The Zoo's Reptile and Amphibian House - designed in 1971 by the world-renowned herpetologist and former Philadelphia Zoo director, Dr. Roger Conant, the Reptile and Amphibian House allows visitors to step, slither and slide through 47 naturalistic exhibits. After visiting rainforests, deserts and aquatic destinations, guests will definitely want to explore the King Cobra's Temple with its 15-foot, hand-carved sculpture. Plan your trip right, and you just might experience a thunderstorm in the Everglades (it actually rains inside the alligator and crocodile exhibit - check the schedule inside the Reptile and Amphibian House for show times).
PECO Primate Reserve - All over the two-and-a-half acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits, guests will hear stories of real people who dedicate their lives to saving some of the world's most endangered primates including Sumatran orangutans (one of the great apes and among the largest, and most endangered, of all primates), the Zoo's gorilla troop including Jabari, the silverback, two young males, Louis and Kuchimba, and three females, Kivu, Nne Kizazi and Honi, Blue-eyed black lemurs, Golden Lion Tamarins and much more!
Small Mammal House - Although it's true that mammals come in all shapes and sizes, a majority of them are small and are active mostly at night (nocturnal). But guests don't have to stay up past their bedtime to see nocturnal animals at the Zoo! The Small Mammal House features creatures of all shapes and sizes, including meerkats, Vampire Bats, aardvarks and a family of two-toed sloths, just to name a few.
Visiting the Zoo also brings an opportunity to see many other wintry animals including polar bears, penguins, the Scottish Highland cattle and more. The Philadelphia Zoo is located at 34th Street and Girard Avenue, just minutes from the historic downtown area. In January and February the Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission is $12.95 per person. Zoo members are free.
