Erie, PA – The Erie Zoo is honoring the memory of senior resident African lion Nala, who was humanly euthanized today, September 12th, 2022, surrounded by many of her loving caregivers.
Erie Zoo News & Updates
Zoo Closing Early
Your Erie Zoo will be closing early on October 1st at 3pm to prepare for our Lions, Tigers & Beers Fundraiser. Thank you for your understanding!
Tickets for Lions, Tigers & Beers go on sale Friday, September 2nd at 8am. Purchase yours here.
The Erie Zoo Opens New Habitat and Welcomes New Species
Erie, PA – On Wednesday, July 20th the Erie Zoo announced the grand opening of the Hilbert Family Primate Habitat. The new space in the heart of the zoo currently features two Eastern black and white colobus monkeys with zoo officials planning to feature additional species in the near future. Read Full Press Release Below
Erie Zoo Economic Impact Study
Study Finds Erie Zoo Generated $100 Million in Economic Impact Over Five Years
Study shows long-term public investment pales in comparison to similar-sized zoos
Erie, PA (June 21, 2022) – A nationally recognized firm headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania published a pro-bono economic impact analysis today that found the Erie Zoo has generated more than $100 million in economic impact over the past five years. The study further concluded that the economic activity generates $21.2 million annually in Pennsylvania and that more than $17.8 million of those funds stays in Erie County alone.
Read Full Press Release and Economic Impact Study Below
The Main Building is Officially Open!
On Wednesday, May 25th the Erie Zoo is reopening their Main Building for the first time in over two years. As part of the zoo’s Wild Open Spaces Capital Campaign, construction on the building began in the fall of 2019 thanks to a generous gift from Erie philanthropist Tom Hagen. The goal of the project was to restore the building back to its historical 1930’s façade as well as make some minor improvements to the interior. Read the full Press Release below.
Chubby Unicorn Shirts Are Back!

Erie Zoo says goodbye to long-time orangutan resident
Erie, PA – The Erie Zoo is saddened to announce the passing of ‘Joe’, a beloved member of the zoo family.
Joe Orangutan Update #3
At this moment Joe’s condition continues to be stable and the orangutan family remains behind the scenes... Read More Below
Joe Orangutan Update #2
Joe the orangutan’s condition continues to hold stable... Read More Below
Joe Orangutan Update
As many of you may have noticed, this past weekend Joe the orangutan was feeling under the weather and the family was off exhibit for opening weekend.