Philadelphia Zoo Kicks Off 2026 Spring Season with New Species and Landmark Attractions

PHILADELPHIA,PA — The Philadelphia Zoo is shaking off the winter chill with a major slate of spring openings and events designed to coincide with the region's America 250 festivities.


Philadelphia Zoo Kicks Off 2026 Spring Season with New Species and Landmark Attractions
Philadelphia Zoo Kicks Off 2026 Spring Season with New Species and Landmark Attractions

What’s New:

  • Giraffe Experience: Reopening March 21, this ticketed encounter allows guests to get up close and hand-feed the Zoo’s giraffe trio.
  • Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel: A new 110-foot tall attraction offering views of the Art Museum and beyond.
  • Magellanic Penguins: A new species for the Zoo, now visible at Hollenstein Ross Penguin Point as construction nears completion on the nearby Carey Bear Country.

Holiday Highlights: The Zoo will host its annual Bunny Brunch(March 29&April 5)andEaster Egg Hunts (April 3–5). Additionally, the Egg-cellent Egg Search—a self-guided scavenger hunt across the campus—runs from March 28 through April 12 and is included with standard admission.

Conservation Challenge: In honor of the country’s 250th anniversary, the Zoo has launched a goal of 250,000 "Actions for Animals."Guests are encouraged to participate in wildlife surveys and litter clean-ups to help save wildlife while they explore the 42-acre gardens.

Tickets for all events,including the Virtual Reality"Wild Explorer"experience and Bunny Brunch,are available now atphiladelphiazoo.org.