Zoo -- Philadelphia Zoo

Founded in 1859, this 42-acre park is home to more than 1,400 animals comprising nearly 500 different species. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring all that the Zoo has to offer. The unique Rare Animal House features a variety of animals from around the world. The naked mole-rat, bred right at the zoo; the langur, a leaf-eating monkey; and the little marmoset are among the many unusual animals to be found here.

A survey once revealed the Reptile House to be visitors' "least favorite site." Meanwhile, it was the place where they spent the most time. Go figure! Beloved or not, the frogs, snakes, turtles, crocodilians, and other amphibians and reptiles here are very popular indeed.

Most of the animals live in exhibits that approximate their natural habitats. Bears live in Bear Country, which includes a 200,000 gallon pool for polar bears. The South American Exhibit features the highland terrain where anteaters, llamas, capybaras, and others live.

Another habitat contains elephants and rhinos, while Australia, and the African Plains are also represented, as are the habitats of Pennsylvania at Penn's Woodland Trail. Well over 100 species of birds will be found at the Zoo.

The Zoo also has a pair of white lions, Jezebel and Vinkel, of which there are probably no more than a dozen in the wild. Carnivore Kingdom, with its jaguar, clouded leopards, and other wonderful beasts also presents a sad note: a memorial here recalls the tragic fire that struck the Primate House in late 1995. Pictures of the apes can be seen, and a collection box lets visitors contribute to rebuilding.

The Children's Zoo features animal demonstrations, a pony ride, a hatchery, domestic animals that can be petted, and exhibits. The Treehouse, another center especially for children, features special kid-style exhibits. Daisy the Dinosaur, a 27-foot beehive, giant frog eggs, and much more will be found here. Puppet Shows, Skits, Singing, and other activities take place here, as well as overnight programs, birthday parties, and more. Call for further details.

Throughout the year the Zoo offers activities for individuals and families, from special events to a wide variety of classes and workshops. Call for a calendar.

School Groups (15 or more) can simply visit the Zoo or partake in one of many programs. In the Thick of Things (grades Pre-K - 5) explores predator-prey relationships. All American Homes (3 - 5) features animal role-playing to find out about habitats. Adaptations Head to Toe (3 - 8) uses live animals to illustrate how they have developed for survival. Wildlife Alert (9 - 12) examines issues involving endangered species through activities and debates. Many other programs are available, including programs and theatre brought to the school. Most programs take 30 - 60 minutes.