Grand Opening Date Announced For Elmwood Zoo Animal Hospital, Welcome Center

NORRISTOWN, PA — After months of work, Norristown's Elmwood Park Zoo is finally prepared to unveil their massive new construction projects to the public.

The zoo's new Welcome Center and world class Veterinary Health Center will officially open on June 27. Both have been under construction for over a year since the zoo received a landmark $30 million donation from philanthropists Frank and Paige Engro to significantly expand their operations.

"Elmwood Park Zoo’s mission truly comes to life once you step inside our new Welcome Center," Al Zone, the zoo's CEO, said in a statement. "Every element of our new facility touches on three themes – Care, Conservation, and Connection – and those themes are further highlighted through interactive displays and reactive lighting. The new exhibits and access to portions of the Health Center aim to educate guests about the important role zoos play in protecting and caring for wildlife."

See also: New Entry Plaza Nears Completion At Elmwood Zoo

The hospital will have massive viewing bays that allow the public an "unprecedented" glance at the work of the always busy veterinary crew at Elmwood.

The 39,000 square foot Welcome Center has a massive entrance plaza, coffee shop, cafe, gift shop, and pathways that "evoke the zoo's natural surroundings," including unique paths and walkways that mimic the flow of Stony Creek.

Various interpretative exhibits touch on the zoo's century of history and its progress as it has grown into one of the most successful in the region.

The Center also features a tree house, sculptures of deer and a jaguar, various digital touch screens with quizzes and games, and various animal exhibits including native Pennsylvania turtles, golden lion tamarins, and black-footed ferrets.

Zoo members can get early access to the Welcome Center and hospital on Monday, June 24 through Wednesday, June 26. The grand opening for the public is at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 27.