'A Whole New Era': Elmwood Park Zoo Gets $1 Million Donation To Expand By 20 Acres

NORRISTOWN, PA — Elmwood Park Zoo has received a transformative $1 million donation which they said will help them expand their footprint by more than 20 acres.

The donation, one of the largest in the zoo's 97-year history, comes from he Genuardi Family Foundation. Funds will be used to build a 100-foot-long vehicle and pedestrian bridge across Stony Creek, allowing the zoo to utilize adjacent land.

“The gift from The Genuardi Family Foundation gets us one step closer to a whole new era for the zoo," Jennifer Conti, Elmwood Park Zoo's Director of Development, said in a statement. "It opens up our ability to enhance our existing facility and create new and exciting adventures for our guests to enjoy.”

While specifics for the future of that new land are still unclear, the zoo says they plan on adding more animal closures, other guest amenities, and more.

Genuardi has made other major donations to the zoo in the past, helping fund education programs for low income and special needs groups, as well as improve its animal husbandry program.