Philadelphia Zoo reflects on more than 150 years as America's first zoo

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- More than 150 years after its founding, the Philadelphia Zoo continues to build on a legacy that began with a vision sparked by one of the world's earliest zoological institutions.

Zoo officials said the idea took shape in the early 1850s when founder William Camac visited the Zoological Society of London. "Our founder, a guy named William Camac, actually went to London... and this was one of the first zoos in the world. When he came back, he said, 'Why doesn't Philadelphia have something like this?'" said Dani Hogan, the zoo's director of mission integration.

The Philadelphia Zoo received its charter in 1859, becoming the nation's first zoo. Its opening was delayed until 1874 because of the Civil War. Representatives said the zoo welcomed more than 500 animals and 3,000 visitors on its first day. Early residents included a jaguar and North American species such as black bears.

Hogan said the zoo's mission from the beginning extended beyond entertainment. "At many different places around the world at that time, the idea of bringing an animal into a space so that a human can see it was purely for the entertainment of the people involved," she said. "But our charter specifically notes that it is for the education and the study of the animals and the people involved."

Several historic structures from the zoo's early years remain, including Solitude - built by John Penn - and the gatehouses at the entrance.

While the zoo's history remains central to its identity, officials said the institution continues to evolve. One of its newest additions is Cary Bear Country, described as a stateoftheart habitat for threatened bear species.

"Cary Bear Country... this is a brandnew, stateoftheart, $25 million habitat for threatened bear species. And of course, being a zoo, we are most focused on making sure that these animals don't go extinct," Hogan said.

As zoos have become commonplace across the United States, Philadelphia Zoo officials said the institution remains committed to both its historic role and its future mission.