The Philadelphia Zoo

This past Labor Day weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting the first zoo in the country: The Philadelphia Zoo.  The zoo is on the small side, with total viewing of each animal accomplished in approximately 3.5 - 4 hours, depending on the amount of time you commit to each animal.  However, this zoo contains quite a few very unique animals, along with all of the usual zoo occupants.  Another feature of the zoo is the extensive children's area, including a petting zoo and other small animals in open habitats.  This is also the first zoo that I've been to that has healthy options for lunch such as wraps and apple wedges as compared to the usual zoo fare of artery halting burgers and fries.

The front gate

Penguin statue in front of the lake where you can rent a swan paddle boat

Another zoo attraction is the aviary.  In the aviary they have a wide array of various bird species that are literally flying into your head.  No seriously, a lady got hit by a bird when we were there.  The free atmosphere really allows you to get some stellar up close and personal shots of the birds.

Exhibit A

And of course, no zoo would be complete without an elephant shrew.

Elephant shrew

On display was one of the zoo's most recent additions: a baby giraffe:

Other favorites include penguins and the hippopotamus.

And what zoo would be complete without the plethora of these:

The zoo's most numerous occupants

There you have it folks!  Overall rating of zoo outing: A- to account for some general rudeness, stroller incidents and aforementioned crying children.

The 411:
What: The Philadelphia Zoo
When: The zoo is open year round except Thanksgiving day, December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.  However, as you can probably figure out, its not going to be much fun traipsing around the zoo in the dead of winter.  The zoo is open 9:30 - 5 daily.
Where: 3400 W Girard Ave Philadelphia PA 19104
Why: Zoological fun and excitement!  For animal lovers, outdoorsy types, adventurous spirits!
Cost: Adult: $18, Children ages 2-11: $15, Children under age 2: free.  Parking 12 dollars.  If you suspect that you will visit the zoo more than once a year, I suggest you invest in a membership.  Membership for one person (gets in one other person free per visit) is $59 and you get free parking too.  So all in all, pretty affordable for a couple, or even a couple with a child under the age of 2!

I definitely recommend the zoo for those of you who live in Philly or are visiting!   

More information!