In 2019, Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania, embarked on creating a new long-term Master Plan. The aim was to make sure that the zoo keeps its place as a leading cultural and educational destination for families in Philadelphia, while also transforming into a world-class zoological institution.
Now, executive director and CEO Al Zone has revealed more information about the zoo’s goals. Speaking during a Norristown Municipal Council work session in June 2022, Zone talked about Elmwood Park Zoo’s mission to improve its facilities, in order to provide quality education and conservation opportunities. He also stressed that the zoo sees itself as a key community partner.
An ambitious Master Plan
The Master Plan, which was created ahead of the zoo’s centenary in 2024, will see the addition of a number of new features and exhibits to an expanded 38-acre footprint. The zoo’s animal enclosures will be upgraded, and improvements will also be made to the venue’s infrastructure, therefore enhancing daily operations and the overall guest experience.
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Centennial Campaign aims to raise enough funds to complete Phase 1 of the Master Plan by 2024, and work is expected to begin this year.
As reported by the Times Herald, during the Norristown Municipal Council work session, Zone shared more details of the plan. Also speaking at the event was Michael Rufo, president of Anchor Management Group, a firm that has been brought in to work on the renovation project.
“We’re not building this zoo for the next 10 years, we’re building for the next 100 years,” Rufo said. He added that the project will unfold in stages, saying that the “welcome center, hospital administration, offices and entry plaza” will be the first areas completed, before the expansion of the campus across the neighbouring creek. In addition, the zoo plans to improve its Asian, North American, and African habitats, as well as its Aquatic Mammals exhibits.
Rufo also added that: “Everything that we’re going to do here will meet our ADA requirements. We have that very high on our radar (as well as) sustainable initiatives.”
Elmwood Park Zoo is accredited by AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Recently, AZA announced that has joined an anti-trafficking collaboration. AZA’s Wildlife Trafficking Alliance (WTA) has now teamed up with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Woodland Park Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, to create a unique interactive installation designed to help stop wildlife trafficking.
