Brandywine Zoo
1001 North Park Dr.
Wilmington, DE 19802
(302) 571-7747• •571-7850 Education
www.brandywinezoo.org/

Originally known as the Wilmington Zoo, and Delaware's only zoo, the Brandywine was founded in 1905. The name changed when the 180-acre Brandywine Park was transferred to the New Castle County Dept. of Parks and Recreation.

The Zoo itself occupies twelve acres overlooking Brandywine Creek in one of the state's most beautiful areas. It is home to about 120 animals of some 56 species, and each year 80,000 people enjoy seeing them.

Dedicated to conservation and education, the Zoo features a number of great programs for both families and groups, as well as a variety of membership and volunteer opportunities that allow people to contribute to the expansion of the zoo and the well-being of the animals.

Visitors will encounter more than 20 different exhibit areas showing the inhabitants: rheas, llamas, capybara, otters, foxes, sloth, Amur tigers, red pandas, other cats, a variety of birds, and exotic animals.

The Brandywine Zoo is the place for family programs. There is something going on every weekend for preschoolers and up -- activities that parents will enjoy, too. ZooCamp is a day camp consisting of four week-long sessions for children ages 4 through 13. Visit the official website linked above for details.

School Groups have a great resource for fun and education in the Zoo. Zoo School Classes are available for pre-K through high school. Each program can accommodate from 15 to 60 students: Animal Behavior combines math and science while honing observation skills to study animals at the Zoo. Safe Environments is the Zoo's Anti-Bullying program which teaches respect for each other and for the planet. Storybook programs are great for pre-K - Grade 3 students.

Traveling Zoo programs are also available, as are Teacher Resources on the website.

If Delaware has only one zoo, it's got a good one. And its growing! Plans for the future include the construction of a Tropical Rainforest building and Asia Trail.


Hours: Daily 10 am - 4 pm.
Admission (around May - September):
Adults $7.00
Seniors 62+ $5.00
Children 3-17 $5.00
Children under 3
Admission (around October - April):
Adults $5.00
Seniors $4.00
Children 3-17 $3.00
Children under 3 FREE
Prices subject to change. Call to confirm.
Family programs range in cost from FREE with Zoo admission to an additional $7.00 or so.
Groups: Group discount available. Call for details.
Group Reservations: 4 weeks for groups. Family programs should also be reserved about 2 weeks ahead.
Lunch: Refreshments served. Picnic area available.
Handicapped Access: Accessible.
Directions: I-95 South to Wilmington. Exit for Rt. 202 South (Concord Pike). Go about ¼ mile and bear right onto Baynard Blvd. Go about ½ mile to North Park Dr. and turn right. About 30 - 60 minutes from Philadelphia.

Copyright © 1996-2014 by Patrick Tadeushuk. All Rights Reserved.