When the doors of the Elmwood Park Zoo opened in 1924, Norristown finally had a place for locals to experience the untold splendors of the world’s animals. A local farmer had a group of various animals and he deeded them, plus sixteen acres of land, to the city in order to establish a zoological garden. The collection has grown steadily since then, but the mandate of the organization has remained the same: it’s dedicated to exhibiting animals native to the Americas in comfortable, safe habitats. It doesn’t have the popular African animals but instead makes up for it by showing off cool creatures like jaguars, Chacoan peccaries, golden eagles and timber wolves. The varieties of habitats on display is very impressive. The staff is friendly and there is a bounty of educational materials to peruse. Admission prices are kept very reasonable and parking is free, which is a nice bonus.

Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Boulevard
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 277-3825
http://www.yelp.com/biz/elmwood-park-zoo-norristown