Erie Zoo

As home to over 300 animals, it's no wonder that the Erie Zoo is one of the 'wildest' places in the city! Pleasant pathways through the site's 15 acres highlight not only the animals, but also the hundreds of plants and flowers that have been carefully incorporated into the landscape. 

In 1924, the Erie Zoo was founded as a city operated animal facility. The main building was constructed in 1929 and housed most of the animals at that time. The zoo remained relatively unchanged for over thirty years, until 1962 when the Erie Daily Times printed a series of articles on the poor condition of the zoo. Realizing the importance of a zoo to the community's quality of life, a group of local business people stepped forward to form the Erie Zoological Society. In 1962, the City of Erie turned over operation of the zoo to the Society.

Over the next several decades, under the guidance of the Society, the zoo flourished and grew. A children's zoo was added, barred animal exhibits were replaced with open air natural exhibits, a membership program was created, and the zoo strengthened its focus on conservation and education.

All ages will enjoy the Children's Zoo, where you can experience first hand the friendliness of some of the Zoo's most gentle inhabitants. Open year round, the Zoo also features special seasonal events like October's scary-but-not-so-scary ZooBoo.