The Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
"America''s First Zoo." Chartered 1859 as the Zoological Society of Philadelphia. A wildlife refuge and a zoological garden, the zoo has long been committed to fulfilling its public mission: conservation, research, education, recreation.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Chartered in 1859 as the Zoological Society of Philadelphia, this is celebrated as America's first zoo. Conceived as both a wildlife refuge and a public garden, it opened its gates to a curious nation eager to see the world's creatures up close. From the start it married recreation with a mission of conservation, research, and education that it still pursues today.
Why it matters
As the country's first zoo, it helped define how Americans encounter wildlife and pioneered the idea that a zoo should teach and conserve, not merely display.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia2.8 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center2.9 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center2.9 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer2.9 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center3.0 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall3.0 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge0.1 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo0.2 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir0.6 mi away
- Rocky Steps1.1 mi away
- American Bandstand1.4 mi away
- The Universal Sphere1.9 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King2.8 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory2.8 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe2.8 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Dunkin'2.9 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca2.9 mi away
- Lamberti Pizza & Market2.9 mi away · 707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia2.3 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center2.3 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City2.3 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel2.3 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA2.4 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown2.4 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related events
- · Chartering of the Zoological Society of Philadelphia
Themes & tags
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