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.
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.
 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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