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Coordinates: 40°08′00″N 75°20′15″W / 40.1332°N 75.3375°W / 40.1332; -75.3375
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{{multiple issues|
{{primary sources|date=December 2015}}
{{third-party|date=December 2015}}
}}
{{Infobox zoo
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name=Elmwood Park Zoo
|zoo_name = Elmwood Park Zoo
|image=Elmwood Park Zoo 01.jpg
|image = Elmwood Park Zoo Sloth.jpg
|image_caption=Entrance to the Elmwood Park Zoo. July 2013.
|image_caption = Guests view a sloth at Elmwood Park Zoo
|location=[[Norristown, Pennsylvania|Norristown]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States|USA]]
|location = {{nowrap|[[Norristown, Pennsylvania|Norristown]], [[Pennsylvania]], U.S.}}
|date_opened=July 4, 1924
|date_opened = July 4, 1924
|area = 16 acres<ref name=AboutUs>[https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/about-us/ "About Us"]. ''elmwoodparkzoo.org''. Elmwood Park Zoo. Retrieved October 26, 2021.</ref>
|area=16
|coordinates={{Coord|40.1332|-75.3375|type:landmark_region:US-PA|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates = {{Coord|40.1332|-75.3375|type:landmark_region:US-PA|display=inline,title}}
|members=[[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]]<ref name="aza_list"/>
|members = [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]]<ref name="aza_list"/>
|num_animals=300
|num_animals = 300
|num_species=100
|num_species = 100
|annual_visitors=300,000
|annual_visitors = 800,000
| publictransit = {{bus icon|12px}} {{rint|septa|60px}} [[SEPTA]] bus: {{SEPTA bus link|90}} (at Markley Street)
|website={{URL|http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org}}
|website = {{URL|http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org}}
}}
}}
'''Elmwood Park Zoo''' is a zoo located in [[Norristown, Pennsylvania|Norristown]], [[Pennsylvania]].


==History==
The '''Elmwood Park Zoo''' is located in [[Norristown, Pennsylvania]]. The zoo first opened in 1924, when a private landowner donated a small piece of property and a handful of White Tailed Deer to the Borough of Norristown. The zoo continued to be operated by the borough until 1985 when the Norristown Zoological Society- a group of community minded citizens who oversaw programs and donated their time and money to support the zoo- became an official non-profit organization and assumed control from the Borough of Norristown. 1989 beagn the plan for expansion of the zoo and with it finally being complete in 2002, this plan saw the zoo expand in size from eight to sixteen acres.<ref>{{Cite web|title = History • Elmwood Park Zoo {{!}} Elmwood Park Zoo {{!}} www.elmwoodparkzoo.org|url = http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/history.php|website = www.elmwoodparkzoo.org|accessdate = 2015-11-24}}</ref>
Elmwood Park Zoo officially opened in 1924 after a private land owner donated a small piece of property and a handful of [[white-tailed deer]] to the borough of Norristown. The first animals that were exhibited were native to North and South America. The Zoo was supported financially through donations and support by the Norristown Zoological Society. The Norristown Zoological Society established itself as a non profit organization and took over ownership of the Zoo from the municipality of Norristown in 1985.


From 1999 through 2002, the Zoo underwent a major expansion that doubled its overall size from 8 to 16 acres. The expansion included a new entrance pavilion and administrative offices, as well as a cafe and gift shop. One of the most popular additions was the Thomas Kimmel Playground that opened in 2001. A year later, the Zoo finished its Oberkircher Discovery Center, a facility dedicated to education programs.<ref>{{Cite web|title = History • Elmwood Park Zoo {{!}} Elmwood Park Zoo {{!}} www.elmwoodparkzoo.org|url = https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/about-us/history/|accessdate = }}</ref>
⚫
In the [[Newbery Medal]]-winning fiction book ''[[Maniac Magee]]'', the titular character lives briefly in the bison pen of the Elmwood Park Zoo.<ref name="magee122">{{cite book|last=Spinelli|first=Jerry|title= Maniac Magee|year=1990|pages=122}}</ref>


In 2013 the Zoo opened a giraffe exhibit that included daily public feedings. These feedings are still a popular ongoing attraction.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Shows And Attractions • Elmwood Park Zoo {{!}} Elmwood Park Zoo {{!}} www.elmwoodparkzoo.org|url = https://elmwoodparkzoo.org/visit/shows-attractions/|website = www.elmwoodparkzoo.org|accessdate = 2024-02-05}}</ref>
⚫
==Gallery==

2017 saw the opening of the Zoo's Trail of the Jaguar exhibit.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.valleyforge.org/blog/post/elmwood-park-zoo-trail-of-the-jaguar-opening/ | title=Trail of the Jaguar Opens at Elmwood Park Zoo | date=2 May 2017 }}</ref> The facility is home to a number of species native to the North American southwest region, including *[[Ocelot]], *[[Bobcat]], *[[Jaguar]], *[[Burrowing Owl]], and *[[Gila Monster]].

In May of 2018, Elmwood Park Zoo became the first zoo in the world to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The designation, given by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), is awarded to organizations who have completed a training and review process with the goal to better serve individuals with autism and other sensory needs. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://ibcces.org/blog/2018/05/06/zoo-becomes-first-to-earn-certified-autism-center-designation/ | title=Zoo Becomes First to Earn Certified Autism Center Designation | date=6 May 2018 }}</ref>

In the spring of 2021, the Zoo became one of the first in the country to allow guests to visit along with their pet dogs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/elmwood-park-zoo-dog-friendly-montgomery-county/ | title=Elmwood Park Zoo becomes dog-friendly for Dog Days, Yappy Hours | date=19 February 2021 }}</ref> Guests are permitted to bring their dogs on select days of the week, as well as specific special events. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/visit/dog-friendly/ | title=Dog Friendly }}</ref>

The Zoo broke ground on a new Welcome Center and Veterinarian Hospital in the winter of 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.timesherald.com/2022/11/07/its-life-changing-for-elmwood-30m-donation-to-fund-zoos-veterinary-hospital-welcome-plaza/ | title='It's life changing for Elmwood': $30 million donation to fund zoo's veterinary hospital, welcome plaza | date=7 November 2022 }}</ref> The multi-million dollar Frank and Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center opened in the summer of 2024. It features interactive displays, animal exhibits, and over 3000 sq ft of retail space. The hospital's exam rooms and commissary are viewable by the public.

===American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)===
The Elmwood Park Zoo American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is a non-profit organization made up of zoo professionals.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.aazk.org/about-us/|title = mission statement|date = |accessdate = December 3, 2015 |website = american association of zoo keepers|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>

==Types of animals==
There are a variety of species living at the Zoo, including amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. There are animals on exhibit as well as a collection of "Educational Ambassadors" that appear periodically in onsite presentations and traveling programs. Animals on exhibit include [[red panda]]s, [[bison]], [[zebra]]s, [[giraffe]]s, [[jaguar]]s, [[otter]]s, an [[American alligator]] and many more.

The Zoo is home to a North American [[bald eagle]] named Noah. Noah was born in July 2001. At 8 weeks old, Noah fell 80&nbsp;ft. from his nest and suffered head injuries. He spent the first year of his life in recovery at an animal hospital. Deemed unfit to re-enter the wild, Noah was kept in captivity and trained to serve as an Educational Ambassador. Elmwood Park Zoo adopted Noah in 2008. He now appears onsite and in outreach programs that promote wildlife conservation. Noah also appears as the live mascot for the professional football team, the [[Philadelphia Eagles]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Meet the Animals • Elmwood Park Zoo {{!}} Elmwood Park Zoo {{!}} www.elmwoodparkzoo.org|url = http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/meet-the-animals.php|website = www.elmwoodparkzoo.org|accessdate = 2015-12-08}}</ref>

==Threatened animal conservation==
Elmwood Park Zoo promotes wildlife and resource conservation and participates in animal management programs as a member of the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (AZA).<ref>{{Cite web|title = Animal Management Programs • Elmwood Park Zoo {{!}} Elmwood Park Zoo {{!}} www.elmwoodparkzoo.org|url = http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/animal-management-programs.php|website = www.elmwoodparkzoo.org|accessdate = 2015-12-08}}</ref> The Species Survival Plan (SSP) is the official program of the association that Elmwood Park Zoo has adopted to help protect threatened animals. Some of the Zoo's animals that are managed by the Species Survival Plan include the following:
*[[Panamanian golden frog]]
*[[Giraffe]]
*[[Jaguar]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesherald.com/article/JR/20170429/NEWS/170429798|title=Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, opens 'best jaguar exhibit in the country'|access-date=2017-08-03|language=en}}</ref>
*[[White-faced saki]]
*[[North American river otter]]
*[[Burrowing owl]]
*[[Chacoan peccary]]
*[[North American porcupine]]
*[[Golden lion tamarin]]

==Land conservation==
In addition to Elmwood Park Zoo’s active role in animal management conservation, the zoo is also active in projects focused on conserving essential natural environments. Some of the conservation projects the Zoo has supported include the following:
*The Titi Conservation Alliance
*habitat reforestation
*[[Río Naranjo (Guatemala)|Naranjo River]] Biological Corridor
*environmental education
*The Red Panda Network
*The American Bird Conservancy
*The CCCI
*The [[Monterey Bay Aquarium]] "Seafood Watch".<ref>{{Cite web|title = Conservation Projects • Welcome to the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania {{!}} Elmwood Park Zoo {{!}} www.elmwoodparkzoo.org|url = http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/conservation-projects.php|website = www.elmwoodparkzoo.org|accessdate = 2015-12-08}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
⚫
In the [[Newbery Medal]]-winning fiction book ''[[Maniac Magee]]'', the titular character lives briefly in the bison pen of Elmwood Park Zoo.<ref name="magee122">{{cite book|last=Spinelli|first=Jerry|title= Maniac Magee|url=https://archive.org/details/maniacmageenovel00spin|url-access=registration|year=1990|pages=[https://archive.org/details/maniacmageenovel00spin/page/122 122]}}</ref>

[[File:Frank & Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center.jpg|thumb|Frank & Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center]]
⚫
===Gallery===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Elmwood Park Zoo 02.JPG
File:Elmwood Park Zoo Playground.jpg|The Thomas Kimmel Playground at Elmwood Park Zoo
File:Education Ambassador Owl.jpg|Guests meet an Education Ambassador owl
File:Elmwood Park Zoo 04.JPG|Bald and Golden eagles
File:Noah the Bald Eagle at Philadelphia Eagles.jpg|Noah the Bald Eagle at Philadelphia Eagles
File:Elmwood Park Zoo 11.JPG|[[Union Pacific Railroad]] caboose
File:Elmwood Park Zoo 12.JPG|Prairie dog exhibit
File:Elmwood Park Zoo Jaguar.jpg|A jaguar splashes in water
File:Giraffe at Elmwood Park Zoo 03.JPG|Giraffe feeding
File:Giraffe at Elmwood Park Zoo 03.JPG|Giraffe feeding
</gallery>
</gallery>
Line 29: Line 81:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist |refs=
{{Reflist |refs=

<ref name="aza_list">
<ref name="aza_list">
{{ZooOrg|aza|zoos|accessdate=3 July 2011}}
{{ZooOrg|aza|zoos|accessdate=3 July 2011}}
</ref>
</ref>

}}
}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org}}
*{{Official website|https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org}}


{{commons category|Elmwood Park Zoo}}
{{commons category|Elmwood Park Zoo}}


{{Zoos of Pennsylvania}}
{{Zoos of Pennsylvania}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Zoos in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Zoos in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Norristown, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Zoos established in 1924]]
[[Category:Educational organizations established in 1924]]
[[Category:Zoos established in the 1920s]]
[[Category:1924 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:1924 establishments in Pennsylvania]]


{{zoo-stub}}
{{Pennsylvania-stub}}

Latest revision as of 20:50, 6 November 2024

Elmwood Park Zoo
Guests view a sloth at Elmwood Park Zoo
Map
40°08′00″N 75°20′15″W / 40.1332°N 75.3375°W / 40.1332; -75.3375
Date openedJuly 4, 1924
LocationNorristown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Land area16 acres[1]
No. of animals300
No. of species100
Annual visitors800,000
MembershipsAZA[2]
Public transit accessBus transport SEPTA bus: 90 (at Markley Street)
Websitewww.elmwoodparkzoo.org

Elmwood Park Zoo is a zoo located in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

History

[edit]

Elmwood Park Zoo officially opened in 1924 after a private land owner donated a small piece of property and a handful of white-tailed deer to the borough of Norristown. The first animals that were exhibited were native to North and South America. The Zoo was supported financially through donations and support by the Norristown Zoological Society. The Norristown Zoological Society established itself as a non profit organization and took over ownership of the Zoo from the municipality of Norristown in 1985.

From 1999 through 2002, the Zoo underwent a major expansion that doubled its overall size from 8 to 16 acres. The expansion included a new entrance pavilion and administrative offices, as well as a cafe and gift shop. One of the most popular additions was the Thomas Kimmel Playground that opened in 2001. A year later, the Zoo finished its Oberkircher Discovery Center, a facility dedicated to education programs.[3]

In 2013 the Zoo opened a giraffe exhibit that included daily public feedings. These feedings are still a popular ongoing attraction.[4]

2017 saw the opening of the Zoo's Trail of the Jaguar exhibit.[5] The facility is home to a number of species native to the North American southwest region, including *Ocelot, *Bobcat, *Jaguar, *Burrowing Owl, and *Gila Monster.

In May of 2018, Elmwood Park Zoo became the first zoo in the world to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC). The designation, given by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), is awarded to organizations who have completed a training and review process with the goal to better serve individuals with autism and other sensory needs. [6]

In the spring of 2021, the Zoo became one of the first in the country to allow guests to visit along with their pet dogs.[7] Guests are permitted to bring their dogs on select days of the week, as well as specific special events. [8]

The Zoo broke ground on a new Welcome Center and Veterinarian Hospital in the winter of 2023.[9] The multi-million dollar Frank and Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center opened in the summer of 2024. It features interactive displays, animal exhibits, and over 3000 sq ft of retail space. The hospital's exam rooms and commissary are viewable by the public.

American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)

[edit]

The Elmwood Park Zoo American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is a non-profit organization made up of zoo professionals.[10]

Types of animals

[edit]

There are a variety of species living at the Zoo, including amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. There are animals on exhibit as well as a collection of "Educational Ambassadors" that appear periodically in onsite presentations and traveling programs. Animals on exhibit include red pandas, bison, zebras, giraffes, jaguars, otters, an American alligator and many more.

The Zoo is home to a North American bald eagle named Noah. Noah was born in July 2001. At 8 weeks old, Noah fell 80 ft. from his nest and suffered head injuries. He spent the first year of his life in recovery at an animal hospital. Deemed unfit to re-enter the wild, Noah was kept in captivity and trained to serve as an Educational Ambassador. Elmwood Park Zoo adopted Noah in 2008. He now appears onsite and in outreach programs that promote wildlife conservation. Noah also appears as the live mascot for the professional football team, the Philadelphia Eagles.[11]

Threatened animal conservation

[edit]

Elmwood Park Zoo promotes wildlife and resource conservation and participates in animal management programs as a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).[12] The Species Survival Plan (SSP) is the official program of the association that Elmwood Park Zoo has adopted to help protect threatened animals. Some of the Zoo's animals that are managed by the Species Survival Plan include the following:

Land conservation

[edit]

In addition to Elmwood Park Zoo’s active role in animal management conservation, the zoo is also active in projects focused on conserving essential natural environments. Some of the conservation projects the Zoo has supported include the following:

  • The Titi Conservation Alliance
  • habitat reforestation
  • Naranjo River Biological Corridor
  • environmental education
  • The Red Panda Network
  • The American Bird Conservancy
  • The CCCI
  • The Monterey Bay Aquarium "Seafood Watch".[14]
[edit]

In the Newbery Medal-winning fiction book Maniac Magee, the titular character lives briefly in the bison pen of Elmwood Park Zoo.[15]

Frank & Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center
[edit]
  • The Thomas Kimmel Playground at Elmwood Park Zoo
    The Thomas Kimmel Playground at Elmwood Park Zoo
  • Guests meet an Education Ambassador owl
    Guests meet an Education Ambassador owl
  • Noah the Bald Eagle at Philadelphia Eagles
    Noah the Bald Eagle at Philadelphia Eagles
  • A jaguar splashes in water
    A jaguar splashes in water
  • Giraffe feeding
    Giraffe feeding

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "About Us". elmwoodparkzoo.org. Elmwood Park Zoo. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  2. ^ "Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  3. ^ "History • Elmwood Park Zoo | Elmwood Park Zoo | www.elmwoodparkzoo.org".
  4. ^ "Shows And Attractions • Elmwood Park Zoo | Elmwood Park Zoo | www.elmwoodparkzoo.org". www.elmwoodparkzoo.org. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  5. ^ "Trail of the Jaguar Opens at Elmwood Park Zoo". 2 May 2017.
  6. ^ "Zoo Becomes First to Earn Certified Autism Center Designation". 6 May 2018.
  7. ^ "Elmwood Park Zoo becomes dog-friendly for Dog Days, Yappy Hours". 19 February 2021.
  8. ^ "Dog Friendly".
  9. ^ "'It's life changing for Elmwood': $30 million donation to fund zoo's veterinary hospital, welcome plaza". 7 November 2022.
  10. ^ "mission statement". american association of zoo keepers. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  11. ^ "Meet the Animals • Elmwood Park Zoo | Elmwood Park Zoo | www.elmwoodparkzoo.org". www.elmwoodparkzoo.org. Retrieved 2015-12-08.
  12. ^ "Animal Management Programs • Elmwood Park Zoo | Elmwood Park Zoo | www.elmwoodparkzoo.org". www.elmwoodparkzoo.org. Retrieved 2015-12-08.
  13. ^ "Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, opens 'best jaguar exhibit in the country'". Retrieved 2017-08-03.
  14. ^ "Conservation Projects • Welcome to the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania | Elmwood Park Zoo | www.elmwoodparkzoo.org". www.elmwoodparkzoo.org. Retrieved 2015-12-08.
  15. ^ Spinelli, Jerry (1990). Maniac Magee. pp. 122.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Elmwood Park Zoo.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elmwood_Park_Zoo&oldid=1255820116"