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.

Ring-tailed lemurs courtesy of lead keeper Allyson

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.

Squirrel Monkey eating fruit

Upcoming

Programs & Events

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.

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.

Give the gift of membership

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.

ADOPT a Squirrel Monkey for the holidays

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.

Hidden Falls a multi-species exhbit at the Brandywine Zoo. Photo by Doug Weiher

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.

Would you like to

Meet some of our friends?

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