PHILADELPHIA — The largest and most transformative project to hit America's oldest zoo in over a decade is finally ready for its public debut. On Thursday, June 4, at 11:30 AM, the Philadelphia Zoo will officially open the gates to Francis J. Carey Bear Country, a stunning $25 million state-of-the-art facility designed to elevate the standard of care for endangered bears while giving guests an unprecedented, nose-to-nose viewing experience.
A World-Class Habitat
Built with the highest standards of animal welfare in mind, Carey Bear Country transforms the existing bear enclosures into a sprawling, multi-habitat complex. The renovation includes newly refreshed spaces, a brand-new third habitat, and dedicated behind-the-scenes indoor and outdoor denning areas designed to support the Zoo's vital breeding programs.
One of the most exciting new features is the Gould & Potter Crossing Zoo360 Trail, an extension of the Zoo's revolutionary, first-in-the-world trail system that will allow the bears to explore and roam above and around the guest pathways safely.
Bear County Philly
The new space will be home to the Zoo's beloved Andean bears (also known as spectacled bears) and Sloth bears—including Kayla and Bhalu, a breeding pair of Sloth bears who have successfully raised three cubs over the last six years and are returning to the Zoo after staying at another facility during construction. To encourage natural behaviors, the habitats feature massive 14-foot climbing structures, heated water features, and digging pits.
For guests, new cave-like glass viewing areas will provide incredible, up-close encounters with the animals, supplemented by interactive educational signage highlighting the conservation threats these species face in the wild.
Exclusive Member Previews
While the grand opening for general admission guests takes place on Thursday, June 4, at 11:30 AM (following an 11:00 AM ribbon-cutting ceremony), Philadelphia Zoo members will get exclusive early access to explore the new habitats:
- Tuesday, June 2 & Wednesday, June 3: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 PM.
- Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 AM. (Early access before the Zoo opens to the public)
- More Good News on the Horizon
The opening of Bear Country isn't the only major return happening at the Zoo. Officials have also teased that the beloved penguins will be making their grand return to the adjacent Penguin Point next week, with more details to come soon.
