Master Plan - Elmwood Park Zoo

In 2019 Elmwood Park Zoo began to develop an ambitious long-term plan. This Master Plan would ensure that the zoo maintained its foundation as a leading cultural and educational destination for families in the Philadelphia area, while also dynamically transforming the facility into a world-class zoological institution.

Elmwood Park Zoo's Master Plan will bring a number of new and exciting features and exhibits to its expanded 38 acre footprint. Current animal enclosures will be revitalized, and comprehensive changes to the zoo's infrastructure will improve everything from daily operations to guest experiences.

While the goals of a master plan can typically take many years and even decades to come to fruition, Elmwood Park Zoo's upcoming 100th anniversary in 2024 provided us with a unique opportunity to extend our ambitions even further. Elmwood Park Zoo's 100 Years Campaign aims to raise enough funds to complete Phase 1 of the Master Plan by 2024.

100 YEARS CAMPAIGN

FUNDRAISING PROGRESS

Thankfully, the 100 Years Campaign has already begun receiving generous funding from champions of the community. In June 2021, a lead gift of $30 million fulfilled over 50% of Phase 1's $50 million goal. Additional gifts, including $2 million from J.P. Mascaro & Sons, $1 million from the Genuardi Family Foundation, $300,000 from Quest For The Best Foundation, $250,000 from the Arcadia Foundation, $70,000 from the Timken Foundation, and $50,000 from the McLean Contributionship ensures that we are well on our way toward the bright future promised by the Master Plan.

The funding needed to realize our future can come from you. Please consider making a donation to Elmwood Park Zoo's 100 Years Campaign. To learn more, contact Jennifer Conti, Development Director at 610-277-3825 ext. 229 or jconti@elmwoodparkzoo.org. We hope to make you a part of Elmwood Park Zoo’s future!

As fundraising and construction on Phase 1 of the campaign continue, the zoo continues to develop the next phases of its transformation. New exhibits and animals are planned for the zoo, in addition to a re-imagination of current favorites. Although we are focused on completing the 100 Years Campaign, we are happy to entertain any interest in the following phases of the master plan.

THE FUTURE OF ELMWOOD PARK ZOO

MASTER PLAN PHASE 1

Featuring state-of-the-art veterinary equipment and complete with a surgical suite, diagnostic lab, indoor/outdoor recovery wards, and an in-house pharmacy, the zoo’s future 17,000 square foot Animal Hospital will support the unique and diverse needs of all the animals residing at Elmwood Park Zoo. Viewing windows will allow guests to watch Veterinary staff perform complete exams and will provide insight into the dedicated care our animals receive each day. In addition, a viewing window into the Animal Commissary will give guests the rare opportunity to watch diets being prepared for all of the animals at the zoo.

The beautifully reimagined entrance plaza will feature numerous ticket windows, relaxing rest areas, and extra guest facilities — including a boutique gift shop.

UPDATED ENTRY PLAZA CONCEPTS

Construction of a new Amur tiger exhibit is made possible by a generous gift from J.P. Mascaro & Sons. As the lead attraction of the Master Plan’s new Asian area, the tiger enclosure will debut first, followed by a new home for the zoo's red panda, as well as other soon-to-be-announced animals.

UPDATED ASIAN EXHIBITS CONCEPTS

MASTER PLAN PHASE 2

Over 20 acres of undeveloped land lie adjacent to the zoo across the Stony Creek. The Genuardi Family Foundation has awarded the zoo a $1 million grant to construct the Stony Creek Bridge, which will allow the zoo to properly access and expand into this area.

genuardi_foundations

A new haven will be created across Stony Creek for the zoo’s large hoofstock. Many of the zoo's current North American animals like the bald eagles, otters and porcupines will also be relocated here

UPDATED NORTH AMERICA CONCEPTS

The new education complex will include several classrooms, holding areas for our education ambassadors, and office space for educators. An enclosed aviary will host immersive live animal shows, designed to help foster the next generation of environmental ambassadors. The South Gate entrance will be further developed into the exclusive drop off point for visiting school groups.

UPDATED EDUCATION BUILDING CONCEPTS

MASTER PLAN PHASE 3

An additional 500-space parking lot will allow the zoo to accommodate the increased attendance generated by the new exhibits in the Master Plan.

To maintain the much larger and more complex features and exhibits within the zoo, a new maintenance building and repair area will be constructed.

As fundraising and construction on Phases 1 through 3 continue, the zoo continues to develop the future components of its Master Plan. These developments will also feature new animal exhibits, as well as some re-imaginations of current favorites. Although we remain focused on completing our 100 Years Campaign, we are happy to entertain any interest in the following future plans.

FUTURE PLANNING

Featuring beautiful free-flighted birds, rushing waterfalls and towering lush trees, the Rainforest Habitat will also double as a banquet facility, where event attendees can view the beauty of the exhibit year round through massive glass and mesh panels.

Complementing our current collection of zebras and giraffes, the new African exhibit will be much larger and will feature new animals like ostriches and large-horned nyala. Located at the zoo’s entrance, the new African exhibits will make a profound impact right as guests enter.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Thank you for taking time to learn about the future of Elmwood Park Zoo. For more information or to make a donation contact Jennifer Conti, Development Director at (610) 277-3825 ext. 229 or jconti@elmwoodparkzoo.org. We are excited to make you a part of Elmwood Park Zoo’s future!