Governor Shapiro and First Lady Shapiro Visit Elmwood Park Zoo | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Norristown, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro visited the Elmwood Park Zoo alongside local leaders to tour the new 32,000 square foot welcome center featuring a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital - a project supported by a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) award from the Shapiro Administration in 2024.

The new facility includes the Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center, administrative offices, and a gift shop. The 17,000-square-foot veterinary facility is one of the largest and most advanced exotic animal care centers in the country, featuring exam rooms, treatment areas, quarantine facilities, recovery wards, and surgical suites equipped with advanced technology.

"From day one, my Administration has been focused on growing Pennsylvania's economy through strategic investments that strengthen our communities and attract more visitors to our Commonwealth," said Governor Shapiro. "Elmwood Park Zoo has become a major regional destination, growing annual attendance from 119,000 visitors in 2011 to more than 1.3 million today. That's a big deal - and my Administration will continue to invest in projects that boost tourism, create jobs, and support local economies like this one in Norristown."

RACP is a reimbursement grant program administered by the Governor's Office of the Budget that supports essential design, acquisition, and construction projects across the Commonwealth. The program funds projects with regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, promoting economic growth, creating jobs, increasing tax revenue, and contributing to vibrant, resilient communities. In 2024, Governor Shapiroannounced$600 million supporting over 400 projects across Pennsylvania through RACP.

"We're thrilled to welcome Governor Shapiro to the Elmwood Park Zoo today to share one of the most exciting destinations District 17 has to offer," said Senator Amanda Cappelletti, PA's 17th Senatorial District. "The Zoo brings nature and the beauty of wildlife right into our backyards, and its new Welcome Center and Veterinary Health Center further strengthen its role as a leader in wildlife and environmental conservation. I look forward to continuing my work with the Governor to uplift the Zoo, its staff, their mission, and everything this institution brings to our community."

"The Elmwood Park Zoo has long played an integral role in our community, from offering family-friendly events throughout the year to free admission days for Norristown residents every month," said Representative Greg Scott, PA's 54th House District. "Their commitment to our neighborhood and to the animals they care for is unparalleled. The new facilities we toured today position them to become even stronger leaders in the care of exotic animals, and I'm grateful to Governor Shapiro and every state and local leader who saw this project through to completion."

Over the last three years, the Governorhas been laser-focused on strengthening Pennsylvania's economy and growing our workforce - and it's working. Since taking office, the Governor has made Pennsylvania more competitive, attracting over $41 billion in private-sector investment while creating nearly 23,000 good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth, and earning national recognition.

• Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy, based on analysis done by Moody's Analytics.
• Last year, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Commonwealth ranked third in the nation for job growth.
• Area Development ranked Pennsylvania among the top 20 "Best States for Business" - the only Northeastern state to make the list - and placed the Commonwealth in the top 10 for "Site Readiness Programs."
• Site Selection Magazine named Pennsylvania one of the top business climates in the nation.

These investments build on that progress and strengthen the Governor's commitment to creating jobs, improving infrastructure, strengthening public safety, and making a lasting difference for the communities and people of Pennsylvania.

Learn more about the Shapiro Administration'sefforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.