This Five-Year, $85 Million Fundraising Effort Will Save Species, Champion Animals, Create Wild Encounters that Transform and Innovate Learning at America’s First Zoo
Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Zoo is excited to announce the public launch of “Remember the Future: The Campaign for Philadelphia Zoo,” a five-year, $85 million comprehensive fundraising effort that will support every facet of the Zoo and its aspirational conservation goals. With its storied legacy and leadership, the Zoo is uniquely positioned to respond to the ever-growing global concerns around biodiversity loss and habitat destruction and be the preeminent Zoo of the future with a guiding focus on conservation. Support of this campaign will safeguard a future with flourishing, wild habitats and the promise to spark wonder, connection, and possibility with every visit to the Zoo for generations to come. This is the most ambitious fundraising effort in the Zoo’s 150+ year history.
The Zoo is determined to raise a historic $85 million by 2028. So far, the campaign has raised $65 million and counting, which has supported projects like Francis J. Carey Bear Country, the expansion of research and educational opportunities, Hollenstein Ross Penguin Point, and the creation of the animal care endowment. To catapult this public phase of the campaign, the Zoo is hosting all-day launch parties on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 with additional wildlife chats, animal feedings, Philly sports mascot visits, a stuffed animal checkup clinic, daytime dance party, giveaways, and more to raise an immediate $75,000.
“If there is one thing I have learned since coming here, it is that Philly loves its zoo. It is an honor to work for an organization that is so treasured; but we can do even more for the community and for the animals in our care,” said President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “The Remember the Future Campaign is our bold commitment to conservation research, animal care, education and the community. Our work has never been more vital. We will continue to make Philadelphia Zoo a resource and institution that the region can be proud of and enjoy. With support, we will harness the innovation, creativity and drive that defines Philadelphia Zoo and the region.”
“Remember the Future: The Campaign for Philadelphia Zoo” is raising funds for every area of the Zoo. This broad, multi-year effort encompasses its facilities, staff, research, travel abroad, guest experience, education programs and more. Support for the campaign will position Philadelphia Zoo as a zoological leader in conservation by:
· Saving Species Together: Establishing a worldwide consortium of leaders and researchers to develop and disseminate best practices to globally combat biodiversity loss.
· Championing Amazing Animals: Ensuring the best lives for each animal that calls the Zoo home and leading the evolution of animal care through innovation in animal health and wellbeing.
· Creating Wild Encounters that Transform: Providing guests with immersive opportunities to experience animals in unforgettable ways that forge the connection between the critical importance of conservation and everyday lives.
· Innovating Learning and Community Engagement: Offering imaginative and impactful approaches to programming that will uplift community, utilize conservation as a social good, and provide inspiration and pathways for the next generation of zoological leaders.
As a 501c3 charitable organization, philanthropic support to Philadelphia Zoo is a crucial investment in the care of its animals, the work in its community, and its future. It fuels progress where it’s needed most and has the power to make lasting, impactful change.
The Zoo is inviting the public to come out to its launch party events on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 to strengthen the campaign by raising $75,000. During this two-day fundraising event, the Zoo will be hosting additional special experiences for guests to learn about the Zoo’s multifaceted animal care, conservation and educational programs and how their donations can make a difference. For 48 hours, the Zoo will be accepting donations online, onsite and through texts, with special incentives for donors at all gift levels. Those who donate at the Zoo can show their gift receipt to receive an attraction ticket, discount coupons, Zoo Key and other giveaways.
Campaign Launch Party Schedule
Friday, May 8
9:30am-2:00pm: Ellis Coffee sampling of Jambi’s Java at PECO Primate Reserve (while supplies last)
10:15am: Gorilla Wildlife Chat
10:30am: Snow Leopard Wildlife Chat
11:00am: Galapagos & Aldabra Tortoises Wildlife Chat at Reptile & Amphibian House
11:00am: Banner Unveiling at KidZooU Goat Bridge
11:30am: Veterinary Medicine Chat under KidZooU Portico
11:45am: McNeil Avian Center Wildlife Chat
12:00-1:00pm: Philadelphia Eagle’s Mascot Swoop Meet-and-Greet at Impala Plaza
12:00pm: African Plains Wildlife Chat
12:00pm: Rare Animal Conservation Center Wildlife Chat
12:15pm: Alpaca, Goat, or Hog Walk at KidZooU
1:00pm: Nutrition Chat in African Plains
1:30pm: Ambassador Animal Training in Wildlife Discovery Zone
2:15pm: Giant River Otter Wildlife Chat
Saturday, May 9
9:30am-5:00pm: Panda Express Swag Giveaway on Impala Plaza (while supplies last)
10:00am-12:00pm: Teddy Bear Clinic with Veterinary Team under KidZooU Portico
10:15am: Orangutan or Gibbon Wildlife Chat
11:00am-2:00pm: “Get Wild Dance Party” at Bird Lake Plaza (with music, dancing, games and prizes!)
11:00am: Lion Wildlife Chat
11:00am: Galapagos & Aldabra Tortoises Wildlife Chat at Reptile & Amphibian House
11:45am: McNeil Avian Center Wildlife Chat
12:00pm-1:00pm: 76ers’ Mascot Franklin & Squad Meet-and-Greet at Impala Plaza
12:00pm: African Plains Wildlife Chat
12:00pm: Rare Animal Conservation Center Wildlife Chat
12:15pm: Alpaca, Goat, or Hog Walk at KidZooU
1:00-2:00pm: Villanova Mascot Will D. Cat Appearance at Big Cat Falls
1:00pm: Nutrition Chat in African Plains
1:30pm: Ambassador Animal Training in Wildlife Discovery Zone
2:15pm: Giant River Otter Wildlife Chat
To thank those who make gifts during this 48-hour campaign launch event, the Zoo will be offering the following incentives:
Every gift – regardless of the amount – is an entry to win a unique piece of art created by one of the Zoo’s animals!
$25 | Raffle entry to win (1) Zoo for More Membership (2 winners)
$50 | Raffle entry to win (1) 4 pack of tickets to Summer Ale Fest (2 winners)
$75 | Raffle entries + (1) limited-edition Zoo tote bag and (1) iconic Philadelphia Zoo Key
$100 | Raffle entries + (1) limited-edition Zoo tote bag, (1) Zoo Key, and (1) Zoo travel cup
$250 | Raffle entries + (1) limited-edition Zoo tote bag, (1) Zoo Key, (1) Zoo travel cup, and (1) limited edition Zoo baseball cap
$500 | Raffle entries + (1) limited-edition Zoo tote bag, (1) Zoo travel cup, (1) Zoo baseball cap, and (1) priceless animal photo* (*This one-of-a-kind 8×10 photo of an animal who calls Philadelphia Zoo home is limited to the FIRST 100 gifts of $500+)
At Philadelphia Zoo, our mission is to flourish as an urban oasis where people and animals thrive, transformative memories are made, and our passion for conservation helps save wildlife. For more information, visit philadelphiazoo.org
About Philadelphia Zoo
At Philadelphia Zoo, the Zoo moves around you! Pioneering Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of animal exploration trails, Philadelphia Zoo has inspired more than 70 zoos around the globe to design new ways to invite animals to travel and roam through their own campuses. Passing through treetops, crossing over pathways and connecting habitats, Zoo360 provides Philadelphia Zoo’s beautiful big cats, playful lemurs, and lively monkeys innovative ways to explore and marvel at one another and our guests. Visit Mommy the Galapagos tortoise and her world-famous hatchlings at the Reptile & Amphibian House, our quickly-growing orangutan infant in PECO Primate Reserve, the Ankole cattle hillside, Amur tigers at Big Cat Falls, Victorian crown pigeons at McNeil Avian Center, and hippos, zebras and white rhino throughout African Plains. Share a space with critically endangered lemurs as you wander through Lemur Island, look up as you feed the world’s tallest animal at Giraffe Experience, or get up-close as you hand-serve colorful birds their meals at Wings of Asia. Philadelphia Zoo is one of the region’s foremost conservation and education organizations and home to endangered, and in some cases extinct, animals in the wild. At Philadelphia Zoo, our mission is to flourish as an urban oasis where people and animals thrive, transformative memories are made, and our passion for conservation helps save wildlife. Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a non-smoking facility. For more information, visit philadelphiazoo.org. Facebook: PhiladelphiaZoo; Instagram: @philadelphiazoo; X (formerly Twitter): @phillyzoo; TikTok: @philadelphiazoo