Philly Zoo Offering Special Valentine's Day-Themed Events​

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Zoo is hosting some special events this month to celebrate the season of love and friendship. The beloved institution is offering a brand-new lineup of limited-time experiences and special offers all month long.

The Zoo Valentine's Day weekend, Feb. 14 and Feb. 15, will feature the new Valentine’s Day Weekend Date Package. The date package includes two admission tickets, two drinks (a selection of beer or Statesides available along with non-alcoholic options), plus a meet-and-greet with an ambassador animal between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in KidZooU South Classroom, and a takeaway gift created by one of them. This experience is expected to sell out quickly, officials said.

On that same Saturday and Sunday, guests can enjoy a special Valentine's Day Animal Enrichment Around the Zoo, which will include themed animal enrichment in various habitats. Enrichment encourages our animals to exercise both their bodies and minds and is an important part of animal care.

Sweeten your Valentine's Day on the day itself with cupcake decorating. Those who sign up will get one large cupcake with icing and a variety of toppings to choose from. Decorating will take place in the zoo's Tiger Terrace Dining Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 14 and Feb. 15.

And attendees can take romantic rides on the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, the 110-foot-tall ride with scenes of the zoo, city skyline, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia Art Museum, and beyond. Guests can purchase tickets to the Pherris Wheel online or onsite during their visit. Each gondola can fit up to six guests, and the ride lasts about seven minutes. Riders must be at least 32 inches tall to ride with a supervising adult.

Guests can also enjoy 20 percent off all February Behind-the-Scenes Experiences for those wanting memories together with their favorite animals. Meet the world-famous Galapagos tortoise, Mommy, social media sensation hedgehogs Sam & Dean (named after the hit show "Supernatural"), or the biggest animal on campus, Tony the rhino, plus many other animals available to choose from. Save 10 when purchasing all six tickets.

Plus, give the gift that makes an impact and will be remembered all year by adopting an animal, with packages that include a Valentine's plushie and adoption certificate. Adopting an animal helps the zoo provide the best care possible. The zoo’s annual grocery bill is more than $500,000. Adoptions help the zoo purchase hundreds of food options for its 1,900 animals, all of which have diets designed for their individual needs by the zoo's nutrition team. Choose from 15 species and two adoption levels.

Additionally, the Key to the Zoo: Behind the Scenes tours are available on select dates in February. Guests will spend three hours visiting several areas only accessible with tour guides. The tour also includes a visit to The Solitude Mansion, a one-of-a-kind gift from animals, parking, and zoo admission for the day. The Key to the Zoo: Premium Insider History tour is another option for those looking for a more personalized zoo experience.

"Those with real insider knowledge know that winter is one of the best times to visit Philadelphia Zoo," Vice President of Marketing and Communications Patrick McMaster said. "Guests can warm up inside the only tropical rainforest in Philadelphia, McNeil Avian Center, visit the Reptile and Amphibian House to meet other warm-weather loving species, or embrace the cold and watch animals like Amur tigers and red pandas show off their adaptations. The special gifts and experiences we are offering in February are sure to bring joy and lasting memories to those you love while supporting our animals at the Zoo and wildlife conservation around the world."

See full details on all Valentine's Day and February deals online here.