PHILADELPHIA, PA — America’s first zoo is officially looking toward the future. Starting today, the Philadelphia Zoo is publicly launching the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its 150-plus-year history. Dubbed Remember the Future: The Campaign for Philadelphia Zoo, the massive five-year initiative aims to raise a historic $85 million by 2028 to fundamentally advance global conservation, innovate animal care, and transform the guest experience.
The campaign has already quietly raised an impressive $65 million, funding major projects like Francis J. Carey Bear Country and the animal care endowment. Now, the Zoo is calling on the Philadelphia community to help them cross the finish line—starting with a massive, two-day public launch party happening today, Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.
“If there is one thing I have learned since coming here, it is that Philly loves its zoo," 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.”
To catapult the public phase of the campaign, the Zoo has set an immediate goal of raising $75,000 over the next 48 hours. To hit that milestone, they are pulling out all the stops for weekend visitors.
What to Expect at the Launch Parties
If you are heading to the Zoo this weekend, expect a festival-like atmosphere seamlessly integrated with the daily wildlife encounters.
Friday, May 8 Highlights:
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Meet-and-greet with the Philadelphia Eagles' mascot, Swoop, at Impala Plaza.
- Morning Perks: Free Ellis Coffee sampling of Jambi’s Java at the PECO Primate Reserve (while supplies last).
- Throughout the Day: Specialized wildlife chats featuring gorillas, snow leopards, and the veterinary medicine team.
Saturday, May 9 Highlights:
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: A Teddy Bear Clinic hosted by the Zoo's veterinary team under the KidZooU Portico (bring your stuffed animals for a checkup!).
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: The "Get Wild Dance Party" at Bird Lake Plaza, featuring music, games, and prizes.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: The Philadelphia 76ers' Franklin and his squad take over Impala Plaza.
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Villanova’s Will D. Cat makes an appearance at Big Cat Falls.
- All Day: Panda Express swag giveaways on Impala Plaza.
Donating and Scoring Exclusive Zoo Swag
For the next 48 hours, the Zoo is accepting donations online, via text, and directly on-site. To incentivize the community push, they are offering an incredible tiered rewards system for donors.
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Any Amount: Every single gift acts as a raffle entry to win a unique piece of art created by one of the Zoo’s actual animals.
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$25 – $50 Level: Earns raffle entries to win a "Zoo for More" membership or a four-pack of tickets to the highly anticipated Summer Ale Fest.
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$75 – $250 Level: Unlocks exclusive physical merchandise, including limited-edition Zoo tote bags, travel cups, baseball caps, and the triumphant return of the iconic Philadelphia Zoo Key.
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$500+ Level: The first 100 donors at this tier receive all the physical swag, plus a priceless, one-of-a-kind 8x10 photo of an animal that calls the Philadelphia Zoo home.
If you are visiting in person, simply show your digital donation receipt to Zoo staff to claim your giveaways on the spot.
For more information on the Remember the Future campaign, or to make a donation to help the Zoo reach its $75,000 weekend goal, visit the Philadelphia Zoo's official website.
