The expansion plans for Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, which would add 20 acres of land for new exhibits and amenities, are moving forward, writes Michael Tanenbaum for the Philly Voice.
The plans includes an Amur tiger habitat, a future centerpiece of an Asian animals section, a restaurant, and an education center, among other additions.
Last week, the Norristown Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the city council approve the three-part master plan. However, the zoo, which completed the first stage of the expansion last year, will still need several land development approvals to proceed with the final two phases.
The first stage included a 39,000-square-foot welcome center with a renovated gift shop, coffee stand, and outdoor plaza, a rebuilt animal hospital where visitors can watch veterinarians at work, and a new administrative building.
Elmwood Park Zoo, which is operated by nonprofit Norristown Zoological Society, is home to over 100 species of animals. They live across approximately 16 acres that among other things include a giraffe feeding area, jaguar exhibit, and more. Each year, nearly a million people visit the popular zoo, with attendance continuing to increase in the last decade.
Read more about Elmwood Park Zoo in the Philly Voice.
