On  Monday morning, July 1, 2024 the Philadelphia Zoo held its 150th Anniversary Celebration!  Attendees headed for the North Gate where invited media, influencers and families were lined up to get in just as they did 150 years ago !  An old-time brass band led the way when the gates were opened!

The following is a pictorial of the event:

The gates opened and attendees and their families led by a marching  band went to the Impala Plaza to enjoy light activities and a press conference

1. PR Guru Kory Aversa chatted with Philadelphia Zoo CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman and Michelle Leonard at the North Gate

2. This group was so ready for the 150th celebration!

3. A Zoo banner and crayons were available for attendees to sign in and color!

4. Zoo employee Lauren H, held a snapping turtle shell for all to tap on as they made their way to see the awesome sights at the zoo!

5. Philadelphia Zoo’s Chief Development Officer Neil Batianeila and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman addressed the crowd attending the brunch at the Impala Plaza

6. Zoo board members Carole Gravagno and Ned Montgomery attended the brunch

7. A.J. Jordan, Michael Del Bene, President and CEO of Welcome America, Inc,, Kathryn Ott Lovell,  President and CEO of Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation,  Jazelle Jones, Philadelphia City Representative and Cynthia Figueroa, JEVS Human Services  President and CEO, gathered for a group photo 

8. Philadelphia Board President Jody Lewis paused for a photo with board members Peter Gould and Cackie Rogers

9. Philadelphia City Council Policy Director Mary Jones and Philadelphia City Council member Jamie Gauthier were pictured with an original photo from 150 years ago

10.  Philadelphia City Council members and Zoo officials gathered on the Impala Plaza for a press conference after the brunch and Zoo employees brought these two Goats  Eleanor and Franklin to join in the event!

11. A Pre Hensile Skink from the Solomon Islands  joined in the celebration 

12. Zoo CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman (left) received an  “Office of the Mayor Proclamation” from Philadelphia City Representative Jazelle Jones

13. Kathryn Ott Lovell, Jamie Gauthier,  Zoo CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman,  Jazelle Jones and Michael Del Bene were ready to cut the cake!

15. CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman (left) also received a Philadelphia City Council Citation from Council member Jamie Gauthier

16. Philadelphia Zoo board members Nathaniel Hamilton, Peter Gould  and board president Jody Lewis gathered with Zoo CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman to cut a 150th birthday cake !