Elmwood Park Zoo Reopens February 28; Spring Season Begins with Expanded March Schedule

Norristown, PA (February 25, 2026) — Elmwood Park Zoo will officially reopen to the public beginning Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1, welcoming guests back for the first time this season. Following opening weekend, the Zoo will operate Wednesday through Sunday throughout March from 10 AM to 4 PM.

After several weeks of winter construction and weather-related delays, the Zoo is reopening its gates to allow guests to once again enjoy time outdoors with wildlife as the region begins to transition into spring.

While guests will see progress underway throughout the Zoo, construction on exhibit renovations and guest experience enhancements will continue into the coming weeks as crews complete improvements that were slowed by wintry conditions.

“Our team has made tremendous progress despite challenging winter weather,” said Al Zone, CEO at Elmwood Park Zoo. “While some projects are still underway, we didn’t want to delay welcoming families back to the Zoo as we head toward milder days. We’re excited to reopen and continue building new experiences throughout the spring.”

All memberships were automatically extended during the temporary closure period to ensure members receive full value.

To kick off the reopening, Elmwood Park Zoo will also host special programming throughout March and April — including exclusive member opportunities.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE EVENTS:

Live Veterinary Exam – Snowy the Owl
Tuesday, March 3 | 10:00 AM
Only the Welcome Center will be open during this event.

Member Mornings PLUS
Wednesday, March 4 | 9:00 AM
Zoo members are invited to join us for an hour early entry.

Live Veterinary Exam – Primrose and Dahlia the Hedgehogs
Wednesday, March 4 | 9:30 AM
Welcome Center

Tiny Tots & Tall Tales
Wednesday, March 4 | 9:30 AM
Trail of Jaguar

Member Meet Ups
Friday, March 13 | 9:30 AM
Barnyard

PUBLIC EVENTS:

Jerry Spinelli Celebrates Read Across America
Sunday, March 1 | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Canopy Garden Hall

Nature Explorers – Opossums
Thursday, March 12 | 10:15 AM
Exciting outdoor adventures designed for children ages 3-5.

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend
Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 15 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Quiet Mornings
Thursday, March 26 | 9:00 AM
Opportunity for our guests with sensory needs and their family to enjoy early entry to the Zoo, made possible by Mike and Kim Rufo.

Nature Explorers | Spring Into Spring
Thursday, March 26 | 10:15 AM
Exciting outdoor adventures designed for children ages 3-5.

Free Admission for Norristown Borough Residents
Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, March 29 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Photo ID as proof of residency within 19401 required. Pre-registration is required.

Magic Monday
Monday, April 6 | 10:00 AM
Discover magic at Elmwood Park Zoo with shows by America’s Got Talent finalist, David Darwin. Shows are at 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM.

TICKETED EVENTS:

Adult Prom: Party Animals
Friday, March 20 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
It’s (adult) prom night. Dress to impress, hit the dance floor, grab bites and drinks, and enjoy a fun evening. Exclusively for 21+ years old.

Easter Brunch
Saturday and Sundays | March 21 – April 5 | Three Sessions: 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM
Hop on over to our special Easter Brunches presented by ABA Centers of Pennsylvania. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, participate in Easter activities, meet an educational animal, grab a photo with the Easter Bunny, then enjoy exploring the Zoo!

Guests are encouraged to visit elmwoodparkzoo.org for full event details, ticketing information, and updates on exhibit progress.

As work continues, the zoo appreciates the community’s patience and support and looks forward to unveiling completed enhancements throughout the spring season.

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By Mary Dansie, Curator of Animal Collections, and Kate Olsen, Assistant Curator of Behavioral Husbandry

Elmwood Park Zoo Reopens February 28; Spring Season Begins with Expanded March Schedule

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Norristown, PA (February 25, 2026) — Elmwood Park Zoo will officially reopen to the public

Elmwood Park Zoo Updates Temporary Closure; Remains Closed Through February as Renovations Continue

January 30, 2026 No Comments

Norristown, PA (January 30, 2026) — Elmwood Park Zoo today announced that it will remain

ZOO VIEWS: The Eagles Behind the Eagles

January 8, 2026 No Comments

By Laura Soder, Director of Ambassador Animal Engagement Elmwood Park Zoo is home to two

Elmwood Park Zoo to Temporarily Close in January to Build New Exhibits and Guest Experiences

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Norristown, PA (January 5, 2026) — Elmwood Park Zoo announced today that it is moving

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By Amy Keiter, Lead Animal Keeper In our last Zoo Views post, Ryan talked about

Breakfast with the Animals

We’re giving the most important meal of the day a BIG upgrade! Enjoy a delicious outdoor breakfast buffet, right next to our animals. After you’ve cleared your plate, you’ll enjoy an exclusive interaction with the respective animals dedicated to your reservation! Space is limited for this event, so don’t delay in purchasing your tickets!

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Breakfast with the Animals

Tickets Coming Soon!

Dates:

** 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM **

April 18 & 19: Barnyard Edition

May 23 & 24: Giraffe Edition

June 20 & 21: Giraffe Edition

July 18 & 19: Harmony Hideaway Edition

August 22 & 23: Monkey Edition

September 19 & 20: Education Edition

October 17 & 18: Jaguar Edition

Pricing:

Yearly Member: $45.00 pp

Non- Member: $50.00 pp

Under 2: $12.00 pp

Tickets Coming Soon!

Breakfast with the Animals will be held rain or shine

Please bring your own highchairs, we have a limited amount and it is first come first served.

*Parties/families wishing to sit together must register under the same name. Those who do not do so at least 48 hours in advance will run the risk of sitting separate from the other party they wish to sit with.

OUR POLICY: NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. BREAKFAST WITH THE ANIMALS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. ELMWOOD PARK ZOO HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, CHANGE, OR POSTPONE ANY PROGRAM/EVENT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE ZOO CANCELS THE PROGRAM/EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.

Pets and Zoos

That might seem like a strange headline but this topic is a surprisingly big part of my job at the zoo. Multiple times a week, I receive calls from people asking me to take their pets, both exotic and domestic animals. Usually it is because they are no longer able to care for their pet and are hoping that we can take it and give it a home. Unfortunately, space and resources are always consideration so in the majority of cases, we are not be able to provide a home for your pet. At the end of this blog, there are some suggestions on how to find a home for your pet if you find yourself in this situation.

That’s why I wanted to share with everyone how important it is to do your research before deciding to add an animal friend to your family. By knowing what you are getting into in advance, you can make sure that you will be able to provide for your animal companion for its entire life. Domestic animals are usually the best suited as companions but exotic species can also make for good additions to the family if you know how to provide for their needs. Even with domestic animals, people are sometimes surprised by the level of commitment required to take good care of their pet and then feel bad if they cannot fulfill those requirements. The key is to be prepared before you even add the companion animal to your family. This way you do not end up trying to find a home for it if you realize that you cannot meet the needs of the animal.

Some important factors to consider:

How long is the animal expected to live?

If well taken care of, species like turtles and parrots can live for many decades, sometimes a long as 60 or 70 years! Your pet might outlive you so are you prepared to find another home if that happens? Do you want a pet that is a lifetime commitment?

What special foods will it need?

Many reptiles suffer from metabolic bone disease because they do not get adequately balanced diets. They require specific ratios of calcium and phosphorus and should be fed diets that are carefully balanced. Parrots should not be fed seed-based diets for a similar reason. Seed diets are not balanced nutritionally and allow the bird to pick its favorite seeds which is a little like letting a child pick out all their food. I want ice cream instead of my vegetables too, but I know that is not good for me! Specially formulated pellets for parrots get around that problem by providing balanced nutrition in every bite.

Species such as snakes will need whole mice or rats to eat. Are you comfortable handling dead mice to feed your pet?

Feeding predators live prey presents an ethical dilemma – what about the welfare of the mouse? Most snakes will readily feed on dead thawed mice, which is considered more humane than putting a live mouse in with a snake where it would have no opportunity to escape as it would in the wild.

Does it need special housing?

Many people purchase cute little baby turtles like red eared sliders without realizing the commitment needed for aquatic turtles. These turtles need a terrarium with water and land, and are very messy, so they require lots of cleaning to maintain. Adding to that, is that they can easily live for 30 years. Do you want to have a high maintenance pet for that long? Other species require special things like UV light and heat supplementation if they are housed indoors. Reptiles are the best example of this requirement but there is emerging evidence that other species like birds need to have UV exposure as well to maintain health and good feather condition.

How big will it get?

It is NOT true that fish or reptiles will only grow as large as the enclosure they are kept in. Both fish and reptiles continue to grow for their whole life, and if they are not growing, they are stunted because of improper care, not the size of the enclosure they are kept in. That tiny little iguana you might see will end up topping off at over 6 feet in length and will require a room sized enclosure. Be sure to plan for the full adult size of your pet, not what you have available now. If you don’t want to give a room of your house to an iguana, consider a species like a bearded dragon which will top off at 12-14” in size.

Ethical and conservation considerations

Some species are collected illegally from the wild. Be extra careful that you are not supporting the worldwide trade in animals. The sales of millions of animals every year is driven by the desire for exotic pets. Unfortunately, many of these animals are kept in horrendous conditions after they are captured, and a majority die before they even made it to sale. Much of this demand is for the desire for novelty as a pet. This is simply not worth the suffering to all of these animals and drives some species even closer to extinction. Many animals being sold online are marketed as captive-bred but this is not always accurate. The best way to make sure that you are getting a captive-bred animal is to contact hobbyists for breeder recommendations, and to research potential breeders to make sure they operate responsibly and humanely. One easy way to avoid this problem is to stick with domestic animals – dogs and cats are not endangered and so many are in need of good homes! Even exotic pets need to be adopted, though, so contact rescues or look on Petfinder.com rather than purchasing an animal that feeds the pet trade.

Avoid impulse purchases of a pet

The cute chick or baby rabbit you see around Easter is going to grow up quick and live a long time. A chicken can live 4-8 years and is a much different animal than that fuzzy little chick. A rabbit can live 8-12 years and requires exercise and attention to be happy and healthy. Similarly, do not participate in activities that give out animals as prizes. This continues to perpetuate the idea of animals as disposable pets. Social media also has a hand in driving the desire for exotic pets. Remember to keep in mind all of the important aspects of being a responsible pet owner, and do not let that adorable picture of a famous person cuddling override logic in deciding on a companion animal.

Species we most frequently get calls about re-homing:

Keep in mind that a lot of the knowledge on how to care for exotic animals is not easily available and that professional zoo staff spend their entire career continually learning and improving care for the species they work with. You will have to do a lot of research to make sure that you have the best, most accurate, and latest knowledge if you want to keep an exotic animal as a pet. It is not impossible but it is a commitment you accept when you decide you want an exotic animal as a pet.

What to do if you already have a pet you need to re-home?

If you find yourself in this situation, remember that most zoos are not likely to be able to take your pet. You can inquire, but do not be surprised if you do not get a response or receive a no as answer simply because of the volume of these requests. Responsible zoos follow what is called a collection plan where the research has been done to plan the spaces available in the zoo. This means that most of the spaces, even when temporarily empty, have plans for what will be filling them to meet guest experience, conservation and educational goals. Unless your pet fits into those plans, a zoo will not likely be interested in taking your pet.

A more fruitful approach would be to search for specific species rescues. There are a number of privately operated rescues that help with placement of unwanted pets. For example, there are bird and reptile rescues all over the country. These are often good places to start with requesting help in placing your pet. Internet searches with terms such as “rescue Pennsylvania” will give you lots of options to explore. Searching for clubs is another angle to explore. For example, there are bird clubs in Pennsylvania such as the Chester County Bird Club that have enthusiasts that could provide you with advice in finding a home for your bird.

Keep in mind that many rescues are labors of love and so people do this on a voluntary basis. They are sometimes not able to take animals directly but instead work with networks of others that help foster or provide homes for animals in need. Red eared sliders are among the hardest to place species at this time as they are easy to breed, cheap to buy and start off small so people do not realize what they are getting into. There is a glut of sliders that need homes already in rescue which makes placement of this species particularly challenging.

Another option would be to post your animal on a service like Petfinder. This will help get people in contact with you who might be looking for a pet. Remember to always verify any potential homes for your pet and make sure new owners understand the commitment they are taking on, otherwise we just continue to perpetuate the problem!

Written by: Former EPZ General Curator Marina Haynes

Giraffes: A Species in Crisis

Take a drive along Harding Boulevard and you’re bound to see one or two inquisitive heads peering over the fence to inspect passers by. Elmwood Park Zoo’s giraffes, standing at over 15 feet tall, are some of the most recognizable animals in residence at Elmwood Park Zoo. Their iconic stature, friendly demeanors, and magnificent presence help solidify their status as a guest and staff favorite.

Now, Norristown’s most famous residents can be seen almost year round thanks to a brand new barn facility completed two summers ago. But their counterparts in the wild aren’t always so well accommodated.

Once a species deemed of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), giraffe are now reclassified as one that is Vulnerable to extinction. Population surveys indicate that the giraffe population has decreased by almost 40 percent in the last 30 years. According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), it’s estimated that there are less than 100,000 giraffe remaining in the wild.

Why is this decline happening? The combined impacts of habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, poaching, disease, war, and civil unrest are threatening the remaining giraffe numbers and their distribution throughout Africa.

While conservation efforts are targeted internationally, U.S. zoos play an important role in the survival of the species. Together, the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and the GCF created Operation Twiga, a conservation project to help protect Uganda’s Rothschild giraffe. Operation Twiga’s aim was to relocate 20 Rothschild giraffes to the southern bank of the Nile River to populate a new area within Murchison Falls National Park. The cost of the endeavor was estimated at $100,000.

To fund the project, zoos across the country, including Elmwood Park Zoo, celebrated World Giraffe Day with events and fundraisers that encouraged donations to the GCF. These fundraising efforts provided much needed financial support for Operation Twiga, which was conducted successfully in January 2016.

“We are very happy to report that the giraffe on the southern side of the Nile River are doing well and we are planning to supplement the population later this year,” according to an update from the GCF. Since the success of Operation Twiga, GCF has developed a ‘road map’ to guide conservation activities throughout Africa with the hope to create a sustainable future for all giraffe populations. But those activities can come with a hefty price tag. The good news is that there are plenty of people to help foot the bill – about 700 million, to be exact.

According to the World Association for Zoos and Aquariums, about 1/10th of the world population visits zoos every year. Attendance at zoos across the country provides more than just a day of family fun. Funds accumulated from concessions, animal feedings, and admission help zoos like Elmwood Park Zoo give back to organizations that seek to conserve wildlife and its inhabitants, such as the GCF.

You don’t have to travel to East Africa to make a difference. When you stop by the zoo, and other AZA-accredited facilities, your membership or admission fees contribute to more than just an institution’s operating costs. You may think you’re just feeding a giraffe some lettuce. But you’re really supporting conservation and education efforts that have an impact long after your trip to the zoo is over.

So, will you stick your neck out for giraffe? To learn more about how you can get involved, or to donate directly to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, visit www.giraffeconservation.org.

Written by Kathryn Saulinas

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