Life-Sized LEGO Animal Exhibit Coming To Philadelphia Zoo

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Zoo is gearing up for spring and has some exciting plans to welcome the new season.

The Creatures of Habitat exhibit opens April 6, and will feature life-size LEGO brick vignettes situated throughout the zoo. Each life-sized scene will be made from thousands of LEGO bricks and is on exhibit through Sept. 30.

Crafted by Sean Kenney, one of only seven American LEGO certified professional artisans, Creatures of Habitat features more than 30 life-size animal sculptures built from hundreds of thousands of tiny LEGO bricks.

The species represented in these vignettes range from Borneo to Brazil and the Arctic Circle to Africa. Animals featured include a 500-pound polar bear, golden lion tamarin, and more.

"Creatures of Habitat extends and expands upon our important conservation work," said Vikram H. Dewan, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo. "Every child – and adult– can relate to the universal desire to protect our planet, this place we all call home. And there is no better time to bring back the famous Zoo Key, one of the most nostalgic and memorable items for the millions of children and adults that visit the Zoo and build deep connections with wildlife from around the globe."

Opening on the same day as Creatures of Habitat is The Urban Green, a new open-air food marketplace and relaxation area.

The Urban Green offers an array of meals and snacks, including sandwiches and custom fries. Plus there will be frequently changing craft beers and wines. The space will also feature outdoor seating, eclectic artwork, a vertical farm, play and chill zones for everyone.

"It’s as if a neighborhood park with great food and a cool atmosphere just sprang up in the middle of the Zoo," said David Fierabend, CEO, Groundswell Design Group.

Also this spring, guests can use the famous Zoo Key at audio books located at each LEGO brick sculpture as well as other areas throughout the Zoo. Visitors can unlock insider secrets and stories about the magnificent creatures living at Philadelphia Zoo, told by animal keepers who care for them.

The Zoo Key is a Philadelphia tradition that dates back over the decades. Generations of families experienced the Zoo with their Key. Many Philadelphians still have and hold their original keys as a keepsake to cherish. The Zoo is proud to bring back this tradition and create new memories for generations to come.

Images via Aversa PR