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.
Upcoming
Programs & Events
Scout Night
Saturday, November 7, 4:30-7pm
Enjoy an evening at the zoo for this specially designed event for scouts and their families! There will be activities and learning stations geared toward scout requirements. This program takes place in the zoo so dress for the weather.
Pre-registration highly recommended! Scout Night often sells out; we recommend purchasing your tickets early.
Brandywine Zoo Litter Getters!
Saturday, November 14, 9-10:30am
Join Brandywine Zoo Staff for monthly litter cleanups around our part of Wilmington. Through citizen science, you will collect data about what we find that is later submitted to the Ocean Conservancy! Gloves, bags, and litter pickers will be provided. Please wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing. You are welcome to bring a reusable water bottle and your own gloves. Meeting location: Education Building.
Education Open House
Saturday, November 28, 1-3pm
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.
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.
Our Zoo Re-imagined
Imagine this… a new look—new habitats—new guest experiences
For more than 120 years, the Brandywine Zoo has been a landmark in Wilmington and a beloved destination for generations of Delawareans. This jewel is undergoing significant changes chartered by the Zoo’s Master Plan that re-imagines the Zoo with a balanced project approach between infrastructure, guest services, and modern animal habitats.
Support the Annual Fund
We greatly appreciate your support. The Delaware Zoological Society (DZS) is the nonprofit partner for the Brandywine Zoo. In addition to supporting our education and conservation mission, contributions to DZS are used to improve facilities for the zoo animals.
Click on the secure donation button below to make your contribution to The Annual Fund. Your contribution is tax-deductible.
