Big Cat Falls — Attraction in Philadelphia

Great Experience, But Important Details Need Attention

Our visit to the Philadelphia Zoo was overall a fantastic experience. The staff was excellent—helpful, friendly, and always willing to engage with visitors. A special mention to the team at the goat interaction area, who were particularly kind and made the experience even more enjoyable for my kids. The animal encounters were truly memorable, and we appreciated the well-maintained exhibits and the educational opportunities throughout the zoo.

However, there are some areas that could use improvement. One of the biggest issues was the lack of clear communication regarding closures. Many attractions were either under renovation or simply closed, but this was not clearly stated on the website. Knowing this in advance would have helped us set the right expectations and plan our visit better.

The food situation was another letdown. A significant number of food stands were closed, and the few that were open had noticeable shortcomings. One issue that stood out was the lack of basic accommodations when purchasing drinks. Considering this is a family-friendly zoo where children touch and interact with animals, it would make sense to offer cups or straws when serving beverages in cans. Unfortunately, when we had lunch near the lion enclosure, this wasn’t the case, making it unnecessarily inconvenient.

Despite these minor frustrations, we still had a wonderful time. The exceptional staff and engaging animal experiences make this zoo a great destination. With a few improvements in communication and food service, it could provide an even better experience...

Very fun place. Probably one of the best spots in the zoo. One or two of the enclosures didn't have critters in them when I went. meaning the only guys present were the cougars and the tiger. It is my understanding that the lions, tigers, and leapords share an enclosure but cycle in and out throughout the day. I think this is the case becuase it gave a sign of possible creatures in the enclosure and of 3 tigers only one was there. It seems the enclosures and everything are big enough and enriching enough for the cats. When I went it was just very warm so they were a...

Get ready for a roaring adventure at Big Cat Falls in the Philadelphia Zoo! This extraordinary exhibit is a feline fan’s paradise, showcasing majestic Amur tigers, sleek leopards, regal African lions, and more. Opened in 2006, it’s a marvel of conservation where you can witness these incredible creatures up close in habitats that mimic their natural environments. With engaging activities like keeper talks and feedings, every visit is a chance to learn and be inspired. So, leap into action and come face-to-whisker with some of the most awe-inspiring big cats on the...