Visit to ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA

sign marking the entrance to ZooAmerica in Hershey PA

Date of Visit: March 1, 2024

In summer, fall, or at the Holidays, Hersheypark is one of the most popular destinations in Pennsylvania. But adjacent to the park is another attraction that draws visitors year-round for more natural discoveries.

Signpost with four directional signs pointed at different areas within ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica, like its more famous neighbor, was founded by Milton Hershey. The zoo actually arrived four years after the park in 1910.

Since then, it has grown to what it is today, an 11-acre park dedicated to telling the story and preserving animals native to North America.

Cactus and desert scene inside the Bird House at Zoo America in Hershey, PA

The zoo features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Among the indoor exhibits is the Bird House, added to the property in 1934. The octagonal building features many desert-dwelling animals, including lizards, birds like owls and roadrunners, desert tortoise and armadillos.

sign inside ZooAmerica with a picture of how the space looked in the early 20th Century

More animals await next door in the reptile house where guests can see a variety of snakes, as well a big cat (the ocelot), vampire bats, coatis and ringtails.

American alligator floating in water inside ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA

The final indoor exhibit, titled the Southern Swamps, houses a number of animals more common in the southern United States. Among the more notable animals here is the American alligator.

a rosette spoonbill, a bird resembling a flamingo, stands in water at Zoo America

This is also where you will find the flamingo-like birds known as the roseate spoonbills with their pink-hued feathers.

Outside, the exhibits are more spread out along the pathway that circles the zoo.

Prairie dogs with heads popping out of their burrows at ZooAmerica

Growing up, I had the opportunity to visit ZooAmerica both with my family and on school field trips. Back then, my favorite animals were the prairie dogs. It was nostalgic for me to see them popping in and out of their burrows, which are located near the midway point of the path.

bobcat inside an enclosure at Zoo America

ZooAmerica is home to several big cats. The ocelot is inside while outside visitors will find a mountain lion, Canadian lynx and bobcat.

child stands next to a sign showing the height of various bears

The largest animal housed at the zoo is the black bear. Unfortunately it was not to be seen during our wintertime visit.

hawk sits in a tree at ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA

We did, however, see a number of raptors including the snowy owl, barn owl and redtail hawk.

There are plenty of other animals to see, too, and a visit can last up to a couple hours, depending on how long your kids (or you) spend looking at the fascinating inhabitants of ZooAmerica.

When You Go

Admission to ZooAmerica is free for same-day HersheyPark guests. Guests must enter via a special entrance directly from the park to receive free admission.
Non-HersheyPark guests can visit the zoo with paid admission, entering through the main gate.
ZooAmerica offers reciprical memberships with other zoos across the country. Check the website to see specifics.
There are no dining options at ZooAmerica, but there are plenty of places to eat nearby in downtown Hershey.