Change the (Philadelphia) Zoo - "The Time for Jailing Wildlife is Past"

We continue our campaign to turn Philadelphia Zoo into a world-class center that other zoos may emulate. Our vision includes transitioning the Zoo from an assortment of exotic live animals bred for a lifetime in confinement on display to a humane alternative featuring animatronic animals (similar to the "Staying Power: Be Distinct, or Go Extinct" display previously displayed at the Zoo.)

There is already movement worldwide in this direction. For example, a hyper-realistic animatronic dolphin is now available for a “swimming with the dolphins” experience that doesn’t harm a single cetacean, and the 140-year old, 44-acre Buenos Aires Zoo, similarly sized to the 42 acre Philadelphia Zoo, has transitioned to a ecopark. The 2,500 animals previously confined there were moved to nature reserves. And with documentaries like Blackfish and The Conservation Game, the public is becoming increasingly aware of the problems with confining intelligent, sensitive animals outside of their natural habitats and the consequences of breeding more for display.

We have contacted the CEO of the Zoo, Jo-Elle Mogerman, who took over in October 2023, but did not receive a response. Now it's time to bring it to the people and patrons of the zoo! The future is now.

Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Weather dependent: Yes, but it's very rare - if it's pouring rain or extremely hot, we'll reschedule. Not many people come to the zoo in the rain or extreme heat. The weather forecast for Sunday looks great so we'll be there!

Organizer contact info: Marianne, 610-733-1248

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR . . .
- -- Where we stand?
We set up outside of the gates in front of the zoo entrance at the southwest corner of 34th and Girard.
--- What we do?
We hand out educational leaflets about zoos. And, as always, we have vegan literature available for interested people. ****All signs and literature will be provided.****
--- Parking?
There is free parking on Girard Avenue west of the zoo and side streets (near the Sunoco 38th and Girard, use 3750 W Girard Avenue for GPS).
--- Police Interaction?
Little to none. We have been demonstrating at the zoo for over ten years and it is now well-established that we have the right to stand anywhere outside of the gates.
--- Bathrooms?
You can use the bathrooms inside the zoo without paying admission to get in. If you don't want to go in the zoo, there is a Sunoco gas station a few blocks away where if you ask the clerk nicely, you will usually be able to use the bathroom (assuming it is in working order, sometimes it's not).
--- Receptivity of the patrons?
Much depends on the dynamics of the crowd. Most of the time, the patrons are fairly receptive and will engage with us on questions about zoos and animals. A very small percentage may say something negative, but it overall it is a positive crowd. Most of the people going to the zoo think of themselves as animal lovers.
--- Accessibility?
There is a cutaway on 34th street where cars can pull in to drop off folks. The area where we set up is flat and easy to access.