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.
New multi-species habitat, Hidden Falls, officially opens with ribbon cutting
Brandywine Zoo Adds Year-round Mixed Species Exhibit
$2.5 Million Project Funded by Public and Private Donations
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in conjunction with the Delaware Zoological Society today unveiled a new year-round exhibit at the Brandywine Zoo, with indoor and outdoor areas featuring five species of animals impacted by loss of their natural habitat.
The new residents include common squirrel monkeys, a prehensile-tail porcupine, Patagonian mara, green iguana and red-footed tortoises. Most of these animals are representatives of species impacted both by the pet trade and a decline in native habitat.
The new exhibit called Hidden Falls includes a 320-square-foot outdoor area and an indoor building that is climate-controlled, with heat, air conditioning and humidity for year-round use and animal observation. The habitat for accommodating them features naturalistic landscaping with real and artificial trees for climbing and a waterfall and stream with filtered water.
Upcoming
Programs & Events
Storytime
Thursdays in August, 10:30am
Little Nature Explorers
Sundays & Wednesdays in September, 9:15-10am
Do you and your child love playing outdoors? This multi-week series allows children aged 2 to 5 and their guardians to make discoveries outdoors together. Each 45-minute class includes nature-based, child-directed activities, singing, and a storybook. Each week we will learn about a different animal at the Zoo. Sign up for Sunday or Wednesday classes. Programs within the same week will cover the same topic/animal.
Brandywine Litter Getters
Monday, September 7, 9-10:30am
Join Brandywine Zoo Staff for monthly litter cleanups around our part of Wilmington. Through citizen science, you will collect data about what we find that is later submitted to the Ocean Conservancy! Gloves, bags, and litter pickers will be provided. Please wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing. You are welcome to bring a reusable water bottle and your own gloves. Meeting location: Education Building.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Brandywine Festival of the Arts Days at the Zoo
Friday, September 11, Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13; 10am-3:30pm
Visit the Brandywine Zoo during the Brandywine Festival of the Arts! There will be a special zoo admission rate of $5 per person during the festival. Tickets won’t be available online, but you can purchase tickets at the gate.
Please note from September 11-13 the main parking lot will be unavailable. Additional parking available on 18th Street or near the Rose Garden. On 9/12 & 9/13, during the festival, shuttle buses will be available from Incyte located on Augustine Cut Off.
Brew at the Zoo
Friday, September 18, 5-8pm
Lively, After Hours Fundraiser at the Brandywine Zoo! Visit the zoo after hours for this outdoor FUNdraiser event which includes a variety of beer, wine and spirit tastings from numerous vendors, and light fare from local restaurants. Plus live music by Spokey Speaky. Food and beverages are included in admission ticket. All guests will receive a Brandywine Zoo souvenir cup upon entry. Don’t miss the 50/50 Raffle and Raffle baskets.
Mighty Monarch Day
Come dressed in your best butterfly attire as we celebrate all things Monarch Butterfly at our annual Mighty Monarch Day! They’ve spent their summer in Delaware and are now fluttering their way to Mexico for the winter. Learn about the Monarch’s incredible journey and celebrate the places they call home through special themed activities, Ms. Lia from Language U will hold a Storytime with craft, and much more!
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.
