ZooAmerica, a wildlife park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, officially opened on May 26, 1978. It was developed as a transformation of the original Hershey Zoo, which was founded in 1910 by Milton S. Hershey. The new zoo focused on North American wildlife and naturalized habitats, offering visitors an educational experience about native animals. ZooAmerica is directly connected to Hersheypark via a bridge, making it an integral part of the larger amusement park complex.
When Was the Original Hershey Zoo Established?
The original Hershey Zoo was founded in 1910 by Milton S. Hershey. It served as a local attraction for many years, showcasing various animals to visitors. However, several factors led to its closure in 1971:
- Shifting public opinion on animal captivity
- Increased awareness of the need for better animal care
- Financial constraints
During this period, Hersheypark underwent significant changes, including:
- Introduction of a one-price admission plan
- Development of themed areas within the park
What Led to the Creation of ZooAmerica?
The transformation from the old Hershey Zoo to ZooAmerica was driven by several factors:
- Vision of John Strawbridge: In 1975, John Strawbridge, then director of the Hershey Museum, saw an opportunity to revitalize the old zoo site.
- New concept: Strawbridge developed plans for a themed zoological park focused on North American wildlife.
- Investment: He convinced Hershey Estates to invest in the project, leading to the creation of ZooAmerica.
What Are the Key Features of ZooAmerica?
ZooAmerica is divided into five themed sections, each representing different geographical areas of North America:
- North Woods
- Black bears
- Bobcats
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White-tailed deer
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Eastern Woodlands
- River otters
- Beavers
-
Wild turkeys
-
Big Sky Country
- Bison
- Prairie dogs
-
Mountain lions
-
Grassy Waters
- Alligators
- Turtles
-
Various fish species
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Cactus Community
- Roadrunners
- Rattlesnakes
- Desert tortoises
Unique Attractions
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Bear Exhibit | Features a 13,000-gallon swimming pond |
| Woodlands Education Center | Offers interactive experiences with animals |
| Naturalized Habitats | Designed to mimic animals’ natural environments |
| Educational Programs | Focus on North American wildlife |
How Is ZooAmerica Connected to Hersheypark?
ZooAmerica is seamlessly integrated into the Hersheypark complex:
- Direct connection: A bridge across Park Boulevard links ZooAmerica to Hersheypark.
- Easy access: Visitors can move between the zoo and other park attractions without significant travel.
- Shared facilities: Parking and other amenities are shared with Hersheypark.
What Are the Accessibility Options for ZooAmerica?
While specific distances are not provided in the sources, here are some general accessibility points:
- Parking: Visitors typically use Hersheypark’s parking facilities.
- Walking: The zoo is accessible on foot from within Hersheypark.
- Internal transportation: Visitors can use Hersheypark’s internal transportation options to reach the zoo.
How Has ZooAmerica Evolved Since Its Opening?
Since its opening in 1978, ZooAmerica has continued to evolve:
- Focus on conservation: Increased emphasis on wildlife conservation efforts.
- Educational programs: Expanded offerings of educational programs for visitors of all ages.
- Habitat improvements: Ongoing enhancements to animal habitats to better mimic natural environments.
- Species additions: Introduction of new North American species to the zoo’s collection.
What Makes ZooAmerica Unique Among Zoos?
ZooAmerica stands out from other zoos for several reasons:
- North American focus: Specializes in wildlife native to North America.
- Integration with Hersheypark: Offers a unique combination of zoo and amusement park experiences.
- Educational emphasis: Strong focus on educating visitors about native wildlife and conservation.
- Naturalized habitats: Exhibits designed to closely resemble animals’ natural environments.
How Does ZooAmerica Contribute to Conservation Efforts?
ZooAmerica plays a significant role in wildlife conservation:
- Species preservation: Participates in breeding programs for endangered North American species.
- Public education: Raises awareness about conservation issues through exhibits and programs.
- Research: Contributes to scientific studies on North American wildlife.
- Rehabilitation: Provides care for injured or orphaned native animals when possible.
In conclusion, ZooAmerica opened on May 26, 1978, as a transformation of the original Hershey Zoo. It has since become an integral part of the Hersheypark experience, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate North American wildlife in naturalized habitats.
References:
1. https://www.zooamerica.com/about-us/history.php
2. https://hersheyarchives.org/encyclopedia/zooamerica-hershey-zoo/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZooAmerica