ZooAmerica - Your Wild Adventure In Hershey

Imagine a place where you can get a real sense of the wild, right here in Pennsylvania. That's a little bit of what you find when you step into ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. It's a spot where you can discover all sorts of interesting things about the creatures that call North America home, and it's quite a special place, really.

This particular wildlife park offers a chance to enjoy looking at animals up close, and it has some good learning chances, plus some fun activities too. You can pick how you want to experience it, with daily entry passes, yearly memberships, special group visits, or even programs that come to you. It's pretty cool, you know, how many ways there are to connect with the animals.

You can get your entry passes right from your computer, which is certainly a simple way to do things. What's more, if you happen to be visiting Hersheypark, your entry to ZooAmerica is actually part of that, provided you use the bridge that connects the two places during the times they are open to the public. It's a very convenient setup, in a way, for folks who are already enjoying the larger park.

• Kuakini Medical Center
• Hilton Culver City
• Grill 23 Boston
• Costco Salem Oregon
• Amc Factoria

Table of Contents

• What's waiting for you at ZooAmerica?
• Getting to know ZooAmerica's animal residents
• How did ZooAmerica come to be?
• The early days of ZooAmerica
• What can you actually do at ZooAmerica?
• Planning your day at ZooAmerica
• Is there a way to help ZooAmerica?
• Supporting ZooAmerica's mission

What's waiting for you at ZooAmerica?

When you visit ZooAmerica, you are looking at a place that shows off more than two hundred animals, all of them from different parts of North America. It's located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and you can get there quite easily, especially if you're coming from Hersheypark, as there's a bridge that takes you right over. So, it's almost like an extension of your fun day out, you know?

This zoo, it's actually home to more than seventy-five different kinds of creatures, and over two hundred individual animals. Some of these animals are pretty special, perhaps not seen very often, and some are even those that need extra care because their numbers are a bit low in the wild. You can see big bears, and also wolves, and even elk, along with alligators, and many others. It's quite a collection, in some respects, and it gives you a good sense of the animals that live on our continent.

You get to learn about where these animals live in their natural settings, and also about what people are doing to help keep them safe for the future. This happens through special meetings with the animals, or by going on guided walks where someone tells you all about them. It's a way to truly connect with the stories of these creatures, and understand their lives a little better. Basically, it's more than just looking; it's about learning, too.

• Carmel Catholic High School
• Amc Dublin Village 18 Village Parkway Dublin Oh
• John Howie Steak
• Amc Levee Movies
• Kempinski Hotel Cancun

Getting to know ZooAmerica's animal residents

The animals at ZooAmerica are really at the heart of the place. They are from five different areas across North America, which means you get to see a wide array of life. You might come across a creature that prefers a cooler climate, or one that likes a warmer, wetter spot. It's pretty interesting, the variety you find, and how each animal has its own specific needs. You know, it's kind of like visiting different parts of the continent without leaving Pennsylvania.

For instance, you can spend time watching the bears, seeing how they move and behave. Then, you might move on to the wolves, observing their group dynamics. The elk are quite grand, and the alligators, well, they are certainly a sight to behold. Each enclosure is set up to give you a good look at the animals, and to give the animals a comfortable space that reminds them of their natural homes. So, in a way, it's a careful balance, isn't it?

Beyond just seeing them, the park offers ways to hear about their lives. The people who work there share information about what the animals eat, how they interact, and the challenges they face in the wild. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about sharing knowledge and sparking a sense of care for these creatures. That, is that, a big part of what ZooAmerica tries to do, really.

How did ZooAmerica come to be?

ZooAmerica has a rather long history, going back quite a bit. It was started way back in 1910 by a person named Milton S. Hershey. When it first began, it was a pretty small collection of animals, just a few, actually. This included some bears, and a handful of birds, plus some deer. It's interesting to think about how much it has grown since those early days, isn't it?

From those modest beginnings, the park has certainly expanded. Today, it covers a good amount of land, about eleven acres. On this land, as mentioned before, you find a lot more than just a few animals. There are more than seventy-five kinds of animals, and over two hundred individual creatures living there. Some of these animals, as a matter of fact, are quite special because they are not found in great numbers out in the wild. This makes the work done at ZooAmerica even more important.

The zoo itself is looked after by a private organization, the Hershey Trust Company. This means it has its own way of operating, separate from some other public parks you might know. And, as we talked about, it's physically connected to Hersheypark, which makes it super easy for people visiting that bigger attraction to also pop over and see the animals. It's quite a clever setup, if you think about it.

The early days of ZooAmerica

Back when Milton S. Hershey first had the idea for ZooAmerica, it was a much simpler affair. He started it with just a few animals, almost like a personal collection that grew into something more public. Bears, birds, and deer were among the first residents. This initial group set the stage for what would become a much larger and more diverse collection of North American animals. You know, it's kind of neat to trace its origins back to such a humble start.

Over the years, the place slowly but surely added more animals and grew in size. What began as a small area for a few creatures gradually turned into the eleven-acre park we see today. This growth wasn't just about getting more animals; it was also about creating suitable homes for them and offering more for visitors to see and do. It's a testament, in a way, to the enduring appeal of connecting with wildlife.

The fact that it's been around for over a hundred years, since 1910, speaks to its lasting presence. It shows that people have always been interested in seeing and learning about animals, and that this interest has continued through generations. The dedication to North American wildlife, in particular, has been a consistent theme throughout its history, making it a unique place to visit, basically.

What can you actually do at ZooAmerica?

Beyond just looking at the animals, there are many ways to make your visit to ZooAmerica truly interesting. You can learn a lot about the creatures, their living spaces, the different types of natural environments they come from, and what their status is in the wild. You can get this information by looking at their website before you go, or, you know, by actually visiting the zoo in person and seeing everything firsthand. It's certainly a hands-on way to learn.

The park often has all sorts of special things going on, like different happenings, activities, and chances to learn more. You might even find special tours of the zoo that give you a deeper look at what goes on behind the scenes or focus on certain animal groups. These events are always changing, so it's a good idea to check what's happening around the time you plan to stop by. It's pretty cool how much they offer, actually.

To help you get around, there's a map of ZooAmerica that shows you exactly where all the animals are. It also points out where you can find things like restrooms, places to grab a bite to eat, and where to park your car. This map is super helpful for planning your day and making sure you don't miss anything you really want to see. So, you know, it makes your visit much smoother, more or less.

Planning your day at ZooAmerica

Getting ready for your visit to ZooAmerica means having all the practical details sorted out. You can find all the information you need, like where to park and how to get there, a copy of the map, places where you might want to pick up a souvenir, and details about how the park handles people with special access needs. All this information helps you feel prepared for a good time. It's pretty much all there for you.

Before you even head out, it's a good idea to check their calendar to see what days and times they are open. This way, you can pick the best day for your visit and avoid any surprises. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in how smoothly your day goes. You know, it just helps everything fall into place.

If you're thinking of coming with a bunch of people, like a school trip or a family reunion, you can definitely plan a special outing at ZooAmerica for your group. They have programs set up for groups, which can make the experience even more organized and fun for everyone involved. It's a great way to share the wonder of the animals with a larger crowd, in a way.

Is there a way to help ZooAmerica?

The people who work at ZooAmerica do a lot more than just show the animals to visitors. They are deeply involved in taking care of the animal residents, keeping them safe, and providing them with what they need to be healthy and happy. They also spend a lot of time sharing information and teaching guests, as well as the wider community, about these animals and why they are important. It's a pretty dedicated group, that's for sure.

When you visit, or even if you become a member, you can actually get some extra nice things. For example, you might get special savings on food when you're there, or even get to go to events that are only for members. These kinds of benefits are a way for the park to say thank you for your support, and they add a little something extra to your experience. It's quite a nice perk, you know.

If you have questions about visiting, like where to park, what the hours are, or exactly where the zoo is located, you can find answers to frequently asked questions. This helps you get everything sorted out before you even leave home, so you're ready for your exciting visit. It makes planning a lot less of a hassle, really.

Supporting ZooAmerica's mission

The core work of ZooAmerica is about providing a good home for more than two hundred animals that are originally from the North American continent. When you visit, you are helping to support this important work. Your visit contributes to the care these animals receive, from their daily meals to their health check-ups. It's a direct way to be part of something good, you know?

The staff members are truly the backbone of the park. They are the ones who are there day in and day out, making sure the animals are well-looked after and that the park runs smoothly. They share their knowledge and passion with everyone who comes through the gates, helping people understand the animals better and appreciate the natural world. It's a pretty big job, actually, and they do it very well.

By being a visitor, or perhaps even getting an annual pass, you are helping the zoo continue its efforts to protect these creatures and educate the public. This support allows them to keep providing a safe and engaging environment for the animals, and a valuable learning experience for people of all ages. It's a simple way to contribute to the well-being of North American wildlife, in some respects.

This article has presented information about ZooAmerica, covering its location in Hershey, Pennsylvania, its connection to Hersheypark, its founding by Milton S. Hershey, and its growth to an eleven-acre park housing over 200 animals from various North American regions. It also touched on the types of animals you can see, the educational opportunities available, ways to plan your visit, and how the park's team cares for its animal residents.