Philadelphia Zoo - America's first true zoo

Founded and opened in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is widely recognized as the first true zoo in the United States. It occupies approximately 42 acres on the western edge of Fairmount Park and has operated continuously as a major zoological institution since the 19th century. The zoo has a long history of animal collection, exhibition, and conservation programs and was chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Its historic status is documented by numerous institutional histories and public records.