Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown

It all started with a farmer's generosity. In 1924, a civic-minded citizen handed over 16 acres of lush farmland and a small group of critters to the Borough of Norristown. Today, the Elmwood Park Zoo welcomes guests in hopes of creating a future stock of wildlife lovers and conservation advocates. A menagerie of exotic animals from all over the globe—from ocelots and gila monsters to red pandas and amphibians—peer back at visitors from their habitats or during live animal shows. Guests can participate in feedings with bison, giraffes, birds of paradise, or barn animals, or spy on more than 15 species that are threatened or endangered.