Picture of Brandywine Zoo

Brandywine Zoo


Find Your Adventure at the Brandywine Zoo

Red panda at the Brandywine Zoo

Watch Red Pandas

Catch our red pandas chowing down on their favorite snack — bamboo — or snoozing on a branch. Red pandas are an endangered species and are part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan Program, a cooperative conservation-breeding program across accredited AZA zoos.

Andean Condor at the Brandywine Zoo

See Andean Condors

Visit the Andean condors, and measure your wingspan against the world’s largest bird of prey and the second-largest flying bird on the planet. You'll see bird-strike protection on the viewing window and learn how to make your home safer for birds.

 

Goat at the Brandywine Zoo

Visit the Barnyard

Bring your camera for a unique chance to interact with a variety of domestic goat and chicken breeds. The whole family will have fun meeting, and maybe even brushing, these friendly, furry animals.

The nature playground at the Brandywine Zoo

Explore the Nature Playground

Complete your outdoor experience by getting in touch with nature. Crawl through our giant log, explore small natural items in our loose parts bins, and practice your balance on our stepping block logs. Observe birds and bugs at our bird blind and insect hotels. Leave, read, or borrow a book at our Little Free Library.

About the Zoo

Right in the heart of Wilmington lies the Brandywine Zoo, which houses and connects humans with exotic and endangered animals. Founded in the early 1900s, the zoo went through various phases of animals including wolves, a hyena, buffalo, bears and even a lion. The Delaware Zoological Society was founded in the late 1970s to help the zoo carry out its mission. Soon after, the Brandywine Zoo became accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the gold-standard for modern zoological practices. The Brandywine Zoo now performs a variety of conservation efforts including urban wildlife monitoring, a straw-free single-use plastics campaign, and Bird-Friendly Coffee. The zoo’s new Madagascar exhibit brings gives visitors an up-close view of the charismatic lemurs. Don’t miss the world’s largest bird of prey, the Andean condors, and the world’s smallest deer, the pudu. The zoo also offers opportunities to interact with animals through its Barnyard with goats and chickens, and ambassador animals that help teach the public about their species.

Brandywine Zoo conducting outreach programs at Alapocas Run State Park

Visiting the Zoo

Fall, winter, and cloudy days are a good time to visit the Zoo — it's less crowded, and many of the animals are more active. If you choose to visit on a hot day, try to come early or a few hours before closing. Please note that some of our tropical animals may not be visible on days below 50°F.

otters hugging

When planning a visit to the Zoo, be sure and check the zoo’s Calendar of Events and Facebook pages for upcoming programs, as well as maintenance, event or weather-related closings. When you arrive, check the daily schedule posted at the front of the zoo for opportunities to watch animal feedings, animal training sessions, keeper talks or animal shows.

For program registration and additional information, please visit BrandywineZoo.org

Upcoming Events

Spirits at the Zoo

Friday, October 25, 2024

5:30 PM

Enjoy an adults-only evening of Hallwoeen themed celebration at the zoo. Enjoy spooky cocktails and liquid libations, light nibbles, and bewitching entertainment with live music by Green Eggs and Jam. Wear your costumes to be entered into the costume contest with prizes, or just come and enjoy! Tickets include admission and entertainment. Drink and food purchases sold separately. Drink tickets are $6. Proceeds from the event benefit the Delaware Zoological Society of the Brandywine Zoo. The event will be held rain or moonshine. Strictly 21+ with valid ID required. Members: $5 | Non-members: $10 Special thanks to Dogfish Head Beer & Benevolence for their generous donation of beer and canned cocktails!

Add to Calendar 10/25/2024 5:30:00 PM 10/25/2024 8:30:00 PM America/New_York Spirits at the Zoo Enjoy an adults-only evening of Hallwoeen themed celebration at the zoo. Enjoy spooky cocktails and liquid libations, light nibbles, and bewitching entertainment with live music by Green Eggs and Jam. Wear your costumes to be entered into the costume contest with prizes, or just come and enjoy! Tickets include admission and entertainment. Drink and food purchases sold separately. Drink tickets are $6. Proceeds from the event benefit the Delaware Zoological Society of the Brandywine Zoo. The event will be held rain or moonshine. Strictly 21+ with valid ID required. Members: $5 | Non-members: $10 Special thanks to Dogfish Head Beer & Benevolence for their generous donation of beer and canned cocktails! Brandywine Zoo

Animal Encounters: Red Panda

Saturday, October 26, 2024

10:30 AM

Explore the extraordinary chance provided by the Brandywine Zoo to engage with captivating species from the animal kingdom. Led by our dedicated zookeepers, you will gain fascinating insights on our zoo residents and possibly participate in feeding sessions or training activities. Just like when working with the keepers, the animals have the choice to participate in feeding and training opportunities. While you enjoy the behind the scenes experience at the zoo, these encounters serve as essential forms of animal enrichment. Help us by playing a vital role in ensuring the welfare of the animals in our care and learning about our conservation activities. Registration for the program closes 48hrs prior to the encounter date.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 10/26/2024 10:30:00 AM 10/26/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Animal Encounters: Red Panda Explore the extraordinary chance provided by the Brandywine Zoo to engage with captivating species from the animal kingdom. Led by our dedicated zookeepers, you will gain fascinating insights on our zoo residents and possibly participate in feeding sessions or training activities. Just like when working with the keepers, the animals have the choice to participate in feeding and training opportunities. While you enjoy the behind the scenes experience at the zoo, these encounters serve as essential forms of animal enrichment. Help us by playing a vital role in ensuring the welfare of the animals in our care and learning about our conservation activities. Registration for the program closes 48hrs prior to the encounter date. Brandywine Zoo

Animal Encounters: Ruffed, Crowned, and Ringtail Lemur

Saturday, October 26, 2024

11:30 AM

Explore the extraordinary chance provided by the Brandywine Zoo to engage with captivating species from the animal kingdom. Led by our dedicated zookeepers, you will gain fascinating insights on our zoo residents and possibly participate in feeding sessions or training activities. Just like when working with the keepers, the animals have the choice to participate in feeding and training opportunities. While you enjoy the behind the scenes experience at the zoo, these encounters serve as essential forms of animal enrichment. Help us by playing a vital role in ensuring the welfare of the animals in our care and learning about our conservation activities. Registration for the program closes 48hrs prior to the encounter date.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 10/26/2024 11:30:00 AM 10/26/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Animal Encounters: Ruffed, Crowned, and Ringtail Lemur Explore the extraordinary chance provided by the Brandywine Zoo to engage with captivating species from the animal kingdom. Led by our dedicated zookeepers, you will gain fascinating insights on our zoo residents and possibly participate in feeding sessions or training activities. Just like when working with the keepers, the animals have the choice to participate in feeding and training opportunities. While you enjoy the behind the scenes experience at the zoo, these encounters serve as essential forms of animal enrichment. Help us by playing a vital role in ensuring the welfare of the animals in our care and learning about our conservation activities. Registration for the program closes 48hrs prior to the encounter date. Brandywine Zoo

Animal Encounters: Red Panda

Sunday, October 27, 2024

10:30 AM

Explore the extraordinary chance provided by the Brandywine Zoo to engage with captivating species from the animal kingdom. Led by our dedicated zookeepers, you will gain fascinating insights on our zoo residents and possibly participate in feeding sessions or training activities. Just like when working with the keepers, the animals have the choice to participate in feeding and training opportunities. While you enjoy the behind the scenes experience at the zoo, these encounters serve as essential forms of animal enrichment. Help us by playing a vital role in ensuring the welfare of the animals in our care and learning about our conservation activities. Registration for the program closes 48hrs prior to the encounter date.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 10/27/2024 10:30:00 AM 10/27/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Animal Encounters: Red Panda Explore the extraordinary chance provided by the Brandywine Zoo to engage with captivating species from the animal kingdom. Led by our dedicated zookeepers, you will gain fascinating insights on our zoo residents and possibly participate in feeding sessions or training activities. Just like when working with the keepers, the animals have the choice to participate in feeding and training opportunities. While you enjoy the behind the scenes experience at the zoo, these encounters serve as essential forms of animal enrichment. Help us by playing a vital role in ensuring the welfare of the animals in our care and learning about our conservation activities. Registration for the program closes 48hrs prior to the encounter date. Brandywine Zoo

Animal Encounters: Ruffed, Crowned, and Ringtail Lemur

Sunday, October 27, 2024

11:30 AM

Explore the extraordinary chance provided by the Brandywine Zoo to engage with captivating species from the animal kingdom. Led by our dedicated zookeepers, you will gain fascinating insights on our zoo residents and possibly participate in feeding sessions or training activities. Just like when working with the keepers, the animals have the choice to participate in feeding and training opportunities. While you enjoy the behind the scenes experience at the zoo, these encounters serve as essential forms of animal enrichment. Help us by playing a vital role in ensuring the welfare of the animals in our care and learning about our conservation activities. Registration for the program closes 48hrs prior to the encounter date.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 10/27/2024 11:30:00 AM 10/27/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Animal Encounters: Ruffed, Crowned, and Ringtail Lemur Explore the extraordinary chance provided by the Brandywine Zoo to engage with captivating species from the animal kingdom. Led by our dedicated zookeepers, you will gain fascinating insights on our zoo residents and possibly participate in feeding sessions or training activities. Just like when working with the keepers, the animals have the choice to participate in feeding and training opportunities. While you enjoy the behind the scenes experience at the zoo, these encounters serve as essential forms of animal enrichment. Help us by playing a vital role in ensuring the welfare of the animals in our care and learning about our conservation activities. Registration for the program closes 48hrs prior to the encounter date. Brandywine Zoo

Scout Night

Saturday, November 2, 2024

4:30 PM

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. FEE: $10/person (scouts, parents, and siblings) PATCHES: Zoo Fun Patches available for $2 at the Gift Shop. If you wish to be added to our Scout Night mailing list to receive an email when fall Scout Night registration opens, please email education@brandywinezoo.org. https://brandywinezoo.org/learn/scoutprograms/#scout-night

Add to Calendar 11/2/2024 4:30:00 PM 11/2/2024 7:00:00 PM America/New_York Scout Night 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. FEE: $10/person (scouts, parents, and siblings) PATCHES: Zoo Fun Patches available for $2 at the Gift Shop. If you wish to be added to our Scout Night mailing list to receive an email when fall Scout Night registration opens, please email education@brandywinezoo.org. https://brandywinezoo.org/learn/scoutprograms/#scout-night Brandywine Zoo

Sensory Hour

Saturday, November 9, 2024

9:00 AM

Visit the zoo for a quiet hour in the morning to enjoy self-guided sensory-friendly stations in a less crowded atmosphere. This program is ideal for guests who may experience sensory sensitivities. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Members can attend for free by emailing DEAI@brandywinezoo.org Tickets can be purchased at https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/brandywinezoo/items/412592/calendar/2024/07/?flow=710304&full-items=yes

Add to Calendar 11/9/2024 9:00:00 AM 11/9/2024 10:00:00 AM America/New_York Sensory Hour Visit the zoo for a quiet hour in the morning to enjoy self-guided sensory-friendly stations in a less crowded atmosphere. This program is ideal for guests who may experience sensory sensitivities. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Members can attend for free by emailing DEAI@brandywinezoo.org Tickets can be purchased at https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/brandywinezoo/items/412592/calendar/2024/07/?flow=710304&full-items=yes Brandywine Zoo