June 30, 2025, Wilmington, Delaware: The Brandywine Zoo is requesting community members to share their meaningful experiences and personal connection stories made at the Brandywine Zoo. Interested individuals may submit stories, with or without photos or videos, on the website at https://brandywinezoo.org/my-zoo/.

Submissions made by August 31 will be eligible to be included in a drawing for a private animal encounter with a red panda, lemur, or giant anteater.

“We wish to celebrate the community’s connection and history with the Brandywine Zoo,” says Mark Shafer, executive director of the Delaware Zoological Society, the non-profit that supports the mission of the Brandywine Zoo.

“The zoo’s 120-year history is interwoven with the Delaware community. The stories might come from parents who came here as kids and now bring their own grandchildren; those that celebrated birthdays, got engaged here, or attended zoo camps and went on to become lifelong advocates for animals,” says Shafer.

Shafer is asking the public to share stories of memorable times, amazements, favorite animals, family traditions, and personal milestones made at the Brandywine Zoo, from children, as parents, or as someone whose life was influenced by experiences at the zoo with the animals. “How have you connected with the Brandywine Zoo,” he invited?

Of course, you can make history on your next visit to the zoo and send us your story. The Zoo is open every day, 10am-4pm and has many special activities going on including the opportunity to meet the baby crowned lemur in the morning. Check the website for details and daily activities.

The zoo plans to publish selected still photos and short videos with captions and stories. No phone numbers or emails will be shared.

Materials may be uploaded easily on the zoo website at www.brandywinezoo.org/my-zoo. Submissions will be accepted throughout the year. However, those received before August 31 will be eligible for a prize drawing, which includes a private animal encounter for four individuals with a red panda, lemur, or giant anteater. The drawing will be held on September 1, 2025.

The purpose of the Brandywine Zoo is to engage and inspire wildlife conservation. For every guest and every visit, we strive to inspire awe, understanding, and action for wildlife. Shafer says, “It is our hope that we have inspired you and you want to tell us how.”

The Brandywine Zoo is located at 1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington, Delaware. It is managed by the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. The Brandywine Zoo is the only zoo in Delaware accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This accreditation is the mark of excellence that assures the public that the Brandywine Zoo meets or exceeds professional standards in animal care, education, visitor services, programming, and conservation. Learn more on the website at www.brandywinezoo.org.