ZooAmerica facts for kids
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Entrance to ZooAmerica
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| Date opened | 1910 |
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| Location | Hershey, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Land area | 11 acres (4.5 ha) |
| No. of animals | More than 200 |
| No. of species | More than 75 |
| Annual visitors | 3.2 million |
| Memberships | AZA, WAZA |
ZooAmerica is a fun zoo located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA. It was started way back in 1910 by Milton S. Hershey, who also founded the famous Hershey chocolate company! He began with just a few animals like bears, birds, and deer.
Today, ZooAmerica is much bigger. It covers 11 acres and is home to over 75 different species of animals. You can see more than 200 individual animals here, including some that are rare or endangered. The zoo is connected to Hersheypark and is a member of important groups like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This means it meets high standards for animal care.
Contents
History of ZooAmerica
How the Zoo Started
The story of ZooAmerica began with some prairie dogs! In 1905, a man named Franz Zinner had 12 prairie dogs. He couldn't keep them, so he gave them to Milton S. Hershey. Mr. Hershey thought they would be a cool attraction at Hershey Park.
Then, in 1910, Mr. Zinner got a black bear and gave it to Hershey too. With more animals arriving, Milton Hershey decided to build a proper zoo. It opened in 1910 with bears, birds, deer, and other animals.
Throughout that first year, the zoo welcomed even more animals. These included angora goats, fox squirrels, peacocks, and even zebus (a type of cattle). By 1914, the zoo had a lion, monkeys, and a leopard!
The zoo kept growing quickly. In 1915, it got a big makeover to make space for all the new animals. By 1916, hundreds of animals lived at the zoo.
In 1934, the zoo was huge, covering over 40 acres. It even had a reptile house and two baby elephants. But Milton Hershey once heard a visitor say they liked the monkeys more. So, he decided to sell the elephants!
Changes and New Focus
After Milton Hershey passed away and World War II ended, the zoo got new leaders. They brought in many different animals. These included African sheep, bison, black bears, llamas, monkeys, and wolves. The zoo also created a special exhibit about Pennsylvania's wildlife.
In 1971, both Hershey Park and ZooAmerica closed for big renovations. When they reopened a year later, the zoo had a new monkey island. It also added a barnyard petting zoo and baby animals like llamas.
Six years later, John Strawbridge III became the new director. He made a big change: ZooAmerica would now focus only on animals from North America. He also made sure the animal exhibits looked like their natural homes.
The new North American Wildlife Park covered 11 acres. It was divided into five cool sections: North Woods, Eastern Woodlands, Big Sky Country, Grassy Waters, and Cactus Community.
In 1982, ZooAmerica received special recognition. It became accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This meant it was one of the best zoos in the country!
ZooAmerica in the 21st Century
In 2000, ZooAmerica opened a fantastic new bear exhibit. It had hills, grass, toys, and a huge 13,000-gallon swimming pond for the bears. The next year, two rare albino alligators visited the zoo. Another albino alligator came in 2012.
In 2004, the zoo started a special program for kids. It was all about learning how to protect animals and nature. The program had a mascot, Ranger Scratch, and a "Ranger Scratch Kid's Club."
Five years later, the zoo built a new education building. It's called the Woodlands Education Center. Here, visitors can have amazing experiences and learn even more about animals.
Explore the Exhibits
ZooAmerica is divided into different sections, each showing animals from a specific part of North America.
Southern Swamps
This section feels like a marshy, warm area. You can see animals that live in swamps and wetlands.
- Cottonmouth (a type of snake)
- Roseate spoonbill (a pink bird)
- Fiddler crab
- Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
- Gopher tortoise
- Barred owl
- American alligator
Great Southwest
Step into the desert in this section! It even has a special area for animals that are active at night.
- Thick-billed parrot
- Mexican beaded lizard
- Gila monster
- Roadrunner
- Burrowing owl
- Nine-banded armadillo
- Common vampire bat
- Black-footed ferret
- Ocelot
- Ringtail
- Coati
Eastern Woodlands
This area shows how animals are adapting to changes in the eastern United States.
Big Sky Country
This section brings the wide-open spaces of the American West to life. You'll see animals that live in grasslands and near mountains.
- Black-tailed prairie dog
- Common raven
- American elk
- Mountain lion
- Long-eared owl
- Sandhill crane
- Pronghorn
Northlands
The last section takes you to the colder parts of North America, like Canada and Alaska.
Helping Animals: Conservation at ZooAmerica
ZooAmerica is very involved in helping save animals. They are part of a special program called the Species Survival Plan (SSP). This plan helps zoos work together to breed endangered animals.
Currently, ZooAmerica is working to breed animals like:
- Thick-billed parrots
- Canada lynx
- Black-footed ferrets
- Ocelots
In the past, ZooAmerica helped bring back the golden eagle and peregrine falcon. These birds were once in danger. The zoo has raised many birds of prey that were later released into the wild. One peregrine falcon they released was later found nesting along the Susquehanna River!
Since 2011, ZooAmerica has also been helping butterflies. They work with another group to raise Regal Fritillary butterflies. These butterflies are then released to help their numbers grow in Pennsylvania. In 2014, two naturalists from ZooAmerica were even honored for their amazing work with these butterflies.
Images for kids
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ZooAmerica's founder, Milton Hershey
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Milton Hershey with an elephant at ZooAmerica, 1920
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A black bear at ZooAmerica
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Goodyear, an alligator snapping turtle, who lived at ZooAmerica
