Brandywine Zoo
Small Accredited City Zoo In Brandywine Park, Wilmington, Opened In 1905 And Run By Delaware State Parks With The Delaware Zoological Society · Wilmington, Delaware
The Brandywine Zoo is a small zoo on the north bank of Brandywine Creek in Wilmington, tucked into Brandywine Park a short walk from the city's west side. It opened in 1905 and covers only about a dozen acres, so it is a place for an easy morning with young children rather than a full-day expedition. It is Delaware's only accredited zoo, run by the state parks division together with the Delaware Zoological Society, and it has been rebuilding under a long-term master plan, replacing old cages with larger, more natural habitats. The animal list changes, but in recent years it has included Andean condors in a big flight habitat, red pandas, river otters, small monkeys such as tamarins and animals from Madagascar, alongside native species and a hands-on area for children; confirm what is on view. The zoo is compact, shady and easy to walk, with small admission prices. Around it Brandywine Park offers creekside paths, the cherry trees of the Josephine Gardens and Kentmere Parkway, and the rocks along the Brandywine.
1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, 19802, United States
The zoo is open most of the year, but it runs on a seasonal rhythm. From roughly spring to early autumn it keeps longer daytime hours every day, and in the colder months it moves to shorter hours and, in some years, fewer open days, with some indoor or warm-climate animals kept off view and some areas or construction zones closed; confirm current days and times. It closes for major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, and can close for bad weather, snow and ice, or extreme heat. Last entry is usually some time before closing. Construction under the master plan has closed parts of the zoo for months at a time, so the animal you came to see may be off view; check the zoo's own website for closures. Keeper talks and feeding demonstrations run at set times on weekends and in summer, posted at the entrance. Special events such as a Halloween night and holiday evenings are separately ticketed and can change regular hours on event days. Brandywine Park around the zoo is open from dawn to dusk and free to walk.