Zoo Holds Event To Help Raise Funds

The is one step closer to nabbing a larger facility to give animals more space, as well as expand the zoo.

The zoo—which was established in April of 2006—hosted its second annual Open House, bringing an estimated 1,000 people.

Free of cost to attendees, the event was to help educate youngsters while raising money through donations. Along with caged animals, attendees got to interact with snakes, an armadillo and even a baby tiger.

Diane Adams came with her husband and two kids and said her family enjoyed the unusual feel of the zoo.

“(I like that) the zoo has demonstrations with animals,” she said. “(My kids) get to get more close up.”

“Jungle” Joe Fortunato said the zoo will continue to host the annual event until enough money is raised for a new facility.

Fortunato said he hopes to raise money to build a new “bigger, better” through this fundraiser. He said the zoo unexpectedly grew from a handful of animals in 2006 to around 60 animals today.

“I never in a million years thought it would go this far,” Fortunato said.

Zoo volunteer Sharon Kramer said most people she’s talked to are in favor of a bigger zoo. She said she has firsthand experience that it’s a great learning opportunity for the kids.

“My daughter and I came as patrons (to the zoo), and that day we signed up to volunteer,” she said. “Now, my daughter wants to be a vet.”

But not everyone sees the zoo as all that inspiring.

“I feel it is very misleading and very unhealthy for the animals,” said Ken Sorensen, of Montgomery County. “What it is, is a warehouse in an industrial park. It’s not a zoo.”

Sorensen came to enjoy the zoo, but joined a group of protesters standing outside as he was leaving.

The Animal Activists of Philadelphia, led by founder and director Marianne Bessey, have been protesting the zoo for the past couple of years.

“We want to close this zoo,” she said. “And we want all the animals to go to sanctuaries.”

So far, Bessey’s efforts have been unsuccessful and the zoo is preparing to relocate.

It is still unclear as to how much money the zoo will need, and the board has not yet found a piece of land to build on, he said.