PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Zoo has heralded a significant $5 million contribution from the W. P. Carey Foundation to overhaul its Bear Country exhibit. This pivotal investment marks the beginning of a substantial expansion and renovation effort, in collaboration with the esteemed design firm PGAV Destinations. The project aims to enhance the Zoo’s already ambitious Zoo360 trail system, alongside the introduction of a third bear habitat, set to redefine the visitor experience and bolster the Zoo’s commitment to conservation.
The transformation of Bear Country is part of a broader $20 million initiative, supported by a coalition of benefactors including the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the William Penn Foundation. This collective effort underscores a shared commitment to advancing the Zoo’s educational and conservation missions while enhancing its appeal to visitors.
Groundbreaking for the new exhibit is slated for early 2025, with an anticipated unveiling in the spring of 2026. This state-of-the-art project promises to provide an immersive experience for guests, offering unprecedented proximity to the bears through innovative glass viewing areas and a Zoo360 exploration trail. The new bear habitats are designed not only to expand space but also to support the Zoo’s breeding programs, a critical component of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan.
Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo, emphasized the transformative nature of this investment, stating, “This state-of-the-art exhibit will not only transform our campus and give our guests brand new ways to see and interact with our bears with the addition of a brand-new habitat and Zoo360 trail, but it will enhance the conservation work we can do to protect endangered bears around the world.”
The renovation will feature enriched environments with new water features and landscaping, aimed at promoting sustainability through recirculating water systems. Additionally, the exhibit will enable animal keepers to deliver enhanced behavioral enrichment and conduct training sessions in view of the public, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the Zoo’s conservation efforts.
As the Zoo prepares to embark on this ambitious project, it will temporarily relocate its resident bears and Humboldt penguins to other AZA-accredited facilities, ensuring their welfare during construction. The Zoo’s sloth bears, Bhalu and Kayla, are expected to return upon the exhibit’s completion, while Andean bear Sinchi will remain paired with another female at a different zoo. Meanwhile, the Zoo’s flamboyance of flamingos will find a new home in a habitat adjacent to the McNeil Avian Center.
With its roots deeply entrenched in Philadelphia’s cultural and philanthropic landscape, the W. P. Carey Foundation’s latest endowment will enrich multigenerational learning experiences and honor the legacy of Francis J. Carey, affectionately known as “G-Bear.” As the Philadelphia Zoo forges ahead with this landmark project, it continues to solidify its role as a beacon of conservation and education, inviting the world to share in its vision for a sustainable future.
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