NORRISTOWN, Pa. (September 16, 2026) — Elmwood Park Zoo is excited to announce a new partnership with Morningside House Senior Living that will expand opportunities for veterans and seniors to experience the Zoo throughout the coming year.

As part of the partnership, Morningside House Senior Living will serve as the presenting sponsor of Elmwood Park Zoo’s Veterans Day Celebration, taking place November 11-15, 2026, and will sponsor monthly Free Senior Days at the Zoo from November 2026 through November 2027.

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED

During the Veterans Day Celebration presented by Morningside House Senior Living, all veterans will receive free admission to Elmwood Park Zoo from Wednesday, November 11 through Sunday, November 15. Residents of Morningside House Senior Living communities will also receive free admission throughout the five-day celebration.

The Veterans Day Celebration is a community event dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans while providing an opportunity for veterans, military families and the community to spend time together at the Zoo.

A special Morning Salute ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m., on November 11 in the Zoo’s Welcome Plaza. Veterans from Morningside House Senior Living communities will be invited to participate in the ceremony alongside other veterans in attendance.

The ceremony will also feature an appearance by one of Elmwood Park Zoo’s bald eagles, Noah or Reggie, the Official Live Mascots of the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as a performance of the national anthem by Matthew Wright-Conti.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Morningside House Senior Living for helping us create more opportunities to welcome veterans and seniors into the Zoo,” said Jennifer Conti, Director of Development at Elmwood Park Zoo. “This partnership is about more than providing free admission. It’s about creating meaningful experiences, bringing generations together and making sure members of our community who have given so much have a place where they can connect, explore and enjoy time with family and friends.”

“At Morningside, we love how zoos can delight and connect all generations,” said Alexus Helmar, Regional Director of Operations and Sales at Morningside. “It doesn’t matter your age—seeing an incredible animal like an ocelot, scarlet ibis, or alligator are going to spark your imagination and fill you with wonder. We’re thrilled to give seniors the opportunity to enjoy the feeling of awe that will connect them with family members, friends, and each other.”

FREE SENIOR DAYS AT ELMWOOD PARK ZOO

The partnership will continue beyond Veterans Day with the introduction of Free Senior Days presented by Morningside House Senior Living.

Beginning in November 2026, all guests 65 years of age and older will receive free general admission to Elmwood Park Zoo on the first Thursday of every month through November 2027.

Free Senior Days will provide older adults throughout the region with regular opportunities to experience the Zoo, connect with nature and enjoy a day out with family and friends at no cost.

Additional details about the Veterans Day Celebration, Morning Salute ceremony and Free Senior Days will be available at elmwoodparkzoo.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kyle Gurganious
Director of Marketing
Elmwood Park Zoo
kgurganious@elmwoodparkzoo.org

Ryan Cullinan
Director of Sales and Marketing
Morningside House Senior Living
rcullinan@mhseniorliving.com 

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ABOUT ELMWOOD PARK ZOO
Elmwood Park Zoo, located in Norristown, Pennsylvania, is home to a diverse collection of species from around the world and is dedicated to wildlife conservation, education, and providing memorable guest experiences. Open year-round, the Zoo offers up-close animal encounters, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly attractions including the Zoo Brew Beer Garden, a carousel, and seasonal events. Through hands-on learning opportunities and community programming, Elmwood Park Zoo inspires guests of all ages to connect with wildlife and the natural world. For more information, visit www.elmwoodparkzoo.org

ABOUT MORNINGSIDE HOUSE SENIOR LIVING
Morningside House Senior Living has four senior communities in Pennsylvania, offering personal care, memory care, and short-term stays. For more than 30 years, they have helped thousands of seniors enjoy a unique, boutique living experience that provides the respect, care, and attention they deserve. As one of the only women-owned and operated senior living companies in the country, they are highly respected for their outstanding care, service, and company culture.