Elmwood Park Zoo drew about 119,000 visitors in 2011. It draws more than 1.3 million now, and on Friday, May 15, 2026, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro came to Norristown to see what that growth has built.
The visit centered on the Frank and Paige Engro Welcome Center and Veterinary Hospital, which opened in 2024. The project was supported by $3 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding that Shapiro and the Commonwealth authorized in 2024.
What the state is buying
“From day one, my Administration has been focused on growing Pennsylvania’s economy through strategic investments that strengthen our communities and attract more visitors to our Commonwealth,” Shapiro said. “Elmwood Park Zoo has become a major regional destination, growing annual attendance from 119,000 visitors in 2011 to more than 1.3 million today.”
Zoo leadership used the visit to walk through its Master Plan, which covers future exhibit work, expanded guest amenities, accessibility improvements and continued growth of the campus.
“Today was an incredible opportunity to showcase not only the transformation of our campus, but also the vision we have for the future of Elmwood Park Zoo,” said CEO Al Zone. “We are grateful to Governor Shapiro and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for their support of projects that continue to elevate the guest experience, strengthen animal care, and expand our ability to serve the community.”
Eagles, owls and a giraffe
The Shapiros toured the new facilities, met staff, and spent time with several of the zoo’s better-known residents: Reggie the eagle, one of two live mascots for the Philadelphia Eagles, Stella the owl, live mascot for the Temple Owls, and Dhoruba the giraffe, whom they fed.
State Senator Amanda Cappelletti and State Representative Greg Scott joined the visit. Elmwood Park Zoo was the world’s first Certified Autism Center zoo, a designation it earned in 2018 and has kept through staff training, sensory-friendly resources and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
