Welcome to the
Brandywine Zoo!
The Brandywine Zoo is less than five acres and located in Wilmington, Delaware, along the Brandywine River in beautiful Brandywine Park. The Zoo is open 10am to 4pm (last admission at 3:30pm). The Brandywine Zoo is managed by the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. The Brandywine Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and is one of over 240 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America, a distinction that marks its commitment to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for the visitor, and a better future for all living things.
EXCITING NEWS!
The multi-species habitat construction is underway!
We’ve got some exciting construction happening—so we’re launching Behind the Build, your weekly peek into the progress and how our animals are doing along the way.
Upcoming
Programs & Events
Stuffed Animal Vet Clinic
Saturday, April 18, 10am-1pm
Is your stuffed animal under the weather? Bring your favorite from home, or adopt one from the gift shop, to get a checkup with our zoo staff. Your stuffie will be examined, bandaged or given ‘medicine’ to make sure they have a clean bill of health!
Free with zoo admission! No registration necessary.
Earth Day: Party for the Planet
Saturday, April 25, 10am-3pm
Celebrate Earth Day the Brandywine Zoo way by joining us for our annual Party for the Planet event! Hosted alongside the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and other AZA-accredited institutions, Party for the Planet is one of the largest combined Earth Day celebrations in North America. Partake in fun Earth Day themed activities, keeper talks, and more!
Party for the Planet is included with zoo admission.
Brandywine Zoo Online Auction
Friday, May 1, 8am – Friday, May 8, 9pm
The Delaware Zoological Society is a dedicated partner of the Brandywine Zoo and supports its mission to engage in, and inspire wildlife conservation. Our Vision is simple: Play, Learn, Conserve, Explore, and Enjoy! But we can’t do that without your help!
The Delaware Zoological Society is holding an Online Auction to raise money for the Brandywine Zoo. Stay tuned as we highlight some fabulous and one of a kind items up for bid soon!
Guest Bartending Event at BBC Tavern and Grill
Thursday, May 7, 6-9pm
We invite you to join us and our guest bartenders for an evening of drinks and fun in supporting the Brandywine Zoo! This guest bartending event will be held at BBC Tavern and Grill located at 4019 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE 19807.
Help us reach our goal of $15,000! If you can’t make it out to the event please consider making a donation. All funds raised go directly to support the Brandywine Zoo.
Celebrate Birds!
Saturday, May 9, 9-11:30am
Spend World Migratory Bird Day learning about and looking for birds during this new event! Gather in the Education Building for some bird-friendly coffee while watching an excerpt from the documentary Birders: The Central Park Effect. Following an opportunity to discuss the film, Joe Francis, President of the Delaware Ornithological Society, will lead us on a birding walk around the zoo in Brandywine Park. Bring binoculars if you have them! There will be a limited supply available for those who don’t or forget. All sightings will be reported through eBird, a global citizen science project.
Spring Native Plant Sale
Stop by to purchase a six pack of plants native to this area and great for pollinators. Not only are there flowers to provide nectar and pollen, but this year a type of sedge is included too. It is a host plant for grass skippers, a group of small butterflies.
Animal Encounters
Encounter your favorite animals like never before.
Led by our dedicated zookeepers, you will gain fascinating insights on our zoo residents and possibly participate in feeding sessions or training activities. These special, up-close encounters serve as essential forms of animal enrichment; just like when working with the keepers, the animals have the choice to participate in feeding and training opportunities.
Our Zoo Re-imagined
Imagine this… a new look—new habitats—new guest experiences
For more than 120 years, the Brandywine Zoo has been a landmark in Wilmington and a beloved destination for generations of Delawareans. This jewel is undergoing significant changes chartered by the Zoo’s Master Plan that re-imagines the Zoo with a balanced project approach between infrastructure, guest services, and modern animal habitats.
Support the Annual Fund
We greatly appreciate your support. The Delaware Zoological Society (DZS) is the nonprofit partner for the Brandywine Zoo. In addition to supporting our education and conservation mission, contributions to DZS are used to improve facilities for the zoo animals.
Click on the secure donation button below to make your contribution to The Annual Fund. Your contribution is tax-deductible.
