The premise of going to the zoo had been to have fun. The only oasis of enjoyment was in a swan boat in an artificial lake. Enjoy taking one of these Victorian paddleboats for a spin around Bird Lake. In the background is the McNeil Avian Center. The bird house opened in 1916. Philadelphia Zoo was founded in July of 1874, thus earning the slogan “America’s First Zoo.” Over 1,300 animals are exhibited on the 42 acres of the zoological garden.
