National Zoo Lovers Day is on Thursday, April 8, 2027, and it falls on April 8 every year. It celebrates zoos and aquariums and the people who care for their animals. Spring weather makes it a good time for a visit.
When Is National Zoo Lovers Day?
It’s always April 8. Many zoos are busy with spring break crowds around this date, so mornings are usually the calmest time to go.
Who Started National Zoo Lovers Day?
No founder or start year has been documented.
Background: America’s first zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo calls itself America’s first zoo. The Zoological Society of Philadelphia was chartered in 1859, but the Civil War delayed the opening until July 1, 1874.
Tickets cost 25 cents for adults and 10 cents for children. More than 3,000 people came on opening day, and 227,557 visited in the first eight months.
What Is the Purpose of Zoo Lovers Day?
It’s a chance to appreciate what modern zoos do beyond showing animals. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredits 255 zoos, aquariums and related facilities in 12 countries.
Together, they care for more than 780,000 animals of over 8,600 species. More than 800 of those species are listed as Vulnerable or more threatened. In 2025, AZA members spent $372.4 million on field conservation.
How to Celebrate National Zoo Lovers Day
- Visit an accredited zoo: look for AZA accreditation on the zoo’s website.
- Catch a keeper talk: check the daily schedule for feedings and chats with animal staff.
- Arrive early: many animals are more active in the cooler morning hours.
- Adopt an animal: symbolic adoptions help fund care and often include a photo and fact sheet.
- Watch a zoo cam: if you can’t visit, many zoos stream live cameras of popular animals.
- Volunteer: ask your local zoo about docent or event volunteer programs.
- Pack a picnic: check whether your zoo allows outside food and find the nearest picnic area.
- Join a membership: annual passes support animal care and often pay for themselves in two or three visits.
- Bring a checklist: give kids a list of animals to spot, with a sticker for each one they find.
- Visit America’s first zoo: if you’re near Philadelphia, the zoo marked its 150th anniversary in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AZA accreditation mean?
It means a zoo or aquarium meets the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ standards for animal care, safety, education and conservation. Members are reviewed regularly.
How many people visit accredited zoos?
AZA-accredited facilities served more than 209 million visitors worldwide, based on its 2024 survey.
What are SAFE programs?
SAFE stands for Saving Animals From Extinction. In 2025, AZA members worked on 56 SAFE species programs and spent $53.7 million on them.