The Philadelphia Zoo will open its new Francis J. Carey Bear Country exhibit to the public on June 4, unveiling a $25 million expansion focused on endangered bear conservation and animal care.
The new exhibit features upgraded habitats for Andean and sloth bears, including a third habitat, expanded indoor and outdoor den spaces and a new Zoo360 trail designed to give the animals additional room to roam and explore.
Zoo officials said the project increases bear habitat space by 60% and includes features modeled after natural environments, including climbing structures, digging pits, heated pools and areas designed to support breeding programs and cub rearing.
Visitors will also be able to view the bears through glass viewing areas and learn about conservation efforts through interactive exhibits and educational signage highlighting the threats facing the species in the wild.
The exhibit is home to two endangered species: Andean bears, native to South America’s Andes Mountains, and sloth bears, which are found in parts of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Andean bears, also known as spectacled bears, are known for the light markings around their eyes and faces. They are excellent climbers and are known for building nests in trees to both eat and sleep. They eat fruits, berries and shrubs and eat the most plants of any other bear species.
Sloth Bears have long, dark shaggy fur, flexible snouts and powerful lungs that allow them to eat termites and ants that are 8-10 feet underground.
Both species face threats from habitat loss, poaching and human conflict, according to zoo officials.
Carey Bear Country will open to the public June 4 at 11:30 a.m. Zoo members will receive preview access on June 2 and 3, as well as early morning access June 5 through 7.
Beginning June 5, the exhibit will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is included with zoo membership and general admission tickets.
For more information about Carey Bear Country, visit philadelphiazoo.org.
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