What are some of the key animals to see at the Brandywine Zoo?

The Brandywine Zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals. Be sure to look for the adorable Red Pandas, the majestic Andean Condors, and the playful lemurs in the Madagascar exhibit, which include Crowned, Black and White Ruffed, and Ring-tailed lemurs. You can also see the world's largest rodent, the Capybara, and the unique Giant Anteater.

How long does it typically take to visit the Brandywine Zoo?

Due to its compact size, a typical visit to the Brandywine Zoo is estimated to take about 45 minutes to an hour. However, many visitors choose to spend more time, often up to two hours, exploring the exhibits, enjoying the Nature Playground, or attending keeper chats and special events.

ZooDelaware, US

Brandywine Zoo

The Brandywine Zoo, a charming and intimate gem nestled within Wilmington's beautiful Brandywine Park, invites visitors of all ages to discover the wonders of the animal kingdom.

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About

The Brandywine Zoo, a charming and intimate gem nestled within Wilmington's beautiful Brandywine Park, invites visitors of all ages to discover the wonders of the animal kingdom. As Delaware's only zoo, it offers a unique and personal wildlife experience across its 4.7 acres, providing a tranquil environment to connect with nature. The zoo is home to a captivating array of species, from the tropical and temperate regions of North and South America, Asia, and Africa, showcasing both familiar creatures and highly endangered animals. It's an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), signifying its commitment to excellent animal care, conservation, and visitor education. Guests often describe the Brandywine Zoo as a "small but charming" destination where the intimate setting allows for close-up viewing and a genuine connection with the animals.

A highlight for many is the Madagascar exhibit, where playful lemurs—including Crowned, Black and White Ruffed, and Ring-tailed species—lounge in the sun and interact with their environment, often alongside radiated tortoises and guinea fowl. Another must-see is the impressive Andean Condor, one of the world's largest birds of prey, providing a powerful display of nature's grandeur. The zoo also delights visitors with its iconic Red Pandas, often seen exploring their arboreal habitat. Beyond these, you might spot the world's largest rodent, the Capybara, or the intriguing Giant Anteater, among many other fascinating residents.

Beyond animal viewing, the Brandywine Zoo actively engages visitors in its mission of conservation. Through educational programs, keeper chats, and special events, guests learn about endangered species and the importance of protecting wildlife. The Nature Playground offers a fantastic space for children to mimic animal movements and explore the natural world, further enriching the experience. Whether you're a family seeking a delightful outing, a photography enthusiast hoping to capture stunning wildlife shots, or simply looking for an educational and inspiring day, the Brandywine Zoo offers a rewarding visit where every encounter inspires action for conservation. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

The Brandywine Zoo boasts a rich history, officially opening its doors in 1905, though its origins trace back to an idea proposed in 1904 by Dr. James H. Morgan. Initially, the zoo's collection included a variety of animals such as ducks, geese, Belgian hares, a sea turtle, and a sea gull, housed around an old bear pit and an "Exotic Animal House." Over the decades, the zoo evolved significantly. By the 1950s, it transformed into a popular children's zoo, complete with fairy tale-themed exhibits and farm animals donated by local farmers. While the main zoo experienced periods of decline, the children's zoo remained popular until the late 1970s. The 1980s marked a resurgence, with new exhibits and significant renovations, including the addition of a river otter exhibit and an animal hospital. Since 1986, the Brandywine Zoo has maintained continuous accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a testament to its commitment to high standards in animal care, conservation, and education. Today, with a new Master Plan, the zoo continues to reimagine its future, balancing modern animal habitats with enhanced visitor services.

What to do here

Beyond the animal exhibits, check the daily schedule for opportunities to watch animal feedings, training sessions, or keeper chats. The zoo also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as "Sip & Stroll" for adults and family-friendly events like "Boo at the Zoo" and "Storytime." Explore the Zootique gift shop and enjoy the picnic areas within Brandywine Park.

Seasonal info

Winter (Dec-Feb): The zoo offers free admission during these months (excluding special events) due to potential limited visibility of some animals, such as Golden Lion Tamarins, Lemurs, Radiated Tortoises, and Scarlet Ibis, which may be moved indoors to temperature-controlled buildings. The snack bar is typically closed from January to mid-March. Spring: A beautiful time with mild temperatures and blooming flora in the park, though be prepared for occasional rain.

Accessibility

The Brandywine Zoo is committed to accessibility, with all exhibits and the zoo grounds being wheelchair accessible. Limited wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket window (ID required). Accessible parking is available, and guests with limited mobility can be dropped off directly in front of the zoo entrance to avoid a hill. The zoo has also partnered with KultureCity to offer sensory bags and sensory-friendly hours for guests with sensory needs. Service animals are permitted according to ADA guidelines, but emotional support animals are not.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: A typical visit to the Brandywine Zoo lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, given its compact size of less than five acres. However, many visitors enjoy extending their stay to one to two hours to fully appreciate each exhibit, engage with staff, and explore the Nature Playground.
Best time to visit: Fall, winter, and cloudy days are often recommended as the zoo is less crowded, and many animals are more active. For warmer days, arriving early in the morning or a few hours before closing can provide a more comfortable experience. Spring is also an excellent time to visit, as the surrounding Brandywine Park blooms, offering a beautiful backdrop. Be aware that some tropical animals may not be visible if temperatures drop below 50°F.
Location: Delaware, US
Species in this guide: 19

Best for

Families With Young ChildrenWildlife PhotographersConservation Enthusiasts & EducatorsNature Lovers & Outdoor EnthusiastsVisitors With Sensory Sensitivities

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Don't miss

Madagascar Exhibit

Home to three species of lemurs (Crowned, Black and White Ruffed, Ring-tailed), radiated tortoises, and helmeted guinea fowl, offering lively interactions.

Andean Condors

Witness the impressive scale of one of the world's largest birds of prey.

Red Panda

Spot these captivating, tree-dwelling mammals often found exploring their habitat.

Nature Playground

A creative and active space for children to play and mimic animal movements.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Common Raven

Bee

Red Panda

Bald Eagle

Capybara

Toucan

Sandhill Crane

Radiated Tortoise

Green Tree Python

North American Porcupine

Goat

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early or Late

To avoid crowds and potentially see more active animals, plan your visit for early morning or later in the afternoon, especially on warmer days.

Check for Daily Programs

Upon arrival, check the daily schedule posted at the front of the zoo for animal feedings, training sessions, or keeper chats, which offer enhanced viewing and educational opportunities.

Dress for the Weather & Wear Comfortable Shoes: The zoo is an outdoor venue with varying terrain. Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes to enjoy your visit fully.

Bring Snacks and Drinks

While there is a snack bar (closed in winter), you are permitted to bring your own food and beverages (no plastic lids/straws, glass, or alcohol), making it easy to enjoy a picnic in Brandywine Park.

Explore Brandywine Park

Since the zoo is small, consider combining your visit with time in the surrounding Brandywine Park, which features picnic areas and beautiful scenery, to make a full day of it.

Utilize Accessibility Features if Needed: Don't hesitate to inquire about wheelchair loans or sensory bags at the ticket window if they would enhance your visit. Consider attending sensory-friendly hours if applicable.

Frequently asked questions

: The Brandywine Zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals. Be sure to look for the adorable Red Pandas, the majestic Andean Condors, and the playful lemurs in the Madagascar exhibit, which include Crowned, Black and White Ruffed, and Ring-tailed lemurs. You can also see the world's largest rodent, the Capybara, and the unique Giant Anteater.
: Yes, the Brandywine Zoo is committed to accessibility. The zoo and all its exhibits are wheelchair accessible, although some areas may have slopes due to the landscape. Limited wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis, and accessible parking is provided. Additionally, the zoo offers sensory bags and hosts sensory-friendly hours for guests with sensory needs.
: Due to its compact size, a typical visit to the Brandywine Zoo is estimated to take about 45 minutes to an hour. However, many visitors choose to spend more time, often up to two hours, exploring the exhibits, enjoying the Nature Playground, or attending keeper chats and special events.