Zoos to visit in Delaware, Pennsylvania and NJ for wild animals, fun events
As school is almost out and the weather is getting hotter, these zoos in and near Delaware have something to offer for everyone this summer, from new animals to beer fundraisers.
The Brandywine Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo and Cape May County Zoo have plenty of events planned for families and adults only.
Here are some of the events being held by both, and how to get tickets.
Brandywine Zoo
1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington, Delaware. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets $7-$9. Visit brandywinezoo.org/
The Brandywine Zoo, which is located in Brandywine Park in Wilmington, has plenty of events lined up this summer. Here are a few:
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World Ocean's Day
In celebration of World Ocean's Day, Brandywine Zoo will host an event in hopes of raising awareness about the roles of oceans and the value of protecting them. Ocean-themed activities, a performance by the Chesapeake Mermaid, a scavenger hunt and more will be held on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is included with regular zoo admissions, so no extra ticket is necessary for the event. More information can be found here: brandywinezoo.org/events/specialevents.
Sip & Stroll (multiple dates)
The zoo also holds Sip & Strolls, a family event featuring craft beer, wine, and hard cider and seltzer. Animal encounters, live music and fun for all ages are promised at the event. Some of the Thursday dates include June 20, July 11 and Aug. 8.
Members admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children (3 and under free); non-members is $10 for adults, $7 for children (3 and under free).
Pride Day
On Saturday, June 22, the zoo will host its fourth annual Pride event. The zoo asks attendees to wear their Pride gear and have a day filled with education, a scavenger hunt, story time and more. The event is included with regular admission, and will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information can be found here: brandywinezoo.org/events/specialevents/
Family Fun Night (multiple dates)
Family Fun Night is an event hosted during evening hours with a reduced admission rate of $2 for non-members, with children under 3 free. Members receive free admission, and the night promises $1 hot dogs and $1 soft drinks. Dates include Thursdays, July 25 and Aug. 29.
Tickets must be purchased at the gate. For more information, visit here: brandywinezoo.org/events/specialevents/
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Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets $19-28, with children under 2 admitted free. Parking $17.
The Philadelphia Zoo has plenty of events, too, with new animals as well.
Some of the new arrivals to the zoo include a female snow leopard named Marcy, A baby white-handed gibbon named Eros and Patty, a female western lowland gorilla.
Here are some of the new exhibits and events hosted by the zoo this summer.
Summer Ale Festival
On Saturday, July 20, from 7 to 10 p.m., the zoo will be hosting a Summer Ale Festival featuring over 100 seasonal craft-beers. Alongside spirits, the zoo will also have food trucks.
The event is hosted as a fundraiser, and is only open to 21+. Tickets can only be purchased via website, and not at the gate. Tickets range from $60-$75, and can be bought here: philadelphiazoo.org/events/summer-ale-festival/
Lemur Island
The zoo's exhibit titled Lemur Island allows attendees to step in with ring-tailed and mongoose lemurs with no fences, moats or barriers. Get up close with ring-tailed lemurs for a one-of-a-kind experience that is free to all visitors.
Giraffe Experience
Looking to add more to your zoo day? The Philadelphia Zoo offers giraffe experiences where visitors can feed giraffes, with tickets being purchased at the zoo for $6 per guest. Sessions are from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Sellout is possible before the end of each session.
Cape May County Park & Zoo
707 N. Route 9, Cape May Court House. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit nj-capemaycounty.civicplus.com/1008/Park-Zoo
Visit this 200-acre park for a relaxing day of observing and learning.
Cape May County Park & Zoo is home to more than 550 animals representing 250 species located on 85 acres, with exhibits including the Reptile House, Amphibian House and the African Savanna with its giraffes, zebras and antelopes.
The zoo, with free admission (donations encouraged), offers a chance to bison, alpaca, Black Howler Monkey, otters, Scimitar-Horned Oryx, snow leopard, Ankole Watusi, bears, African lions and more.
Yoga in the Zoo
If you want to try your downward dog around some actual four-legged critters, visit Cape May County Park & Zoo on Saturday, June 29, or Saturday, July 27, or Saturday, Aug 24.
Guests should bring a mat and water for a session of yoga by the animals.
Meet promptly at the zoo entrance at 8:45 am. If you are late and miss the special early zoo admission with the group, you may not be able to attend the class.
There is a suggested donation of $15-$20, which will go toward the care and feeding of zoo animals.
Special events planned for later in the year include Unity Day on Aug. 26, Star Wars Day on Sept. 14 and Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 26.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Summer events at Brandywine, Philadelphia and Cape May County zoos
