Advancement Grant: Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo

Big Cat Crossing. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo.

Recipient

Grant Year 2014

Grant Amount $500,000

Status Completed

Updated May 30, 2023

The Philadelphia Zoo will expand its innovative and field-leading trails system, building additional interconnected passageways for large primates and other mammals, allowing them to travel outside their habitats and interact more freely with each other. At the conclusion of this expansion phase, the animals will have 3,000 feet of space to roam, equal to about ten footfall fields. Zoo employees will conduct a behavioral study with the animals, to determine the impact of the expanded trails on their well-being. In addition, a pilot mobile app will allow zoo patrons to track the animals' movements in real time, adding a rich, new dimension to the visitor experience. [fn]Advancement grants were awarded from 2014 through 2017.[/fn]

Recipient

Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo's 42-acre Victorian garden is home to a large and diverse collection of animals, many of them rare and endangered. Like many other Philadelphia landmarks and institutions, the Philadelphia Zoo is an American first and opened its gates in 1874. Known for its advances in animal science, the Zoo has set the standard for exceptional animal care and management, resulting in many longevity records and national and international firsts for endangered species. The Zoo offers a wide range of educational programs and family workshops, special public events, ecotourism travel opportunities, and ADOPT-an-animal programs to engage audiences and move them to conservation action.

More info

Explore Connections