Join us for
Santa at the Zoo
Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6, 10am-12:30pm
Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 5 & 12:30-4pm
Welcome to the
Brandywine Zoo!
The Brandywine Zoo is less than five acres and located in Wilmington, Delaware, along the Brandywine River in beautiful Brandywine Park. The Zoo is open 10am to 4pm (last admission at 3:30pm). The Brandywine Zoo is managed by the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. The Brandywine Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and is one of over 240 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America, a distinction that marks its commitment to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for the visitor, and a better future for all living things.
Support the Annual Fund
As you know, our zoo is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, education of the public, and the preservation of endangered species. Your contribution will play a crucial role in helping us achieve these goals. The Annual Fund is essential for the zoo’s operations and growth.
Upcoming
Programs & Events
Education Open House
Saturday, November 14, 9-10:30am
Ever wonder what’s in the Brandywine Zoo Education Building? Join us this winter during our Open House hours on the fourth Saturday of each month. Play in the classroom, learn more about our programs, see our biofact collection, and more.
This program is free! Walk-ups are welcome; no registration required.
Santa at the Zoo
Saturday, December 5, 10am-12:30pm
Take a photo with Santa at this winter wonderland event! Meet Santa, share your wishes, and get photos (you take with your camera) at this Winter Wonderland tradition at the Brandywine Zoo. Enjoy holiday activities and fun educational tables and vendors.
Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 5, 12:30pm-4pm
Visit the zoo during our Winter Wonderland event! Enjoy specialty food and drinks, activities, and shop local vendors in a festive holiday atmosphere. Bryan Scar will be performing holiday classics and original tunes at the Wildlife Amphitheater.
Tickets will be on sale at the ticket window after 12:30pm.
Santa at the Zoo
Sunday, December 6, 10am-12:30pm
Take a photo with Santa at this winter wonderland event! Meet Santa, share your wishes, and get photos (you take with your camera) at this Winter Wonderland tradition at the Brandywine Zoo. Enjoy holiday activities and fun educational tables and vendors.
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Saturday, December 19, 11am-2pm
Stuffies will say hello to Zoo animals, take group photos, and spend a cozy winter night in our Education Building.
Drop off your stuffed animal at the Education Building on Saturday, December 19 between 11am and 2pm. Stuffies can be picked up at our Education Building on Sunday, December 20 between 11am and 2pm. Photos from the event will be shared afterwards.
Zoo Year’s Eve
Thursday, December 31, 10am-12pm
Celebrate New Year’s Eve early in the day with sparkling apple cider and group countdown and ball drop at 12pm.
The zoo will open at 10am and close at 4pm. Anyone visiting the zoo between 10am-12pm will need to purchase an event ticket. The zoo will be free to visitors after our event from 12:30-4pm. This program takes place outside, so dress for the weather! Some animals may not be out because of the cold weather.
Give the gift of membership this holiday season
Membership is a thoughtful gift that brings joy all year.
Membership includes:
- Free admission each time you visit for a 12/24 month period (some special event exclusions)
- Reduced admission to over 150 AZA Zoos and Aquariums in the United States and Canada, including 50% off admission at the Philadelphia Zoo
- Discount to special events
- Invitation to exclusive members only event
- Guest passes which may be used any time throughout the year (excluding special events)
- Discounts on purchases at the gift shop
- Subscription to Zoo News
We will send the membership package to you or to the lucky recipients directly.
Symbolically ADOPT a Squirrel Monkey for the Holidays
The Perfect Holiday Gift
For $75 you’ll receive:
- Adoption certificate
- Animal fact sheet with photo
- Your name on the ADOPT
Recognition sign for 1 yr. - Two one-time-use Zoo passes
- A Plush Squirrel Monkey and a Brandywine Zoo Silicone Cup
To assure delivery of ADOPT packages by December 24, orders to be sent by mail must be made by December 15; orders to be picked up at the zoo must be made by December 21. Pick up at the zoo is preferred. A $5 shipping fee will be added if mailed.
Visit the Brandywine Zoo's new multi-species habitat, Hidden Falls
The new exhibit includes a 320-square-foot outdoor area and an indoor building that is climate-controlled for year-round use and animal observation. The habitat features naturalistic landscaping with real and artificial trees for climbing and a waterfall and stream with filtered water.
The new residents include common squirrel monkeys, a prehensile-tail porcupine, Patagonian mara, green iguana and red-footed tortoises. Most of these animals are representatives of species impacted both by the pet trade and a decline in native habitat.
