PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia Zoo has opened Francis J. Carey Bear Country, a $25 million expansion featuring the zoo’s first overhead Zoo360 trail for bears, adding larger habitats and new breeding facilities as it expands its conservation and animal care programs.
The exhibit’s signature feature, the Gould & Potter Crossing, is a 60-foot-long elevated trail that stands 16 feet above guests, allowing visitors to watch bears move between habitats while giving the animals additional space to roam.
The project is the zoo’s largest new construction effort since the opening of KidZooU in 2013. Carey Bear Country houses Andean bears Turbo and Alba and sloth bear Bhalu, all species classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature because of threats including habitat loss, human conflict and poaching.
The expanded exhibit increases bear habitat space by 60% with the addition of a third habitat and includes climbing structures, digging areas, heated pools, indoor and outdoor denning areas designed to support breeding programs, and features intended to accommodate both newborn and aging animals.
“Francis J. Carey Bear Country is enhancing the lives of our bears,” Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman said. “When our guests see our bears walk over their heads, they will have a moment of awe they will remember for years to come.”
Vice President of Animal Wellbeing Rachel Metz said the zoo’s animal care team has focused on helping the bears adapt to their new surroundings.
“It is amazing to see our bears experience and thrive with all the improvements made to Carey Bear Country,” Metz said.
The project also expands visitor amenities with cave-style glass viewing areas, spaces where guests can observe animal care training sessions, interactive conservation exhibits, seven gender-neutral restrooms, a family restroom and a nursing suite.
Turbo, a 15-year-old male Andean bear, and Alba, an 11-year-old female, arrived from San Diego Zoo and have produced three cubs together. Bhalu, a 13-year-old sloth bear, returned to Philadelphia after temporarily living at Little Rock Zoo during construction. His mate, Kayla, remains at Little Rock Zoo while raising the pair’s two cubs and is expected to return after the cubs are weaned in about two years.
Philadelphia Zoo said the expanded habitat supports its participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan and Saving Animals From Extinction program by providing facilities designed for breeding, long-term animal care and conservation.
Carey Bear Country is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is included with general admission and zoo memberships.
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