NORRISTOWN, Pa. (May 14, 2026) — Elmwood Park Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of a new giraffe to its growing herd this week. Jumbe Junior, affectionately known as “JJ,” will make his new home in Norristown after transferring from Zoo Knoxville as part of a collaborative recommendation through the Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Born on December 24, 2020, JJ joins resident giraffes Gerald and Dhoruba at Elmwood Park Zoo. His arrival continues an important partnership between the two accredited zoos after Elmwood Park Zoo transferred male giraffe Mokolo to Zoo Knoxville in November following a breeding recommendation through the SSP.
Mokolo’s move played a key role in supporting the long-term sustainability and genetic diversity of the giraffe population in accredited zoos. The SSP, managed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, helps ensure healthy and genetically diverse populations of threatened species through carefully coordinated breeding and transfer recommendations among accredited institutions.
“Last year we excitedly were able to send our youngest giraffe Mokolo to the Zoo Knoxville on a breeding recommendation,” said Ryan Firestine, Lead Animal Keeper at Elmwood Park Zoo. “Even though it was difficult to see a member of our family leave the metaphorical house, plans had been taking shape behind the scenes for several weeks.”
“I and the rest of our team are so excited to be able to officially announce the arrival of JJ. He is joining our giraffe tower to help keep a robust social dynamic in our group, while also giving Knoxville the room to grow their herd. We have much to learn about his personality, but hopefully Gerald and Dhoruba help us out in making his introduction to his new home easy!”
JJ was born to mother Frances at Zoo Knoxville, where animal care staff watched him grow into a gentle and increasingly confident member of the herd.
“We are equal parts sad for JJ to leave and excited for this next chapter of his life,” said Amber Howard, Giraffe Lead Keeper at Zoo Knoxville. “JJ has always been our more reserved giraffe, and it has been incredibly rewarding to watch his confidence grow over the years. While he can still be a little cautious with new people, once he trusts you, he quickly becomes the sweetest boy.”
Elmwood Park Zoo guests are invited to come meet JJ and help welcome him to Norristown. Visitors can participate in giraffe feedings at the Zoo’s feeding platform, offering JJ one of his favorite snacks — lettuce — while helping him grow comfortable with his new surroundings and herd mates.
Guests visiting Elmwood Park Zoo in the coming weeks may begin seeing JJ acclimating to his new surroundings as the Zoo’s animal care staff carefully manage introductions and monitor herd dynamics.For more information on Mokolo’s journey to Zoo Knoxville and the SSP process, click HERE.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (May 11, 2026) — Elmwood Park Zoo will offer free admission on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day this summer as part of the nationwide America 250 initiative, inviting the community to celebrate three iconic holidays at the Zoo.
Each of the three days will feature live music, drink specials, animal encounters, and other activities designed to give guests a full day of things to see and do—and as always at Elmwood Park Zoo, parking is free. Guests can register for their free tickets at elmwoodparkzoo.org/free-holiday
“This is a great way for us to give something back to the community while celebrating what makes these holidays meaningful,” said Al Zone, CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo. “We’re excited to open our doors to everyone and create a place where people can spend time together, enjoy the Zoo, and connect with nature.”
The series begins on Memorial Day, which will serve as the unofficial kickoff to summer at the Zoo.
Guests can expect a lively atmosphere throughout the day, with entertainment, animal experiences, and seasonal offerings across the grounds.
Local brewery Bald Birds Brewing Company will be onsite pouring Founding Feathers, a new collaboration beer created with the Zoo. The double dry-hopped pilsner will be available for guests 21+ looking to enjoy a drink while they explore.
The Zoo’s participation in America 250 is supported by the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB).
“This is exactly the kind of experience that brings people together and showcases what our region has to offer,” said Mike Bowman, President and CEO of VFTCB. “Elmwood Park Zoo is a key part of Montgomery County, and initiatives like this make it even more accessible for families and visitors to enjoy.”
Guests should plan to arrive early, as large crowds are expected for each of the free admission days. More details on each holiday’s programming will be shared in the coming weeks online at elmwoodparkzoo.org/free-holiday
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 ZooBrew 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 VALLEY FORGE TOURISM & CONVENTION BOARD The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) is a nonprofit, membership-based sales and marketing organization that actively promotes Valley Forge and Montgomery County, PA as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by encouraging patronage of its 500+ member hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services. The award-winning website links visitors, meeting planners, tour operators, and residents to a diverse portfolio of brands focused on reasons to visit the region.
NORRISTOWN, PA (April 3, 2026) — Elmwood Park Zoo welcomed members of its Board of Directors on Tuesday, March 31 for its first-ever Board Day of Service, giving Board members a chance to step into the day-to-day work of the Zoo and spend time alongside staff across multiple departments.
Throughout the day, Board members rolled up their sleeves and jumped in wherever they were needed, getting a firsthand look at what it takes to keep the Zoo running each day.
They helped with everything from cleaning giraffe and barn stalls and preparing animal diets in the commissary, to greeting guests and assisting veterinary staff during whistling duck exams. The day also included rotating through different areas of the Zoo, a “Board Olympics” competition, and time to connect with staff and leadership.
“This day was all about connection—getting our Board closer to the people, the animals, and the work that happens here every single day,” said Al Zone, CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo. “It’s one thing to support the Zoo from a strategic level, but it’s another to actually be out there working alongside our team and seeing what goes into it. I’m really grateful our Board embraced that and jumped in the way they did.”
“Being part of the Zoo in this hands-on way was incredibly meaningful,” said Cherifa Nouri-Howarth, Board President. “It gave us a real appreciation for the level of care, expertise, and teamwork that goes into everything here. From preparing diets to working with the animal care and vet teams, it really puts into perspective how special this place is. It only strengthens our commitment as a Board to support the Zoo and the people behind it.”
The day was also a great opportunity to strengthen the connection between the Board and Zoo staff, while giving Board members a better understanding of the Zoo’s impact on both animals and the community. Elmwood Park Zoo will look forward to building on the success of this first event and finding more ways to bring the Board even closer to the Zoo’s work in the future.
About Elmwood Park Zoo Elmwood Park Zoo was established in 1924 when a local farmer transferred 16 acres and a small menagerie to the Borough of Norristown. Today, the Zoo is owned and operated by the Norristown Zoological Society, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster an appreciation for wildlife and the environment that will inspire active participation in conservation. Under the Society’s careful management, Elmwood Park Zoo has attained elite status as one of only 230 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (October 17, 2025) — Elmwood Park Zoo, in partnership with Zoetis, proudly hosted its inaugural Veterinary Technician Summit on Wednesday, October 15, as part of National Veterinary Technician Week. The event brought together 60 second-year veterinary technology students from Manor College, Harcum College, and Camden County Community College for a full day of education, collaboration, and hands-on experiences at the Zoo.
Held inside the Zoo’s Canopy Gardens Hall and Frank & Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center, the summit highlighted the critical role that veterinary technicians play in animal care and explored the variety of career opportunities across veterinary medicine. Students engaged in panel discussions, toured the Zoo’s animal hospital, and heard from leading experts in the field, including representatives from academia, EPZ animal care, and the pharmaceutical industry.
“Veterinary technicians are critical players in the success of the veterinary health care team,” said Laura Clark, DVM, PhD, Global Medical Affairs at Zoetis, and Elmwood Park Zoo Board Member, whose idea it was to organize this event. “This summit provided students with a real-world view of the diverse career paths available to them—from zoo medicine and specialty practice to research and industry.”
The program featured a dynamic panel on alternate careers in veterinary medicine, moderated by Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT, Chief Visionary Officer of Empowering Veterinary Teams and featuring:
– Kourtney Conti, BS, CVT, Elmwood Park Zoo
– Bailey Donovan, BS, CVT, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine
– Chelsea Geiringer, BS, CVT, Zoetis Veterinary Medical Information & Product Support (VMIPS)
Following the panel, Michele Goodman, VMD, Elmwood Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Care, along with additional Animal Care Staff, led students on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo’s medical facilities and discussed the day-to-day realities of working in the field of zoological veterinary medicine. The afternoon concluded with a Lunch & Learn presented by Jodi Koch, VMD, Professional Services Veterinarian of Zoetis, exploring the emerging science of monoclonal antibodies and their applications in animal health.
“This event not only celebrates veterinary technicians but also reinforces our commitment to education, innovation, and professional development within the animal care community,” said Goodman. “We were thrilled to see so many passionate students connect, learn, and imagine their future in this vital field.”
In addition to educational programming, attendees networked with local veterinary leaders and toured the Zoo’s animal exhibits, rounding out a day of learning and inspiration.
Elmwood Park Zoo and Zoetis plan to continue the Vet Tech Summit as an annual event, further strengthening ties between veterinary programs and veterinary professionals.
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About Elmwood Park Zoo Elmwood Park Zoo was established in 1924 when a local farmer transferred 16 acres and a small menagerie to the Borough of Norristown. Today, the Zoo is owned and operated by the Norristown Zoological Society, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster an appreciation for wildlife and the environment that will inspire active participation in conservation. Under the Society’s careful management, Elmwood Park Zoo has attained elite status as one of only 230 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
About Zoetis As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock producers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $9.3 billion in 2024 with approximately 13,800 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
It was a day of fun, education and inspiration for a group of court-adjudicated teenagers who spent the day at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown.
A group of about 20 students from Glen Mills Schools — a residential facility for court-adjudicated youth between 12 and 18 — got off the bus and spent the day exploring what the zoo has to offer.
Many of them have never been to a zoo before — let alone one that offers zip lining.
Successful business owner Lance Bachmann, president and CEO of tech firm 1SEO.com, sponsored the day because he was once in these teens’ shoes.
“I spent two years at Glen Mills — most people don’t know that,” he admitted. “So people are ashamed of that growing up as a kid. I always tell people I’m not ashamed of that at all. I had no control. I’m one of 14 children, grew up poor, single mother, abusive father — just not a good environment, and Glen Mills helped save my life.”
Bachmann told the kids to never let your past dictate your future — and he made his words a reality for one young student.
“One of you young students in this room are going to go to college for free next year,” he said to a surprised group. “I’m going to pay for the whole entire tuition.”
“Sometimes I feel that people can’t relate to what I’ve been through or going through right now,” said 17-year-old Corde Fitzhugh, “so it’s refreshing and heartfelt that someone who was actually in the shoes that I was in. And he is doing great and is giving me the hope that I can do the same thing — or even better.”
Fellow 17-year-old Semaj Richards was blown away by Bachmann’s generosity.
“I want to be that next man that actually do something for the youth that is actually going through what we went through,” he hoped.
