Erie Zoo reopens for 2023 season. What to see and know when you go.

Valerie Myers, Erie Times-News
·3 min read
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The Erie Zoo begins its 2023 season Wednesday. Here's what's new and what to expect when you go.

New animals

Two African black-footed penguins arrived in February to replace males that had died in recent years. The penguins will be introduced to their new colony in the children's zoo this coming spring.

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Erie Zoo orangutan Otis hangs out in his enclosure in Erie on Feb. 24.
Erie Zoo orangutan Otis hangs out in his enclosure in Erie on Feb. 24.

Also new are four primates, species to be announced, that arrived in December. They will share Hilbert Family Primate Habitat quarters with the eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Year-old red panda brothers Lukas and Micah arrived in Erie late this past fall and are at home in the Wild Asia exhibit.

And new zoo ambassador animals available for community visits include baby alligators and a screech owl.

Construction ahead around the Erie Zoo

North American river otters will be in temporary quarters this season and not available for viewing while their habitat gets its first makeover since it was built in 1989.

A glass viewing area for the African painted dogs and a public restroom will be built at the Kiboka Outpost.

And expect a detour to the children's zoo while the foot bridge is replaced by a boardwalk.

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The viewing area for the African wild dogs at the Erie Zoo will be upgraded and modernized with glass, much like the big cat exhibits in other areas.
The viewing area for the African wild dogs at the Erie Zoo will be upgraded and modernized with glass, much like the big cat exhibits in other areas.

"We hope visitors are excited about the improvements and will be patient with us during construction," zoo spokeswoman Emily Smicker said.

The $10 million Wild Open Spaces projects and related work are part of the zoo's commitment to modernization and investment required for reaccreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. A $3 million state grant awarded this past fall will help fund future construction of a zoo veterinary clinic.

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Saddle up a Scooter Pal

Five electric scooters dressed up as zoo animals are available for runs around zoo grounds.

The scooters — a lion, giraffe, bear, leopard and rhino — were delivered last week and are getting trial runs by staff.

Erie Zoo staff members test out newly acquired Scooter Pals, animal-themed mobility carts for families, near the Hilbert Family Primate Habitat. The staff members, from left to right, are Kylie Kaspick, Kim Bowes and Bryce O'Neal.
Erie Zoo staff members test out newly acquired Scooter Pals, animal-themed mobility carts for families, near the Hilbert Family Primate Habitat. The staff members, from left to right, are Kylie Kaspick, Kim Bowes and Bryce O'Neal.

"We're getting the animals used to them," Smicker said.

Riders ages 14 and older can rent a scooter for $5 plus 35 cents per minute as weather permits. Children over 3 feet tall can ride with an adult.

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Grand Reopening Celebration is Saturday

Visit the zoo for free during the Grand Reopening Celebration on Saturday, courtesy of UPMC Health Plan.

Special activities and treats from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. include chips and queso by Moe's Southwest Grill while supplies last.

Hunter, a lynx at the Erie Zoo, sits in his enclosure.
Hunter, a lynx at the Erie Zoo, sits in his enclosure.

More Erie Zoo special events

  • Spring Egg-venture, including an egg hunt, April 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

  • Glenwood Flea, featuring crafts and secondhand goods, at Flo Fabrizio Ice Center, select Saturdays beginning April 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

  • Wild Wednesdays, with music and extended hours, in July, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

  • Senior Citizens Day, with free admission for grandparents 62 and older and their grandchildren 18 and younger, Aug. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

  • Felines & Wines, wine-tasting, Aug. 11, 6-9 p.m.

  • ZooBoo, with trick-or-treating, scavenger hunts, beginning Oct. 12.

For a full list of events, ticket information and dates, visit eriezoo.org/events.

Erie Zoo daily hours and admission

The zoo will be open daily through Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Thanksgiving. Last admission is at 4:15 p.m.

Cost is $11 for ages 13 and up, $9 for seniors 62 and older, $7 for children 2-12.

Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie PA Zoo reopens March 1. Six things to see and know in 2023