American Zoo Day is observed in the United States every July 1 to commemorate the establishment of the first zoo in the country, the Philadelphia Zoo, which opened its doors on this date in 1874. The day highlights the importance of zoos for education, conservation, and recreation. Celebrations may include visiting local zoos, taking photos with animals, symbolically adopting zoo animals, and sharing information about American zoos on social media with the hashtag #AmericanZooDay. The Philadelphia Zoo was inspired by the London Zoo, and as of 2020, there are 230 accredited zoos and aquariums in the U.S., housing around 800,000 animals across 6,000 species. Accredited facilities are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which promotes conservation and education. Notable zoos in the U.S. include the San Diego Zoo, Bronx Zoo, and the Cincinnati Zoo.