History of ZooAmerica in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 5, 2026

ZooAmerica, situated in Hershey, Pennsylvania, originated in 1910, established by Milton S. Hershey as a small animal collection featuring bears, birds, and deer. It has grown into an 11-acre zoo housing over 75 species and 200 individual animals. The zoo focuses on North American animals from five different regions. It also exhibits rare and endangered species, contributing to wildlife conservation efforts.

1905: Zinner moves to Lebanon, PA

In 1905, Franz and Louise Zinner moved to Lebanon, Pennsylvania, from Weisenberg, Germany.

1910: Hershey builds a zoo

In 1910, Milton S. Hershey acquired a black bear. This acquisition, combined with previous prairie dogs, led Hershey to build a zoo with bears, birds, deer, and other animals.

1910: ZooAmerica Founded

In 1910, ZooAmerica was founded by Milton S. Hershey with a collection of animals, including bears, birds, and deer.

1910: Park Officially Opens

In 1910, the park officially opened, and throughout the year, the zoo received a few more bears, angora goats, fox squirrels, opossums, peacocks, pheasants, and zebus.

1914: Zoo Receives More Animals

In 1914, the zoo received a lion, monkeys, and a leopard.

1915: Zoo Receives Major Renovations

In 1915, major renovations took place at the zoo to address overcrowding due to new animal arrivals, including the addition of the Hershey Laundry building.

1916: Zoo Displays Hundreds of Animals

In 1916, the zoo displayed hundreds of animals.

1934: Zoo Expanded

By 1934, the zoo covered more than 40 acres and had a reptile house and a pair of baby elephants, but the elephants were sold after Hershey overheard a guest prefer monkeys.

1971: Zoo Closes For Renovations

In 1971, Hershey Park and Zoo America both closed for renovations.

1972: Hurricane Agnes

In 1972, Hurricane Agnes set a flooding record, which was later broken by Tropical Storm Lee on September 7, 2011.

1982: ZooAmerica Receives Accreditation

In 1982, ZooAmerica was accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, becoming the second zoo or aquarium in Pennsylvania to achieve this distinction.

2000: New Bear Exhibit Opens

In 2000, ZooAmerica opened a new bear exhibit featuring hills, grass, toys, and a 13,000-gallon swimming pond with fish for the bears.

2004: Conservation Program Established

In 2004, the zoo established a program for kids to become more involved with conservation, including an official mascot, Ranger Scratch, and the Ranger Scratch Kid's Club, a program designed to educate kids about conservation and environmental issues.

September 7, 2011: Flooding Takes Place in Hershey, Pennsylvania

On September 7, 2011, flooding occurred in Hershey, Pennsylvania, due to Tropical Storm Lee, causing Spring Creek to overflow. Despite efforts to protect the animals, the bison panicked, resulting in one drowning and another being euthanized. Additionally, nine prairie dogs also died in the flood.

2011: ZooAmerica Involved in Cooperative Project

Beginning in 2011, ZooAmerica became involved in a cooperative project with Fort Indiantown Gap to raise Regal Fritillary butterflies for release.

2012: Albino Alligator Acquisition

In 2012, ZooAmerica acquired another albino alligator temporarily.

2014: Naturalists Honored

In 2014, The National Military Fish & Wildlife Association honored two naturalists at ZooAmerica, Tim Becker and Ann Holzman, for their work in the reintroduction of the regal fritillary butterfly to Pennsylvania.