WILMINGTON – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation and the Delaware Zoological Society will open the Brandywine Zoo for the season with a weekend of festivities from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, March 10, and Sunday, March 11.
Visitors can tour the zoo’s “Curiosity Learning Stations,” and learn from zookeepers what the animals did during the winter season, including finding out if the zoo’s red panda took a trip, guessing which avian changed the color of her feathers, and discovering whether the bobcat picked the Eagles to win the Superbowl.
“The opening of the Brandywine Zoo is a rite of spring, and a time for fun and education for kids of all ages,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “There are more than a hundred animals to be seen and programs to enjoy throughout the season. The Brandywine Zoo is a true Delaware gem – a serene yet wild place set in beautiful Brandywine Park. I encourage everyone to come and visit Delaware’s only zoo.”
The Brandywine Zoo is managed by the Division of Parks & Recreation with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), and is one of over 200 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America, a distinction that marks its commitment to providing excellent care for animals.
“The start of a new season at the Brandywine Zoo is always an exciting time,” said Michael T. Allen, Executive Director of the Delaware Zoological Society. “We are delighted to welcome visitors to the zoo to learn more about our mission of conservation and education. While we don’t have any big announcements yet, stay tuned for some new animals that will be joining us later in 2018.”
The Brandywine Zoo opened in 1905 in Brandywine Park in Wilmington, and is located high above the banks of the Brandywine River. Its residents include red pandas, condors, river otters, burrowing owls, pygmy goats, llamas, rheas, the capybara (the world’s largest rodent), and other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians native to the Americas, and the temperate areas of Asia. A total of 125 animals live at the zoo, although several are not on exhibit and reserved for the Travelling Zoo program. Many of the animals are rescues, unable to be returned to the wild. The zoo has a small petting zoo area, and offers frequent close encounter programs where visitors may meet animals up- close. The schedule for special events, daily programs, education workshops, and spring, summer and holiday camps, is on the zoo website. The zoo is fully accessible.
For more information, visit www.destateparks.com/attractions/brandywine-zoo/ or www.brandywinezoo.org.
Vol. 48, No. 45
Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902