Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania

The Elmwood Park Zoo was founded in 192, and is located in Norristown, Pennsylvania. The facility began when a private landowner donated 80-acres of land and since that time the zoo has grown to include more than 300 animals that represent some 100 species. The original exhibits at the facility included monkeys, bears, raccoons, deer, peacocks and rabbits.

Over the years, the zoo has expanded and changed. With advances made in animal care, the exhibits changed from stark, bare, wire cages and were transformed into more natural exhibits that gave comfort to the animals. Elmwood Park Zoo developed a focus on animals from North and South America, and the zoo was supported by the Norristown Zoological Society, though operations continued to come from the Boroughs. A group of devoted citizens oversaw programs and donated time and monetary support for the zoo.

Becoming an official non-profit facility in 1985, the Norristown Zoological Society assumed control of the zoo from the Borough of Norristown. In 1987, the first long term Master Plan was developed for the expansion of the Elmwood Park Zoo and the motion was approved by the Norristown Borough Council.

The Master Plan was concluded in 2002, and the zoo expanded in size from 8 to 16-acres, and constructed new animal exhibits including the Andrew L. Lewis Wetlands Aviary. The "Sensorium,'' an indoor facility was renovated into the Bayou, an exhibit displaying American reptiles and amphibians such as alligators, turtles, lizards and snakes. In August of 1997, Phase I of the Grassland Exhibit, featuring American Bison and Roosevelt Elk, was opened.

Completed in 1999, the Powell Pavilion, Cougar Cafy and the Lenore Weiss Nature Shop were opened. In 2001, the Thomas Kimmel Conservation Kingdom debuted as a state-of-the-art interactive playground area for children. Beginning in 2002, the second phase of the Grasslands Exhibit was opened, featuring prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets, one of the most endangered animal species in the world. Upon completion of the Grasslands Exhibit, the original Master Plan of 1987 was labeled successful.

Every year, the Elmwood Park Zoo welcomes more than 130,000 visitors through the gates for an educational adventure in a clean, safe, family-oriented atmosphere. Through constant expansion and improvements, the Zoo has retained much of its history over the years. The Old Spring House and original zoo office, both constructed in 1924, still remain on the grounds. The Elmwood Park Zoo is open Sunday through Monday from 10 am until 5 pm. The facility is fully handicapped accessible and has special rates for senior citizens, groups and military personnel.