ZooAmerica Celebrates National Zoo Lovers Day 2025
Fun Facts by the numbers about the walk-through zoo in Hershey, Pa
April 8 is National Zoo Lovers Day, a day to explore your local zoo and learn about the animals that live there. Hershey, Pa., is home to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, which is open daily this spring from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for guests to explore the wild of North America.
In celebration of National Zoo Lovers Day, take a look below at some fun facts by the numbers about ZooAmerica.
ZooAmerica By The Numbers
2 - behind-the-scenes tours are offered at ZooAmerica for zoo lovers looking to elevate their experience
3 - new birthday party packages available at the Zoo
5 - biomes of North America (Southern Swamps, The Great Southwest, Eastern Woodlands, Big Sky Country and Northlands) are replicated at ZooAmerica
8 - facilities in Pennsylvania, including ZooAmerica, are accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)
11 - acres of native plants and landscaping make up ZooAmerica
12 - prairie dogs - the zoo's first residents - were acquired by Milton S. Hershey from a family who was unable to care for them
25 - the number of years that ZooAmerica has held its popular summer ZooCamp
47 - years since ZooAmerica opened on May 7, 1978
60 - animal species are represented at ZooAmerica
200 - animals native to North America call ZooAmerica home, including gray wolves, river otters, black bears and more
363 - days ZooAmerica is open each year (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
1910 - the year that Hershey Zoo (as it was then known) opened
ZooAmerica is included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark amusement park only by entering from the bridge inside the amusement park during posted Park hours. Please note that ZooAmerica and Hersheypark hours vary. Guests interested in visiting ZooAmerica separately can purchase a daily admission ticket online or at the Zoo Admissions building.
Don't forget to mark your calendar for Party for the Planet on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This Earth Day celebration will allow guests to experience animal encounters and enrichment activities, celebrate the Earth’s biodiversity and learn how to help protect the planet we share together.