Plumpton Park Zoo

08/30/2024

Boop the Snoot at Brew at the Zoo!

Brew at the Zoo is 9/14 from 6pm - 10pm. Tickets include a feeding with our dromedary camel Abu. Come boop the snoot, give him a treat, and get a selfie.

❗️Save today with our early bird pricing now through September 5th❗️follow this link to purchase tickets now: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/plumptonparkzoo/items/218181/?full-items=yes&flow=367982

Join us for an evening of music, food, a visit from our newest animal ambassador ❤️ in training ❤️ 4 month old Arctic wolf pup, Harley, dromedary camel feedings with Abu, games, raffles (do not have to be present at the end of the evening to win), and a beer & wine garden.

Don’t forget the zoo will be open from 6pm-10pm to tour and explore on your own. As we get closer to the event we will be posting sneak peeks of raffle items 🙈

08/29/2024

Boop the Snoot at Brew at the Zoo!

Brew at the Zoo is 9/14 from 6pm - 10pm. Tickets include a feeding with our dromedary camel Abu. Come boop the snoot, give him a treat, and get a selfie.

❗️Save today with our early bird pricing now through September 5th❗️follow this link to purchase tickets now: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/plumptonparkzoo/items/218181/?full-items=yes&flow=367982

Join us for an evening of music, food, a visit from our newest animal ambassador ❤️ in training ❤️ 4 month old Arctic wolf pup, Harley, dromedary camel feedings with Abu, games, raffles (do not have to be present at the end of the evening to win), and a beer & wine garden.

Don't forget the zoo will be open from 6pm-10pm to tour and explore on your own. As we get closer to the event we will be posting sneak peeks of raffle items 🙈

08/25/2024

Brew at the Zoo Reimagined! 🐅

Join us for Brew at the Zoo the way you have never experienced it before.
❗️Save today with our early bird pricing now through September 5th❗️follow this link to purchase tickets now: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/plumptonparkzoo/items/218181/?full-items=yes&flow=367982

Guests will enjoy:

- DJ
- Great food
- A visit from our newest animal ambassador ❤️ in training ❤️ 4 month old Arctic wolf pup, Harley!
- Dromedary Camel feedings with Abu!
- Games
- Raffles (do not have to be present at the end of the evening to win)
- Beer & Wine garden

Don't forget the zoo will be open from 6pm-10pm to tour and explore on your own. As we get closer to the event we will be posting sneak peeks of raffle items 🙈

08/21/2024

It is difficult to find the proper words to announce the passing of Ringo the bear. It is impossible to convey the full extent of our feelings of loss.

Indeed Ringo was a special bear who was known for his mischievous spirit and gentle demeanor. He was a practical joker as well. Ringo delighted not only his keepers but everyone who had the honor of knowing him. On occasion, he would gently climb out of the pool and run, slamming his body on the fence and causing all the water in his fur to splash off and soak a keeper. He would occasionally push his brother Frankie into the electric fence. Yes, he would play that way, yet he was always gentle with his keepers.

About two months ago, keepers came in to discover Ringo, the 11 year old brown bear, having trouble using his back legs. Our staff veterinarian, Dr Catherine Lacovara, made an assessment and began treatment. Dr. Lacovara then consulted with other zoo vets around the country. Various treatment protocols were employed. Some met with mild success but Ringo did not recover. The next step was either euthanasia or get a CT scan for a more definitive diagnosis. At that time, Ringo was still spending much of his day in his pool which appeared to give him relief. A search was conducted for places to conduct a CT scan as far as Florida and Chicago. Dr. Lacovara made contact with MidAtlantic Equine Medical Center in Ringoes, NJ who agreed to open their equine facility to a large bear. A transport cage was obtained from NC. Dr. Lacovara anesthetized Ringo and Plumpton Park Zoo staff, with careful planning, loaded a sleeping bear into the zoo van for a 2 hour trip to Ringoes, NJ.

At Mid Atlantic, Dr. Lacovara with the assistance of Dr Ernie Beier, Dr Joe Filigno, veterinary nurses and 6 zoo staff worked seamlessly with a large team at Mid Atlantic led by Dr. Singin Elliot and Dr Belgrave. They coordinated unloading and getting Ringo into the CT machine and then returned the still sleeping Ringo back into his transport crate.

These were extraordinary efforts that were made to help Ringo. Such steps rarely happen because of the difficulty in safely accomplishing such a task

There are very limited cases in the country that have attempted giving a bear a CT scan and it is an absolute testament to professional ability and high standards of expertise of the staff at Mid Atlantic Equine Medical Center and Dr. Lacovara’s team that this step in Ringo’s care went so smoothly.

The CT scans were read by many veterinarians as well as a team of surgeons and radiologist from the University at Buffalo Neurosurgery including Dr Pollina, Dr Jeffery Mullin, Dr Gregory Tymchak and Dr. Douglas Moreland who successfully operated on a polor bear in the past. Only three bears are know to have had spinal surgery and Dr. Moreland did one of those.

Sadly each doctor determined Ringo’s spinal injuries were too serious to justify pain and surgery with only an exceedingly remote chance for a recovery.

Over 100 people volunteered their time in an effort to diagnose and care for Ringo. The decision to euthanize Ringo brought about an intensely profound sadness to all here at Plumpton Park Zoo. At the same time we have a very positive and warm feelings of gratitude for all those who helped in the care of Ringo. Thank you. Goodbye Ringo………..

08/17/2024

Happy National Non- Profit day!

What is a non profit you ask? It is a group organized for purposes other than generating profit. In the case of zoos we do a vast amount of education through the community and we promote conservation! Zoos help protect biodiversity and ensure the survival of species as well as educate the public on the animals and their needs which leads to individuals making a change to help conservation efforts!

Plumpton Park Zoo has a wide variety of species that we care for, including but not limited to lions🦁 and tigers🐯and bears🐻 (… oh my!) We currently have about 40 staff members who help us to make sure our zoo is in perfect shape for our guest to enjoy! There is a lot more work than just feeding- we have maintenance to preform, events, enrichment, quality time, observations and research, diet prep, cleaning and so much more! Without our staff and our community we would not be able to do what we do everyday!

If you are interested in donating to our Non- Profit to help us continue on our mission please click the link below!

https://givebutter.com/PPZSTRONG

08/10/2024

🦁Happy world lion day! 🦁
This is Kimba and Jaala our African White Lions! They are 2 and a half years old!

These two are not albino but actually white due to a genetic rarity called leucism. Females can reach 260-360lbs and males can reach up to 500lbs! These guys can sleep 16 to 20 hours a day so if you come to PPZ make sure you really look around to spot them napping! 💤

White lions were nearly hunted to extinction in the early 1990s due to trophy hunting- currently there is no law nationally or internationally that protects white lions. As of May 2024 white lions are considered vulnerable by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

08/07/2024

Looking for hands on learning with a variety of animals? Come to Plumpton Park Zoo for our Internship program!

We offer animal care internships through every season! Apply now for our Fall internship.

Follow the link below to find the application. For any further questions or to turn in your application please email [email protected]

https://plumptonparkzoo.org/internships/

Photo: Intern Alyssa from spring 2024 making sure our donkey Celebraytion gets to enjoy a sweet treat!

08/01/2024

Stop by the zoo August 4th 11am- 3pm to learn more about volunteering for zombies at the zoo! You get to meet the actors, ask questions about the event, and learn how to get involved! 👻

🧟‍♀️ Zombies at the Zoo is back! 🧟‍♂️

We are looking for volunteers to lend a hand or a foot.....

Please stop by the zoo on July 27th or August 4th from 11am - 3pm to meet actors, ask questions about the event, and sign up! Volunteers must be 16 unless parent volunteers with them!

07/29/2024

To wrap up Zookeeper Appreciation week the last on the list to thank is Jenna! 🧡

Jenna has been with PPZ almost 4 years now, she currently works as our Animal Care Supervisor. This means she is in charge of all the keepers and the animals to make sure everything is in order and the zoo is operating smoothly! Jenna went to Delaware Valley University graduating with her degree in Conservation and Wildlife Management. Her favorite part of zoo-keeping is “being able to grow bonds with the different species and being able to educate the public not only on the animals but on conservation in general.”

As we end Zookeeper appreciation week we want to thank all zookeepers for their hard work and the dedication and passion they have for this career. It can be exhausting and overwhelming at times but keepers always keep pushing to ensure that the animals receive the best care!

Here is Jenna with her favorite tall friend, Kazar! 🦒

07/28/2024

Today we thank Frankie! 🧡

Frankie is one of our Senior Keepers here at PPZ, he is one of the people who help make sure that everything is in order and that the animals are properly cared for! He went to Towson University earning his BS in Animal Behavioral Science. Frankie works hard everyday to make sure the zoo is perfect for our guest! He says his favorite part of zoo-keeping is “making connections with the animals behind the scenes & learn how different they each are. We get to see what the animals personalities are like everyday”

This is Frankie with his favorite 2 toed friend, Sid the sloth! 🦥

07/27/2024

As we continue working through our staff we thank Sam today! 🧡

Sam has been with the zoo seasonally for a little over a year now until going full time after his recent graduation from West Virginia Wesleyan College earning his BS in Environmental Science. He is someone on staff that no matter how hard they are working or what the conditions are he is always gonna help while keeping everyone laughing! Sam’s favorite thing about zoo-keeping is “Being able to watch the young animals grow up and getting to learn more each day about the animals personalities.”

Here is Sam with his favorite spotted friend, Kazar! 🦒

07/26/2024

Today we thank Joseph! 🧡

Joseph is a great addition to the PPZ team, he is always there to help whenever needed! Joseph went to Millersville University of Pennsylvania and graduated with his BS in Biology! Some days keeping is exhausting but it’s small moments with the animals that make it all worth it. Joseph’s favorite thing about zoo-keeping is “The variety of animals we get to work with is incredible! It's fascinating and rewarding to learn their unique personalities/quirks and build connections with each amazing creature.”

Here is Joseph with one of our young binturongs, Peter! 😄

07/25/2024

Next up on the list we are thanking Sophia! 🧡

Sophia is quickly working her way up here at PPZ! She is a strong part of our team to help keep us running smoothly. Sophia goes to University of Delaware getting her BS in Biology! Sophia love the little things like watching the animals play with their enrichment or giving them their favorite novel treats! She says her favorite part of zoo-keeping is “learning new things everyday and forming bonds with the animals!”

Here is Sophia with her favorite girl, our siamang gibbon Songkhla 🐒

07/24/2024

To keep us pushing through the week today we are going to thank Lauren! 🧡

Lauren has been with the zoo for about 3 months now and she is fitting right in! Lauren graduated from Unity Environmental University with her BS in Animal Health and Behavior. She always has a smile on her face while working hard to make sure all our animals are happy and cared for! She says her favorite part of zoo-keeping is “Seeing the anticipation in the animals when we arrive for feeding and cleaning!”

Here’s Lauren with the ladies, Miracle and Alexis our Tigers! 🐅

07/23/2024

As we work our way through the week we want to thank Kendra! 🧡

Kendra has been with Plumpton Park Zoo for a few months now and she is really finding her niche! She graduated from Delaware Valley University with her BS in Agricultural Education. She says her favorite part of zoo-keeping is “working with animals I love and having the opportunity to educate the public about them” Kendra spends much of her day interacting with the public and informing them about all our friends here at PPZ!

Here’s Kendra with one of her favorite feathered friends, Chewlo! 🐦

07/22/2024

Tristen is next on our list to be thanked during Zookeeper Appreciation Week at PPZ! 🧡

Tristen recently started working at Plumpton Park but has already made an impact on our animals! She graduated from Delaware Valley University with her B.S. in Zoo Science! Though the job can get tough our keepers never let us down! Tristen says her favorite part of zoo-keeping is “ Getting to work with animals and learning their unique personalities!”

Enjoy this photo of Tristen with her favorite animal at the zoo, our Reeves Muntjac, Murray! 🦌

07/21/2024

To kick off Zookeeper Appreciation Week at PPZ we are starting by thanking Ellie! 🧡

Ellie is one of our newest keepers at the zoo, she graduated from Kent State University with her BS in Zoology! Though she has only been here a short time she has proved to be a dedicated member of our team and is creating a great connection with our animals here! She says her favorite part of zoo-keeping is “getting to see the different personalities all of our animals have and developing connections with them while we care for them!”

This is Ellie with one of her many favorite animals, our dromedary camel Chloe! Thank you Ellie! 🐪

07/16/2024

🧟‍♀️ Zombies at the Zoo is back! 🧟‍♂️

We are looking for volunteers to lend a hand or a foot.....

Please stop by the zoo on July 27th or August 4th from 11am - 3pm to meet actors, ask questions about the event, and sign up! Volunteers must be 16 unless parent volunteers with them!

07/10/2024

Wondering how some of our friends spent their holiday weekend? Well with lots of enrichment of course! Our staff spent time making different kinds of enrichment for the animals to be able to use! In the photos below you can see we have some novel food of watermelon, a puzzle diet of decorated bags, some ice molds, and some toys in our tiger pool! ❤️🤍💙

Enrichment gives animals an outlet for mental and physical exercise. It comes in many different forms, we at PPZ have an extensive enrichment program made up of 5 categories. We provide: Novel foods, Puzzle diets, sensory enrichment , social enrichment, and toys! Each animal has an enrichment schedule built to the needs of their species! These guys absolutely love their enrichment! We, at PPZ, hope you all had as much fun this 4th of July weekend as we did!

07/04/2024

🎆Our friends at Plumpton Park Zoo wanted to join in on the festivities this year!! 🎆

They got all dressed up to wish all our guest and supporters a Happy and Safe 4th of July! We hope everyone enjoyed this beautiful day! We are open all weekend so stop by and see everyone! 🇺🇸

07/02/2024

We are hiring! Summer is here and that means there is lots of work to be done by our Maintenance Department. We are looking for full and part time people. Active retirees welcome! This is an entry level position and we are a non profit facility. Responsibilities include everything handyman carpentry skills, janitorial to fence and animal enclosure construction. Email [email protected]. It can be challenging at times but work at the zoo has its own unique rewards. Please share with someone you thing might be interested in joining the zoo team!

06/27/2024

Did you get your spot in our most popular camp. Only a few spots left. Here is the link:
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/plumptonparkzoo/items/243455/?full-items=yes&flow=no

06/20/2024

Our most requested camp…Care of Magical Creatures is back. Send your kids to Hogwarts. They will get sorted and the games will begin. They will learn how moggles (zookeepers) take care of our magical creatures. This camp sells out quick. We only have 30 spots. Here is the link to get your spot:
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/plumptonparkzoo/items/243455/?full-items=yes&flow=no

06/13/2024

Lola, our Black Backed Jackal, is in search of a microwave donation!

The keepers often use our microwave to make lots of treats for the animals enrichment! This is a quick way to make scrambled or hard boiled eggs, steam veggies, cook pasta, and so much more! Unfortunately after years of service our microwave finally gave up on us- if you have one you are interested in donating please reach out! Our animals (and keepers) would greatly appreciate it!

EDIT: thank you so much to everyone who contacted us about a microwave, we have gotten some and greatly appreciate everyone’s help! If you are still interested in donating feel free to check out our wishlist or our “get involved” tab on our website ☺️

If you are interested in donating to help the animals but do not have an extra microwave laying around don’t worry! You can follow this link to purchase something from our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/24P2MEKXH5R3X/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

05/28/2024

Another successful shear madness in the books!

Shearing is very important to our animals because this helps keep them cool in the summer. Sheep, llamas, and alpacas fiber is naturally insulating so during the winter months it keeps them very warm but in the summer months could cause them to over heat. Due to this we have professionals come out every year to make sure they are all trimmed up and summer ready! ☀️

The practice of mechanical shearing machines was created in 1860 when the patents started to be granted. Some say that shearing is one of the hardest jobs in the world as it is one of the hardest craft to learn, takes a lot of practice to be able to learn the proper techniques while still being efficient, and is very physically demanding! Thank you to Joe and Ben from Northeast Shearing for coming out every year to help us! Always awesome to work with these guys! 🐑🦙

05/28/2024

Celebraytion is kicking off summer this Memorial Day weekend with our favorite cookout treat! She hopes everyone had a safe and fun holiday and is ready to relax for the summer! 🍉

Don’t forget Plumpton Park Zoo is now on summer hours so stop by anytime 9am- 6pm to see Bray and all her friends! Happy Memorial Day from all those at PPZ! 😊

05/24/2024

Gemma the sheep wants to remind you tomorrow is shear madness! Be sure to stop in at 11am to catch all the fun! We will be shearing our sheep, llamas, and alpacas- during this time we will do keeper chats and help guest learn more about the shearing process! We hope to see everyone! 🐑

05/14/2024

Hope is finished her paintings for Brew at the Zoo. Did you get your tickets yet? This is last call. Headcounts must be handed in tonight. Here is the link:
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/plumptonparkzoo/items/218187/?full-items=yes&flow=367978