PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — They came by way of steamboat, horse and carriage, train, and foot. On July 1, 1874, about 3,000 people had the opportunity to see nearly 600 animals up close at America’s first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo.
It opened its gates exactly 150 years ago and has become known around the world for its animal care, conservation and innovation. The zoo, which now houses more than 1,700 animals, recognized the milestone anniversary on Monday with a celebration of its past and present achievements. Visitors were greeted by a brass band, much like they were that first day of operation back in 1874, and a troop of François' langurs.
The Philadelphia Zoo was actually established in 1859, but the grand opening was delayed until 1874 due to the Civil War. Then in 1901, a first-of-its-kind animal health laboratory was built.
“We were trying to understand and learn more about animal physiology and health and really understood that there were diseases that could be transmitted between humans and animals, and there is a whole field of zoonotic diseases now,” said President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman.
“The same thing with animal nutrition. We were the first zoo to create animal diets. They were called zoocakes, and there is a whole field of animal nutrition studies.”
Mogerman, who started her job last October, is a part of history, too. She is the first African American and the first woman to lead the zoo.
The Philadelphia Zoo has pioneered many other firsts. In 2011, it launched Zoo360, a trail system where animals move beside guests, above in the treetops, and over people’s heads along pathways.
“The 360 trails have now been replicated in more than 70 zoos around the world,” said Mogerman.
In the 1960s, Zoo Keys — a memorable visitor favorite — were introduced. Children used the keys to turn on talking story boxes and learn about the animals they see in front of them.
Hollywood royalty was no stranger to the zoo either. In 1979, Rocky proposed to Adrian in “Rocky II,” right in front of the tiger enclosure. Decades prior, the Philadelphia Zoo took in a very famous resident. In 1931, the mascot of MGM, Leo the lion, retired to the zoo.
And even after all these years, there’s still more to come.
Mogerman says they will be announcing a major exhibit renovation and expansion in the coming months that will “change our campus and strengthen our commitments to our conservation mission and guest experience."