What’s new at the zoo

Open for more than 150 years, America’s first zoo continues to flourish as an epicenter of family fun, attracting millions of visitors annually. The Philadelphia Zoo is shaking off winter with new adventures and attractions this spring that are worth checking out.

“This year will be another great year to visit Philadelphia Zoo,” said Jo-Elle Mogerman, the zoo’s president and CEO. “Come first for Hollenstein Ross Penguin Point with a new species to the Philly Zoo, Magellanic penguins. Come again for Carey Bear Country, a state-of-the-art facility designed for the care and conservation of endangered bears, allowing our guests to get closer to them than ever before.”

There are other new experiences, too, like the 100-foot Pherris Wheel, opening for daily rides on March 28.

“These new additions bring our mission of sharing our passion for conservation and creating transformative memories further to life,” Mogerman said.

Here are the top must-sees at the Philadelphia Zoo this spring:

Thanks to a gift from the W.P. Carey Foundation and other donors, Bear Country has leveled up with a massive expansion, including a third bear habitat and a fresh new name: Carey Bear Country, opening this spring.

Updates include a cozy den space for breeding and a spacious glass viewing area for visitors. Keep your eyes peeled for the arrival of a dynamic duo of Andean bears. You’ll be able to spot them by their semicircular white or yellow markings around their eyes that resemble glasses.

And don’t miss the one single sloth bear, with more of his furry friends to arrive at a later date. Find them with their distinctive “V” or “Y” markings on their chests.

The wildly popular and clever Zoo360, an innovative see-through mesh animal trail that allows a variety of animals to roam around and above the zoo, has just added an extension in Carey Bear Country’s third bear habitat.

Proud Philadelphia fact: The Philadelphia Zoo is the first zoo to have this type of mesh animal trail. The zoo has several animal trails throughout the park, with a different mesh trail for each set of animals. From big cats (snow leopards and lions), smaller primates (black-and-white colobus monkeys), great apes (gorillas and Sumatran orangutans), and red pandas, now the bears will have the same opportunity to explore.

“When Zoo360 first launched in 2011, it was revolutionary in the zoo world, so much so, that now more than 70 zoos around the globe have designed and built their own versions,” Mogerman said.

Say a frosty welcome to the Magellanic penguins at Hollenstein Ross Penguin Point. These first-time visitors will be the only colony of penguins there. Named for the Strait of Magellan, this species is native to the coastal regions of South America.

Choose from several vantage points in which to view them: Head to the lower area to watch these excellent swimmers, capable of reaching speeds of 15 mph, frolic in a 250,000-gallon pool, or venture to the upstairs viewing gallery, where you can watch them through crystal-clear glass as they waddle and dive their way around.

You can’t miss their tuxedolike black-and-white feathers and their donkey-sounding noises.

Back from its popular launch last year, the ZOOtopiaries: Nature’s Sculptures installation is debuting in April. These three-dimensional mosaic topiaries of animal designs will be crafted from 22 plant species, including joyweeds, hens and chics, and sedums.

These sculptures will be playfully interspersed in the garden beds throughout the zoo. Some of last year’s favorites will appear again this year, including the preening peacock and giant giraffes, which tower at 21 feet high and weigh 9,400 lbs.

New topiaries this year include a terrific giant tortoise, a bright-eyed bear, and a brilliant bald eagle. Get an up close look to see if you can discover what plants and flowers are used in these designs showcasing the interconnection of art, plants, and animals.

Get a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the animals 10 stories below while riding the Zoo’s first Ferris wheel.

Open daily starting on March 28, the wheel offers scenic views of the city skyline, the Art Museum, and the Schuylkill. Guests must be 32” to ride, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets must be purchased online ($8) or at the zoo.

“The Pherris Wheel has a number of fantastical light and color shows it cycles through,” Mogerman said. “Throughout the year, we will also be using the lights on the wheel to celebrate all the big sporting events happening in the city: the Flyers, the Sixers, the Phillies, the MLB All-Star Game, the FIFA World Cup, and the Eagles.”

This popular festival, presented in partnership with the Council of Indian Organizations, is back for more fun. The one-day event on April 25 celebrates Holi, the festival of colors celebrated in India and its diaspora. With colors, flowers, and festivities, it marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

This zoo celebration includes Indian music, food, and dancing, featuring artists from Philadelphia’s Indian American community. Throw colored powders (called gulal) at each other and into the air, where red represents love, green for new beginnings, and yellow for prosperity.

Enjoy this fun day and play with water and share sweet foods. Festival of Colors is included in general admission and zoo membership.