Brandywine Zoo

1. Brandywine Zoo History

The Brandywine Zoo’s history dates all the way back to 1883 when the Wilmington Board of Park Commissioners was created. The Wilmington Board of Park Commissioners was comprised of ten volunteer men who were responsible for planning and building the parks in Wilmington. Since they had little experience when creating a park, they looked to an expert, Frederick Law Olmstead. Olmstead had created the plans for Central Park and the Boston Commons, so he was experienced in the field of park planning. Olmstead encouraged the commissioners to purchase land that ran alongside the Brandywine River, so they did.

• When was the Brandywine Zoo established?
  • The land for the Brandywine Zoo was originally set aside, but no plans were made to build a zoo until James H. Morgan proposed the idea in 1904.
  • Morgan negotiated with the Wilmington Board of Park Commissioners to fund the zoo in exchange for his donation of animals.
  • By 1905, the Wilmington Zoo was created, later renamed the Brandywine Zoo.
• What was the original name of the Brandywine Zoo?
  • The zoo was initially called the Wilmington Zoo.
  • Later, the Wilmington Board of Park Commissioners changed their name to the Wilmington Free Zoological Association.
• How did the Brandywine Zoo evolve over the years?
  • Over the next 50 years, the zoo underwent numerous renovations.
  • The expansions diversified the animal species housed at the zoo.
  • Despite struggles, the zoo remained open and continued to grow.
• Who played a significant role in revitalizing the zoo?
  • Nancy Falasco made a significant impact on the zoo’s future.
  • She started working at the zoo in 1978 and was promoted to zoo director in 1981.
  • Falasco improved animal care and enhanced habitat structures.
• When did the Brandywine Zoo receive official accreditation?
  • Thanks to Falasco’s leadership, the zoo achieved official accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

2. Brandywine Zoo Attractions

The Brandywine Zoo is home to four attractions that showcase a diverse number of animals from every region of the world. While the types and numbers of animals typically stay consistent, some of the animals may not be on exhibit during the winter.

Mammals is one of the most abundant exhibits in the Brandywine Zoo. When viewing the mammals, you will get to see a variety of smaller animals, as well as large cats. Some of the animals in this exhibit include the; African pygmy goat, llama, and two-toed sloth.

Birds is the other abundant exhibit in the Brandywine Zoo. This attraction is home to around 15 types of birds that range from species who are native to Delaware to species who live in tropical climates. The birds in this attraction include the; American bald eagle, cinnamon teal duck, burrowing owl, and blue and yellow macaw.

3. More Things to See

Reptiles showcases a few of the most interesting and diverse reptiles. Currently there are only three types of reptiles displayed at the Brandywine Zoo. These reptiles are the; green tree python, mossy prehensile-tailed gecko, and prehensile-tailed skink.

Invertebrates is the last attraction at the Brandywine Zoo. This exhibit showcases the most abundant species of honey bees, the Italian honey bees. When visiting this attraction, you will get the chance to learn about Italian honey bees, how they survive, and why honey bees are important to the ecosystem.

4. Plan Your Visit

• What makes the Brandywine Zoo unique?
  • Although the Brandywine Zoo is a small zoo, it offers more educational opportunities than some larger zoos.
• What are the educational programs at the Brandywine Zoo?
  • The zoo offers two major educational programs:
  • Brandywine Zoo School – Students learn about various animals at the zoo.
  • Traveling Zoo – A zoo official visits a classroom with an animal to provide an interactive experience.
• How do the Brandywine Zoo School and Traveling Zoo programs work together?
  • These programs intertwine to provide hands-on learning for school children.
  • Students learn about animals in both zoo-based and classroom settings.
• Does the Brandywine Zoo have animals specifically for education?
  • Yes, the zoo has a separate selection of animals that are used solely for educational programs.
  • These animals are not part of the main exhibits but are specifically chosen for educational interactions.

Another educational opportunity for school children is the Class Adopt program. With the Class Adopt program, classrooms have the chance to adopting an animal at the zoo. All they must do is donate at least $100, then they receive rewards and an educational experience that enables them to learn more about wildlife while creating a special bond with the animal they adopted.

1001 North Park Drive, Brandywine Park, Wilmington, Delaware, 19802, Phone: 302-571-7747, Map