ZooAmerica

About ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is a compact, walkable zoo in the heart of Hershey that gives Pine Ridge campers a year-round wildlife experience just 45 minutes from camp. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the park focuses exclusively on North American species, making it a unique alternative to larger regional zoos.

The zoo organizes its 200-plus animals across five themed habitat regions representing different North American ecosystems. Visitors walk through exhibits featuring mountain lions, black bears, bald eagles, timber wolves, river otters, lynx, and dozens of other native species. The indoor nocturnal exhibit showcases animals active at night, while the reptile house features snakes, turtles, and other cold-blooded residents.

Admission is straightforward at $16.50 for adults, $14.50 for children ages 3 to 8 and seniors 62 and up, with kids under 2 free. Military visitors receive $2 off at the front desk with valid ID. The zoo is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card. A pedestrian bridge connects ZooAmerica to Hersheypark, and zoo admission is included free with Hersheypark admission during operating hours.

Winter hours run 10 AM to 4:30 PM daily, while summer hours extend to 7 PM from late May through early September. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas and may have brief closures in late January for maintenance. Special programs throughout the year include animal camps, Zoolentine's Days in February, and Friday admission discounts.

For Pine Ridge seasonal campers, ZooAmerica is a manageable outing that pairs perfectly with Chocolate World or Hersheypark for a full day in Hershey. The smaller size means families with young children can see everything in 2 to 3 hours without the exhaustion of an all-day theme park visit.

What to Expect

• Regional Habitats: Five themed exhibit areas represent different North American ecosystems, from eastern woodlands to southwestern desert. Animals are displayed in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats.
• Signature Animals: Highlights include mountain lions, black bears, bald eagles, timber wolves, river otters, lynx, and dozens of bird and reptile species native to North America.
• Conservation Programs: As an AZA-accredited facility, ZooAmerica participates in species survival programs, habitat preservation initiatives, and public education about North American wildlife conservation.
• Hersheypark Connection: A pedestrian bridge connects ZooAmerica directly to Hersheypark. Zoo admission is included free when entering through the bridge with a valid Hersheypark admission.