Just you wait till the next heat wave.
When it comes, the Philadelphia Zoo could potentially be the busiest place around because they’ll have realistic snow in a timed ticket attraction, simply called “Winter,” that opened June 17 and continues through Aug. 20.
“We’re forecasting some frozen fun at the zoo this summer,” Philadelphia Zoo Chief Marketing Officer Amy Shearer, said in a press release. “We’re so excited to share how animals and people adapt differently to snow and cold in a way that lets you have your own wintery fun.”
Regardless of the outside air temperature, 200 tons of chemical-free snow will get made daily by an ICS snow making system, made by a company called SnowMagic, for tubing 120 feet down Snow Leopard Slope (you need to be at least 40 inches tall); or making snow angels or snowmen, or throwing snowballs at targets in the all-ages Snow Zone play area; or head into the Polar Bear Pavilion tent designed specifically for children under 40 inches tall. Polar Bear Pavilion even has LED-lit trees to fool your mind into thinking it’s Christmas in July for real.
Sure, it is summer, but because the snow will be cold and slippery, just like natural winter precipitation, you may want to have a sweater handy and avoid wearing flip-flops, high heels or open-toed sandals to the zoo if you’re partaking in the Winter experience.
Don’t miss the life-size, 400-pound polar bear made of 95,000 Legos by artist and “full-time professional kid” Sean Kenny. According to the zoo’s creative director, Barbara McGrath, the sculpture was previously on display at the Philadelphia Zoo in 2010 as part of an exhibit titled “Creatures of Habit,” is held together with a special glue and has traveled across the country twice.
Also, while you’re beating the heat get some quick fun facts about emperor penguins, red pandas – which look nothing like a panda bear, snow leopards, amur tigers and polar bears from display signs, such as “Survive Winter Like a …”
If you just want to chill and watch all the action from the sidelines, head to Cozy Cafe for beverages and snacks or snap a pic or two at one of the photo opportunity stations.
“Any of these are something we could bring back,”‘ said zoo chief operating officer Andy Baker, referring to special, new-engagement features like “Winter,” the Lego polar bear, an art installation involving recycled materials, or custom endangered animal puppets designed by the Jim Henson Company that were stars at the Philadelphia Zoo in 2011.
“We often look for an opportunity to tell out story with a context,” Baker said. “Winter” even includes a short vignette spotlighting the role Philadelphia Zoo veterinarian Tim Georoff has played in the conservation of the snow leopard.
So when the temperatures rise, you don’t have to stay indoors parked in the air conditioning. Not when there’s a cool arctic adventure out there.
Also at the zoo
Animals are on the move like never before at the Philadelphia Zoo with Zoo360, a system of see-through trails passing through treetops, crossing over pathways and connecting habitats, giving animals like big cats, primates and meerkats opportunities to travel and explore.
Among the 1,300 animals that live at the zoo are a recently added baby western lowland gorilla, giraffes, hippos, polar bear, white rhino, zebras, red pandas, amur tigers and more. The zoo welcomed more than 1.25 million visitors last year.
