoo is about to turn 150 years old and is hosting some events to celebrate the milestone anniversary.

From Friday to Sunday, the zoo invites guests to come and experience the Zoo with a 150th flair.

The first 150 guests on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will receive a commemorative "150 Years of Philly Zoo" pin.

The zoo’s animal habitats will have additional 150th-themed animal enrichment and the Conservation Education team will be hosting additional activities, including a daily history tour starting at 10:30am on Impala Plaza.

On Monday, the zoo will be celebrating its 150th grand opening anniversary in style, just like in 1874 when it first opened.

A brass band will greet guests as they enter the zoo from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30am. Dietz & Watson will also be selling $1.50 hot dogs at the zoo to celebrate, as well.

The zoo’s animal habitats will also have additional 150th-themed animal enrichment and the Conservation Education team will be hosting additional activities.

Also on Monday, Wawa Welcome America will be hosting a Philadelphia Zoo 150th Anniversary Celebration just outside the zoo from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guests of all ages can enjoy comp food samples, performances, face painting, arts and crafts, games and more.

This no-charge celebration will also feature opportunities to see some of your favorite animals and learn about the zoo. Complimentary admission to the Philadelphia Zoo will be available from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis Monday.

"Philadelphia Zoo has it welcomed nearly 100 million guests since the Zoo first opened its gates 150 years ago, connecting generations of families to the wonders of wildlife, and we cannot wait to celebrate this major milestone with the community that made us,” Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman said. "As we mark this moment, we also celebrate 50 years of continuous accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and the highest standards in animal care and welfare."

Below is the history of the Philadelphia Zoo's s opening:

On July 1, 1874, Philadelphia Zoo opened its gates for the very first time, welcoming more than 3,000 guests and marking its place in history as “America’s First Zoo.” Fifteen years earlier, on March 21, 1859, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania approved and signed the charter for the Zoological Society of Philadelphia, but the Civil War delayed fundraising efforts, postponing opening for another 15 years. On opening day in 1874, guests arrived by horse and carriage, by street car, by foot, and even by steam boat which carried residents from Center City up the Schuylkill River to a dock adjacent to the Zoo. As guests entered, they were greeted by a lively brass band before taking a stroll through the Victorian gardens and visiting nearly 600 animals, which included a pair of curassows (type of bird) donated by President Ulysses. S. Grant.