1 post tagged “zoo”

Brandywine Zoo

Looking for something to do this summer near South Jersey in your New Nissan Car? Come on down to the Zoo in Brandywine Park, located in Wilmington over the Van Buren Street Bridge on the north bank of the Brandywine River. There are around 150 animals on nearly 13 acres, just waiting for your visit.

In addition to animals from tigers to snakes, the Brandywine Zoo offers a snack bar and a gift shop. The snack bar, located on the grounds of the zoo, offers a diverse selection, including soft pretzels, popcorn, ice cream, hot dogs, soda, juice and much more. The gift shop, known as the "Zootique" is open every day from 10 am to 4 PM. The Zootique has many different animal-related items and unique toys.

A member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Brandywine Zoo is one of 214 accredited aquariums and zoos in North America. This membership demonstrates the Brandywine Zoo’s commitment to animal care, excellence in visitor experience and a better future for every living thing.

Managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation, the Brandywine Zoo also enjoys the support of the Deleware Zoological Society.

The Brandywine Zoo began as an idea of Dr. James H. Morgan, in 1904. Morgan donated a variety of animals to the zoo, and the Board of Park Commissioners agreed to install shelters and fences in the park to house the animals. The original collection included Belgain hares, a sea gull, a sea turtle, geese, and ducks.

Over the years, Brandywine Zoo has seen many different animals. In the 1920s, the zoo was home to eleven elk, five moneys, several goats, two eagles, two black bear, three buffalo, two raccoons, three alligators, and a single groundhog.

Struggling for some time during the middle years of the 20th century, the zoo fell into disrepair. A children’s zoo was built during that time, and by the 1970s the old zoo had closed and the children’s zoo had taken over the role of the main zoo.

In the 1980s, the zoo attained new accreditation and put a new master plan into action. This has led to the success and stability that Brandywine Zoo has enjoyed since that time.