Norristown’s Elmwood Park Zoo is ready to unveil its new Welcome Center and world-class Veterinary Health Center to the public on Jun. 27, writes Justin Heinze for the Patch.

Both structures were under construction for more than a year since Philanthropists Frank and Paige Engro gifted the zoo a landmark $30 million to expand its operations.

“Elmwood Park Zoo’s mission truly comes to life once you step inside our new Welcome Center,” said Al Zone, Elmwood Park Zoo CEO. “Every element of our new facility touches on three themes — Care, Conservation, and Connection — and those themes are further highlighted through interactive displays and reactive lighting.”

The aim of the new exhibits and access to portions of the Health Center is “to educate guests about the important role zoos play in protecting and caring for wildlife,” he added.

The new hospital will have huge viewing bays that will give the public an “unprecedented” glance at what the always busy Veterinary Crew at Elmwood is doing throughout the day.

The Welcome Center will boast a massive entrance plaza, coffee shop, cafe, gift shop, and pathways aimed at evoking the zoo’s natural surroundings.

Read more about Elmwood Park Zoo opening next month in the Patch.

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