The Philadelphia Zoo will not be quiet this winter. While some of the animals might want a bit of a break, there will too much going on around the grounds. A $5 million gift from the W.P. Carey Foundation will spark the transformation of the Bear Country exhibit. The zoo plans a significant expansion and renovation, to include the extension of the zoo’s revolutionary Zoo360 trail system and the addition of a third bear habitat. “Philadelphia Zoo has provided a unique and innovative experience with wildlife that can change lives,” said President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “This state-of-the-art exhibit will not only transform our campus and give our guests brand new ways to see and interact with our bears with the addition of a brand-new habitat and Zoo360 trail, but it will enhance the conservation work we can do to protect endangered bears around the world.” The changes will allow the zoo to create an awe-inspiring guest experience that increases opportunities for guests to get close to animals and see them in an entirely new way. The zoo will be breaking ground on the new exhibit in early 2025 and the new Bear Country is expected to open in spring of 2026. While that is being planned, the zoo will also bring back it’s popular LumiNature this holiday season. The dazzling displays, shimmering sights, lively light performers and magical memories, along with more than a million twinkling lights across 16 artistically illuminated zones, will take guests on a breathtaking journey celebrating the wonder of wildlife and the beauty of our planet. “The holidays are such a cherished time of year, and LumiNature presented by PNC is designed for you to create lifelong memories with family, friends and those most dear to you,” Mogerman said. “This year’s experience includes more ways for you to be a part of the show and connect to the beauty, wonder and magic of our planet.” Highlights this year include brand-new illuminated zones like LumiNature 360, where you can experience a 360-degee celebration of wildlife on the Zoo’s Impala Plaza; Beary Sweet, where you can walk through a world of gummy bears, candy and sweet treats galore; and Polar Play, where you’ll choose your own adventure and play through a land filled with lights and laughter. Santa will be stopping by Nov. 30, Dec. 5 and Dec. 13 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. to take sELFies with guests inside the zoo’s treehouse. Also returning are fan favorites like Penguin Prismatic, featuring a 40 foot-tall penguin glimmering with 40,000 lights, the iconic 25-foot tree made entirely of 1,500 lit flamingo lawn ornaments. LumiNature begins Nov. 21 and runs select nights through Jan. 4. For tickets and other information, visit philadelphiazoo.org/luminature. “The zoo is more than just a destination for all families. It’s a safe place, as well as an educational and inspiring place that brings people together and moves them to act on behalf of wildlife,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We are proud to support this reimagined exhibit at our Philadelphia Zoo, and we’re excited for people in the city and region to experience it.”