Big Cat Crossing at the Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W Girard Avenue) will kick-off spring of 2019 with an exciting new exhibit, the return of a Philadelphia tradition, and a new food destination.

Starting Saturday, April 6, 2019, guests will be invited to experience Creatures of Habitat and take a fantastical adventure visiting 12 amazing life-size LEGO® brick vignettes situated throughout the Zoo. This gazillion piece journey shares the issues animals are facing around the world and spotlights the heroes working to save them. Each life-sized LEGO® brick scene is intricately fashioned from thousands of LEGO® bricks and is on exhibit only at Philadelphia Zoo through September 30th.

Creatures of Habitat highlights the zoo community’s role in protecting wildlife. Crafted by Sean Kenney, one of only seven American LEGO® certified professional artisans in the world, Creatures of Habitat features more than 30 life-size animal sculptures built from hundreds of thousands of tiny LEGO® bricks. Fragile in the wild, some on the brink of extinction, the species represented in these vignettes range from Borneo to Brazil and the Arctic Circle to Africa, and in size from a 500-pound polar bear to the delicate golden lion tamarin.
“Creatures of Habitat extends and expands upon our important conservation work,” says Vikram H. Dewan, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo. “Every child – and adult– can relate to the universal desire to protect our planet, this place we all call home. And there is no better time to bring back the famous ZOO KEY, one of the most nostalgic and memorable items for the millions of children and adults that visit the Zoo and build deep connections with wildlife from around the globe,” says Dewan.

While visiting Creatures of Habitat, guests can use the famous ZOO KEY at audio books located at each LEGO® brick sculpture as well as other areas throughout the Zoo. Visitors can unlock insider secrets and stories about the magnificent creatures living at Philadelphia Zoo, told by animal keepers who care for them. The Zoo Key is a Philadelphia tradition that dates back over the decades. Generations of families experienced the Zoo with their Key. In fact, many Philadelphians still have and hold their original keys as a keepsake to cherish. The Zoo is proud to bring back this tradition and create new memories for generations to come.

Also opening on the same day as Creatures of Habitat is The Urban Green, a new open-air food marketplace and chill zone designed in partnership with Groundswell Design Group. The Urban Green offers an array of delicious options from fresh, delicious sandwiches and custom fries to frequently changing craft beers and vibrant wines. “It’s as if a neighborhood park with great food and a cool atmosphere just sprang up in the middle of the Zoo,” says Davis Fierbend, CEO, Groundswell Design Group. Featuring outdoor seating, eclectic artwork, a vertical farm, play and chill zones for all, The Urban Green is set to be the best alfresco spot in Philadelphia.

For more information or to purchase and print tickets online, visit us at www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org. Facebook: PhiladelphiaZoo; Instagram: @philadelphiazoo; Twitter: @phillyzoo.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA ZOO:

Animals are on the move like never before at Philadelphia Zoo with Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of see-through trails passing through treetops, crossing over pathways and connecting habitats, giving animals like amazing big cats, majestic primates and marvelous meerkats the opportunities to travel and explore. Visit our new baby western lowland gorillas, baby giraffe, hippos, white rhino, zebras, red pandas, Amur tigers and more at America’s first Zoo. Explore our 42-acre Victorian garden and enjoy award-winning exhibits like KeyBank Big Cat Falls, PECO Primate Reserve, McNeil Avian Center and KidZooU, a wildlife academy that offers dynamic displays, rare breeds and hands-on experiences. Philadelphia Zoo is the second highest ticketed attraction in Philadelphia, one of the region's foremost conservation organizations and home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered. By connecting people with wildlife, Philadelphia Zoo creates joyful discovery and inspires action for animals and habitats.

The Zoo welcomed more than 1.25 million visitors last year. Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Philadelphia Zoo is a non-smoking facility.