Elmwood Park Zoo nears completion on development’s first phase

As construction nears completion on the first phase of the Elmwood Park Zoo’s new welcome center, plaza and veterinary hospital, officials took a moment to honor a lasting legacy.

People gathered on May 22 to conduct a ceremonial flag-raising situated at the entrance to the zoo’s new entrance plaza. There they commemorated Dave Wilson, who was a “beloved long-time employee, friend and Army veteran.”

“This is something that he really would have loved. He was a simple man. He loved this town, he loved his country, he loved the zoo. … He would really, really love this,” said Wilson’s daughter, Diane Brown.

Wilson’s family members and loved ones were present at the mid-week ceremony, which concluded with a musical performance. Wilson’s friend, Michelle Manella, underscored the importance of dedicating the flag to someone who played such an important role in the community.

“He would feel so honored by this, and that was something incredibly important to him,” Manella said. “So to be flying this high above the zoo, I feel like he feels like he’d be looking over us. He looked over so many people here, whether it was summer staff or people that worked here all the time, he always looked over everybody. That was Mr. Wilson. That’s what he did.”

“He was the first one here,” she continued. “A lot of times he was the last one here, and he looked over everybody, young or old, and I feel like dedicating something like that looking over the zoo is like him looking over us and just watching the zoo.”

Zoo expansion

Established in 1924, the Norristown-based zoo has around 300 animals, with visitors ranging from 800,000 to 1 million people each year. When cultivating a comprehensive $150 million master plan for the zoo, revamping the welcome center and the veterinary hospital was the first step. A $30 million donation was designated back in October 2022 to fund the project and construction began in April 2023.

Officials are expected to get together again next week to cut the ribbon on the zoo’s first phase of development, showcasing the welcome center and Frank and Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center.

“All of our guests will walk through the space and learn why zoos matter. Why are they here, meaning the animals, why are we here, meaning the staff, and why are you here, meaning our guests,” said Elmwood Park Zoo CEO and Executive Director Al Zone.

Zone addressed members of the Norristown Municipal Council earlier this week to update them on the progress on the 39,000-square-foot space that features $41 million “worth of improvements.” The Elmwood Park Zoo is one of 238 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

“We are already being nominated — has to be open for at least six months — we are already being nominated as the best entrance to any zoo in the entire United States, which is really excit(ing),” Zone said.

Veterinary hospital

Along with expanded parking at the zoo, the welcome center includes several amenities including a gift shop and restrooms. Highlighting the zoo’s veterinary hospital, Zone noted that windows were incorporated so that patrons inside the welcome center could witness medical procedures. The hospital area contains computed tomography scans, which Zone said only two other facilities in the country have, San Diego Zoo and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Referencing future educational opportunities, Zone added the zoo plans to partner with the nearby Central Montco Technical High School to launch a vet-tech program.

Following completion of the development’s first phase, additional plans include an overall campus expansion across the creek, the construction of a pedestrian bridge, as well as Asia and South America exhibits, officials previously said. Ideas to beautify Harding Boulevard and incorporate stormwater improvements were also proposed.

Norristown council members unanimously authorized the advertisement of two ordinances during the May 21 meeting related to the zoo’s ongoing development.

“The proposed ordinances are to aid the Elmwood Park Zoo’s expansion project by streamlining the zoning process for two pieces of their plan (impervious coverage and fences). Planning officials have worked with the project developers and the municipal engineer to encourage development for this one specific use – the zoo – while not hindering environmental or safety concerns to the community,” said Norristown Public Information Officer Kevin Tustin in a statement Friday afternoon.

It’s unclear when these ordinances will be up for a vote. The next Norristown Municipal Council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on June 4 at Municipal Hall, 235 E. Airy St. Visit norristown.org for more information.

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