Editing Philadelphia Zoo (section)

==History==
[[File:William Camac photograph by W. Curtis Taylor, Philadelphia Centennial Portrait Gallery Representative Men of Philadelphia, courtesy the Library Company of Philadelphia www.librarycompany.org.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|William Camac photograph by W. Curtis Taylor, Philadelphia Centennial Portrait Gallery Representative Men of Philadelphia]]
[[File:Philadelphia Zoo entrance, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA-27June2010.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Victorian gateway by [[Frank Furness]]]]
[[File:THE SOLITUDE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|[[The Solitude Mansion|The Solitude]], a mansion built by [[John Penn (writer)|John Penn]] in 1785]]
[[File:Todiramphus cinnamominus -Philadelphia Zoo, Pennsylvania, USA-8a.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|A [[Guam kingfisher]], 2011]]
[[File:Cougar closeup.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|A [[cougar]] at Philadelphia Zoo, 2007]]
The opening of the [[London Zoo]] to the public in 1847 inspired America's intellectual class{{fact|date=January 2023}} to show interest in building a zoo in the U.S. Dr. William Camac of Philadelphia had traveled throughout Europe in the 1850's and visited the London Zoo. Upon returning to the U.S. he advocated to build a Zoo in Philadelphia.<ref name=inquirer>{{cite web |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/opinion/commentary/a-city-of-firsts-including-the-philly-zoo-20171020.html |title=A city of firsts – including the Philly zoo |date=October 20, 2017 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |access-date=August 3, 2022}}</ref> On March 21, 1859, the [[Pennsylvania General Assembly|Pennsylvania legislature]] incorporated the Zoological Society of Philadelphia. The incorporation paper reads: "The purpose of this corporation shall be the purchase and collection of living wild and other animals, for the purpose of public exhibition at some suitable place in the City of Philadelphia, for the instruction and recreation of the people." Camac worked with other Zoological Society members to raise funds and secured 33 acres on the [[West Philadelphia]] side of the [[Schuylkill River]] previously owned by John Penn, grandson of [[William Penn]].<ref name=UPenn>{{cite web |url=https://collaborativehistory.gse.upenn.edu/stories/west-philadelphia-national-eye |title=West Philadelphia Collaborative History: West Philadelphia in the National Eye |access-date=August 3, 2022}}</ref> The opening of the Zoo was delayed by the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] which lasted from 1861 to 1865.<ref name=PhillyMag>{{cite web |url=https://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/12/22/philadelphia-zoo-facts |title=11 Things You Might Not Know About: The Philadelphia Zoo |date=December 22, 2015 |work=Philadelphia Magazine |access-date=August 3, 2022}}</ref><ref name=PhillyZoo>{{cite web |url=https://philadelphiazoo.org/about-the-zoo/# |title=About the Zoo |work=Philadelphia Zoo |access-date=August 3, 2022}}</ref><ref name=Constitutional>{{cite web |url=https://www.theconstitutional.com/blog/2016/01/18/philadelphia-zoo |title=The Philadelphia Zoo |date=January 21, 2016 |work=The Constitutional Walking Tour |access-date=August 3, 2022}}</ref>

When the Philadelphia Zoological Garden first opened its Victorian gates on July 1, 1874, to over 3,000 visitors, it was the only institution of its kind in the [[New World]]. The zoo began with varied exhibits containing 200 [[mammal]]s, including [[Bubalina|buffalo]], [[deer]], [[wolves]], [[fox]]es, [[bear]]s, and [[monkey]]s, and 67 [[bird]] species and 15 [[reptile]]s. Reptiles and small mammals were housed in [[The Solitude Mansion|The Solitude]], a mansion built by [[John Penn (writer)|John Penn]] in 1785. A [[carriage house]] was located at the entrance for horses that had transported visitors to the zoo. The landscaping and architecture mimicked a Victorian garden atmosphere that is still represented in the present zoo grounds.

The 1876 [[Centennial Exposition]] was held in [[Fairmount Park]], a few blocks from the {{cvt|33|acre|adj=on}} zoo. U.S. President [[Ulysses S. Grant]] had officiated at the Exposition and visited the zoo on April 23. Zoo attendance increased to nearly 680,000 visitors in 1876, a 36 percent increase over the preceding year, and set a record that would remain unmatched until nearly 858,000 visited in 1951.

The Penrose Research Laboratory was established in 1901.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Federal Writer' Project (Pa.) |title=Philadelphia, A Guide to the Nation's Birthplace |date=September 9, 2010 |publisher=Nabu Press |isbn=978-1171867654 |pages=740}}</ref> The first of its kind in any zoo, the Penrose Research Lab contributed to a reduced rate of disease, increased vigor, and longevity among zoo animals. In 1901, the lab began performing [[Autopsy|necropsies]] on every zoo animal that became ill and died. The lab's history of preventive medicine reflected the foresight of Dr. Charles B. Penrose and Dr. Cortland Y. White, professors at the Medical School of the [[University of Pennsylvania]].

The zoo received railroad visitors at the [[Zoological Garden station]] on 34th Street and Girard Avenue from its opening in 1874 until the station was closed in 1902. Since 2013, zoo officials have been working to get the station restored and reopened, to potentially increase attendance and alleviate parking issues on their busiest days.<ref name=philly>{{cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/2013-04-03/news/38221466_1_zoo-visitors-zoo-officials-zoo-leaders |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424020133/http://articles.philly.com/2013-04-03/news/38221466_1_zoo-visitors-zoo-officials-zoo-leaders |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 24, 2013 |title=Officials working to restore rail passenger service to Philly Zoo |access-date=May 16, 2018}}</ref>

Philadelphia Zoo has developed a distinguished breeding program over the years and is credited with many "firsts"<ref>{{cite web |title=Philadelphia Zoo Media Kit |url=https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/About-The-Zoo/Pressroom/Press-Kits/PhiladelphiaZoo_MediaKit.aspx |access-date=March 7, 2017 |archive-date=May 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512195115/http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/About-The-Zoo/Pressroom/Press-Kits/PhiladelphiaZoo_MediaKit.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> including: the first successful birth of an [[orangutan]] and a [[chimpanzee]] in a U.S. zoo in 1928, the first [[cheetah]]s born in a zoo in 1956, the first successful birth of an [[echidna]] in [[North America]] in 1983, and the first successful birth of a [[giant otter|giant river otter]] in North America in 2004. The first recorded parent-reared [[Guam kingfisher]] was bred at the zoo in 1985.

Philadelphia Zoo also pioneered the first captive management of [[flamingo]]s under the direction of [[curator]] [[emeritus]] John A. Griswold. Through innovative feeding techniques, the zoo was the first to gain the pink and red pigmentation of these birds. The zoo was the first to successfully breed [[Chilean flamingo|Chilean]] and [[greater flamingo]]s in captivity.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Johnson |first1=Alan |last2=Cezilly |first2=Frank |title=The Greater Flamingo |date=January 1, 2009 |isbn=9781408108970 |page=193|publisher=A&C Black }}</ref>

The [[brown tree snake]] was introduced to the island of [[Guam]] in the 1940s, and as a result, bird species endemic to the island were driven to extinction in the wild by the invasive serpent.<ref>{{cite web |title=Invasive Species: Animals – Brown Tree Snake |url=https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/brown-tree-snake |website=invasivespeciesinfo.gov |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |access-date=August 31, 2019 |archive-date=August 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824120114/https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/brown-tree-snake |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1983, the Guam Bird Rescue Project was spearheaded by the Philadelphia Zoo in an attempt to save the [[Guam kingfisher]] and the [[Guam rail]], two native species still present in large enough numbers to benefit from intervention.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guam Kingfisher |url=http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/Animals/Birds/Other-Birds/Guam-kingfisher.htm |website=Philadelphia Zoo |access-date=March 14, 2017 |archive-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315002329/http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/Animals/Birds/Other-Birds/Guam-kingfisher.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The rescue plan called for the capture of all kingfishers and rails on Guam, along with the development of a captive management program. The captive breeding was carried out in U.S. zoos in an effort to save the two species from extinction until reintroduction became feasible.

In the early morning of [[Christmas Eve|December 24]], 1995, a fire in the ''World of Primates'' building killed 23 animals, including a family group of six [[western lowland gorilla]]s, a family group of three [[orangutan]]s, four [[Lar gibbon|white-handed gibbon]]s, and 10 lemurs (two [[ruffed lemur]]s, six [[ring-tailed lemur]]s, and two [[mongoose lemur]]s).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.brown.edu/Research/Primate/fire.html |title=Philadelphia Zoo Fire<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=June 24, 2006 |archive-date=June 15, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615065457/http://www.brown.edu/Research/Primate/fire.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nytxmas">{{cite news |title=Fire at the Philadelphia Zoo Kills 23 Primates |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/25/us/fire-at-the-philadelphia-zoo-kills-23-primates.html |access-date=February 22, 2017 |agency=Associated Press |work=New York Times |date=December 25, 1995 |archive-date=February 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222113724/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/25/us/fire-at-the-philadelphia-zoo-kills-23-primates.html |url-status=live }}</ref> All were members of endangered species. The animals died in their sleep from smoke inhalation ([[carbon monoxide poisoning]]); none were burned. 10 primates housed in an adjoining building, the Discovery House, survived. At the time of the fire, detection equipment existed in only 20 percent of the zoo buildings; the primates building, which had been constructed in 1985, was not one of them. In the 10 months following the fire, the zoo installed fire detection equipment in all animal buildings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aza.org/Publications/2002/08/August2002FromAshes.pdf |title=From the Ashes |publisher=[[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]] |access-date=May 26, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703151032/http://www.aza.org/Publications/2002/08/August2002FromAshes.pdf |archive-date=July 3, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On July 1, 1999, the zoo opened a new primate exhibit featuring {{cvt|2.5|acre|m2}} of indoor and outdoor areas with 10 species of [[primate]]s, including [[Sumatran orangutan]]s, [[western lowland gorilla]]s, [[lemur]]s, [[Colobinae|langur]]s, and [[gibbon]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.udel.edu/PR/SpecialUDelivery/vol2no2/gorilla.html |title=Gorilla antics anew at Philadelphia's zoo<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=June 24, 2006 |archive-date=February 17, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060217194115/http://www.udel.edu/PR/SpecialUDelivery/vol2no2/gorilla.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2006, the zoo opened a new [[big cat]] exhibit showcasing [[lion]]s, [[Siberian tiger]]s, [[Amur leopard]]s, [[snow leopard]]s, [[cougar]]s, and [[jaguar]]s in exhibit spaces reminiscent of their natural habitats. On May 30, 2009, the zoo opened a new aviary featuring two birds that are extinct in the wild: the [[Guam rail]] and the [[Guam kingfisher]]. In July 2009, the last two elephants, both [[African bush elephant|African bush]], were relocated to a sanctuary.

In 2010, a special exhibit called ''Creatures of Habitat'' was unveiled featuring 10 animal stations throughout the zoo, with endangered animals represented by more than 30 life-size [[Lego]] brick statues. The statues were created by Lego-certified professional artist [[Sean Kenney (artist)|Sean Kenney]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100626010607/http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/about/AboutZoo/Press-Info/Creatures/Releases/COH-Release.htm Zoo Unveils Exclusive Creatures Of Habitat Lego Brick Animal Exhibit]</ref>

Philadelphia Zoo opened Treetop Trail in 2011, the first component of its Zoo360 animal exploration trail system. Zoo360 is a network of see-through [[mesh]] trails, consisting of elevated and ground-level structures, along which animals can explore the zoo away from their enclosures. Subsequent additions to the system include the [[Great Ape]] Trail, Big Cat Crossing, Gorilla Treeway, and Meerkat Maze.<ref name=zoo360>[http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/Explore/Zoo360-Animal-Trails.htm "Zoo360 Animal Exploration Trails"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511141900/http://philadelphiazoo.org/Explore/Zoo360-Animal-Trails.htm |date=May 11, 2018 }}. ''philadelphiazoo.org''. Philadelphia Zoo. Retrieved May 13, 2018.</ref>

On April 13, 2013, the zoo opened KidZooU on the site of the old Pachyderm House. Also known as the Hamilton Family Children's Zoo and Faris Family Education Center, it is one of the largest projects undertaken by the zoo and replaces the old Children's Zoo open for over 50 years prior. KidZooU is notable for many ecologically conscious features, such as rain gardens and cisterns, geothermal wells, and green roofs, making it the first [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED]]-certified exhibit at the zoo.<ref>The KidZooU is the Philadelphia Zoo's first LEED – certified exhibit. http://kidzoou.org/Earth-Friendly-KidZooU.aspx {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912164722/http://www.kidzoou.org/Earth-Friendly-KidZooU.aspx |date=September 12, 2013 }}</ref>

On December 29, 2016, Zenda, the oldest African lion in the U.S. zoo population, was euthanized following a sudden loss of appetite and failing health. Zenda was 25.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fox29.com/news/226278967-story |title=Philadelphia's Zenda, oldest lion in the U.S., dies at 25 |date=December 30, 2016 |website=Philly.com |access-date=January 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231173746/http://www.fox29.com/news/226278967-story |archive-date=December 31, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 20, 2018, Coldilocks, a 37-year-old polar bear was euthanized after declining health including potential liver and spinal problems. The average age for a polar bear in the wild is 23 years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Izaguirre |first=Anthony |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2018/02/20/coldilocks-oldest-captive-polar-bear-dies/mJgSrOXea9Mb5sZIr2AejO/story.html |title=Coldilocks, the oldest captive polar bear in the US, dies |work=[[The Boston Globe]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |date=February 21, 2018 |access-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221070748/http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2018/02/20/coldilocks-oldest-captive-polar-bear-dies/mJgSrOXea9Mb5sZIr2AejO/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

A snake mascot, Phang, was introduced at Philadelphia Zoo on September 10, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 11, 2018 |title=Phang Unveiled as Snake Mascot |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2018/09/11/mls-philly-union-soccer-mascot-phang.html |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=bizjournals.com}}</ref>
In 2019, the zoo opened WildWorks, a {{cvt|34|ft}} high ropes course with bridges, ropes, and obstacles. Participants wear [[climbing harness]]es. Two courses are available, each designed for a different age group and skill level. A smaller system for children under {{cvt|48|in|cm}} is also available.<ref>[https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/Explore/Attractions/WildWorks-Ropes-Course.htm "WildWorks ropes course"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517233742/https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/Explore/Attractions/WildWorks-Ropes-Course.htm |date=May 17, 2019 }}. ''philadelphiazoo.org''. Philadelphia Zoo. Retrieved May 17, 2019.</ref>

During the Holiday Season (Late November to Early January), the Philadelphia Zoo hosts a walking nighttime light show called [https://patch.com/pennsylvania/newtown-pa/ryan-abramson-reviews-luminature-philadelphia-zoo-nodx?utm_source=share-link&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=share Luminature].  Luminature includes holiday music and over 1 million lights throughout 16 illuminated zones around the Zoo.  There are also numerous shopping, food and drink outlets.  The experience also includes actors dressed as illuminated animals and the chance to sit in a fire pit area and make s'mores. <ref>{{Cite web |title=LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo |url=https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/luminature/ |access-date=December 3, 2024 |website=Philadelphia Zoo |language=en-US}}</ref>