Background

Brandywine Zoo: A Conservation Hub in Wilmington

Discover wildlife and conservation at Wilmington's Brandywine Zoo, a family-friendly destination since 1905.

4.2

Nestled in Brandywine Park along the Brandywine River, the Brandywine Zoo has been a Wilmington attraction since 1905. This small zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

A brief summary to Brandywine Zoo

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the zoo's website for seasonal hours, special events, and animal encounters.
  • Visit during feeding times to see the animals interact with their keepers.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available in the Brandywine River lot.
  • Combine your zoo visit with a picnic or nature walk in Brandywine Park.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Wilmington, walk north on Delaware Avenue towards Brandywine Park. Turn right onto N Van Buren Street and cross the Van Buren Street Bridge. The zoo entrance will be immediately on your left after the bridge. Follow N Park Drive to the parking lot on the right. The walk is approximately 25 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Wilmington Transit Center, take DART First State Bus Route 2, 11, or 35 towards Brandywine Park. Get off at the stop closest to the Brandywine Zoo on N Park Drive. The zoo entrance is a short walk from the bus stop. A single bus fare is $2.00.

  • Car

    From I-95, take Exit 7 (Delaware Avenue). Continue straight on Delaware Avenue and turn right onto N Van Buren Street. Cross the Van Buren Street Bridge, and the zoo entrance will be immediately on your left. Turn right onto N Park Drive to access the parking lot on the right. Parking is free.

Unlock the Best of Brandywine Zoo

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Brandywine Zoo

The Brandywine Zoo, a 4.7-acre gem in Wilmington's Brandywine Park, offers an intimate and engaging wildlife experience. Founded in 1905, the zoo has evolved from a humble beginning with a bear pit and exotic animal house to a modern facility focused on conservation and education. The zoo is home to a variety of animals from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Madagascar. Visitors can see red pandas, Andean condors, lemurs, capybaras, and various reptiles and birds. Exhibits are organized by region, providing insights into different ecosystems. The zoo also participates in the AZA's Species Survival Plan, supporting cooperative breeding programs for endangered species. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Brandywine Zoo is committed to conservation efforts both locally and globally. Since 2014, it has been involved in the Delaware Kestrel Partnership, monitoring and researching the state's American kestrel population. The zoo also supports international organizations like Conservation Fusion and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership. Educational programs, including the Conservation Leadership Academy for teens, further emphasize environmental stewardship. With its compact size and diverse collection, the Brandywine Zoo offers a personal and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Popular Experiences near Brandywine Zoo

Popular Hotels near Brandywine Zoo

Select Currency