As the nation prepares to mark 250 years of American history, a Norristown institution that has been part of Montgomery County life for more than a century is hitting its stride, writes Kim Hudson for CBS News Philadelphia.

Elmwood Park Zoo celebrated its 100th birthday in 2024, opening a $41 million welcome center, outdoor plaza, and state-of-the-art veterinary hospital as the first phase of an ambitious master plan.

Two years later, the momentum has not slowed. The zoo is now home to roughly 300 animals across 100 species on 16 acres, and its next major chapter is already taking shape.

From Near-Closure to Centerpiece

The zoo’s current energy is a long way from where things stood in 2011, when Elmwood Park Zoo was financially struggling and facing potential closure.

Al Zone heard about it during a radio interview while stuck in traffic on the Schuylkill Expressway, made a call, and by May 2012 was running the place as Executive Director and CEO.

“The zoo’s amazing,” Zone said. “It’s got a great story. We were founded in 1924 with a small collection of white-tailed deer.”

Built for the Next 100 Years

The $41 million facility that opened during the centennial celebration set a new standard for the zoo. The welcome center features an outdoor plaza, coffee shop, cafe, and gift shop.

The accompanying veterinary hospital, spanning 37,000 square feet, is considered one of the best in the world, with viewing bays, indoor and outdoor recovery wards, a diagnostics lab, and an in-house pharmacy.

It was the first domino. The master plan calls for additional phases that will reshape the zoo significantly in the years ahead.

Familiar Faces, Deep Roots

Among the zoo’s longtime residents are Wendy, one of the oldest bison in any zoo collection in the country, and Sharon, an elk Zone calls “an amazing animal” with deep roots in the zoo’s history.

Bison and elk have been part of Elmwood’s story since its founding. Also calling the zoo home are Noah and Reggie, the Philadelphia Eagles’ official live mascots, a connection that gives the zoo a uniquely local draw for sports fans.

What Comes Next

The biggest chapter is still ahead. The zoo plans to add 22 acres, consolidating its North American animals into a sweeping new habitat that will include red wolves, a larger bison herd, elk, otters, and alligators, along with free public amenities connecting the zoo’s past with its future.

“We’re consolidating all our North American animals over there,” Zone said. “We’re bringing in red wolf, bison, a much larger herd, elk, otter, alligator. It’s going to be awesome.”

Worth the Visit Now

Visitors continue to embrace the zoo’s mix of history, accessibility, and hands-on experiences, from animal exhibits to popular giraffe feedings.

With America250 bringing renewed interest in Montgomery County’s deep historical roots, Elmwood Park Zoo offers something rare.

It is a living institution that has grown alongside the community it serves, and one that is nowhere near done growing.

To read more about Elmwood Park Zoo’s legacy and what comes next in CBS News Philadelphia.