Zoos

Big Cat Falls

Name: Big Cat Falls
Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Philadelphia, PA, US
Telephone: (215) 243-1100
Rating: 4.6

★★★★☆ 4.6 (235 reviews)

📍 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104

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🕐 Hours

Quick Facts

⭐Big Cat Falls houses more than 1,900 rare and endangered species from around the world
⭐The zoo features a unique 'cat walk' enclosed elevated walkway that allows big cats to roam between different areas of the zoo while remaining safely enclosed
⭐Lions, tigers, and leopards share rotating enclosures and cycle in and out throughout the day, allowing them access to large, enriching spaces
⭐ZOOtopiaries feature mosaic topiary animals including a bald eagle, Galapagos tortoise, and bear family as part of the zoo's landscape attractions
⭐The zoo membership pays for itself in just two visits and includes free parking, representing strong value for repeat visitors

🕐Plan your Big Cat Falls visit for early morning or cooler weather days. Reviews note that cats become sluggish in warm temperatures, making them less active and harder to spot. Visit when it's cooler to see more dynamic behavior and better photo opportunities.
💬Arrive early and allow at least 2-3 hours to explore. Last entry is at 4 PM and the zoo closes at 5 PM, so arriving late limits your time. The big cat enclosures are expansive with elevated 'cat walks' that let animals roam throughout multiple areas, requiring time to see them all.
💡Book a guided 'Amazing Animals' or 'Explore the Gardens' tour with a Zoo docent. These one-hour experiences provide insider knowledge about animal behavior, including why lions, tigers, and leopards rotate through shared enclosures throughout the day—helping you understand what you're seeing.
💬If you plan to visit twice or more per year, a membership pays for itself in just two visits and includes free parking. Members also don't need advanced reservations, giving you flexibility for spontaneous visits.
💡Don't miss the ZOOtopiaries—the topiary animal sculptures including a bald eagle, Galapagos tortoise, and bear family are described as awesome additions that appeal to all age groups and make great photo spots throughout the zoo.