As the region prepares for one of the hottest stretches of weather so far this year, Philadelphia Zoo is adjusting its operating hours to help guests enjoy their visit during the coolest parts of the day.
The temporary schedule changes will be in effect from Thursday, July 2, through Saturday, July 4, allowing visitors to explore the Zoo while avoiding the most intense afternoon heat.
Thursday, July 2: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (last entry at 1:00 p.m.)Friday, July 3: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (last entry at 1:00 p.m.)Saturday, July 4: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:00 p.m.)
The schedule adjustment comes as the Zoo welcomes both local residents and visitors to take advantage of one of its best admission offers of the year. In celebration of America 250 and the Zoo’s 153rd grand opening anniversary, guests can receive 25% off all general admission tickets from Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5 by using the promotional code 4JULY25.
Regular ticket prices range from $21 to $29.50 for adults and $17 to $24 for children, making the holiday promotion an ideal opportunity for families looking to visit. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to secure savings.
To help visitors stay comfortable during the heat wave, Philadelphia Zoo has several amenities in place across its 42-acre campus. The Zoo features 10 complimentary water filling stations to encourage hydration, all clearly marked on the Zoo Map. Guests can also take advantage of shaded pathways and outdoor picnic areas, including Backyard Kitchen and Shamba Yard, located next to Flamingo Cove.
For those looking to cool down even further, refreshing treats are available for purchase throughout the Zoo, including Kelly’s Water Ice at Urban Green and ice cream from the Scoop Shack.
The Zoo is also taking extra precautions to ensure the health and comfort of its animals during the extreme temperatures. Animal care teams provide access to shaded and air-conditioned spaces while creating special enrichment activities designed to keep animals cool.
Some of the heat-relief enrichment measures include fish frozen inside blocks of ice for giant river otters, frozen carrots for goats, and frozen primate chow for gorillas and orangutans. Giant tortoises can enjoy pools and mud wallows, while white rhino Tony has access to a massive mud wallow designed to help him stay comfortable. Alpacas can cool off in kiddie pools at the barnyard, and big cats benefit from misters located along the Zoo360 trail.
Visitors planning to spend part of their July 4 holiday weekend at Philadelphia Zoo can explore the animals, enjoy seasonal savings, and take advantage of the Zoo’s cooling amenities while visiting during the adjusted operating hours.