It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Edgar Allan Pоe National Historic Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Philadelphia, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes very compassionate to his workers and staff. If we need help and there's no caregiver available. Brian will step in. We also give our clients the best care possible. So proud to say Brian just opened up another office in Delaware. Doing an amazing job. I started work with this agency in 2012 when my mom became I'll. A good environment. I definitely would recommend this place of employment.”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Fairmount Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Volvér or visit Powel House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Philadelphia, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Philadelphia, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Philadelphia, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Philadelphia, PA, Aug. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Philadelphia Works has secured a $392,572 PAsmart grant from the ...
Philadelphia, PA, Aug. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Philadelphia Works has secured a $392,572 PAsmart grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) to launch CyberPath PA, a registered apprenticeship program that will prepare residents of Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Berks, and Chester counties for in-demand careers as information security (cybersecurity) analysts.
The funding is part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s statewide $6.6 million workforce development investment in healthcare, agriculture, and IT apprenticeship programs, detailed in the Governor’s release “Getting Workforce Development Done.”
Building the Cyber Workforce Southeastern PA Needs
CyberPath PA addresses the region’s growing demand for information security analysts, an occupation projected to expand rapidly and command six figure median wages. CyberPath PA will operate as a group?model registered apprenticeship sponsored by the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital & Technology (PACT), in collaboration with the national tech?talent intermediary Apprenti. The program will train two cohorts of information?security analysts, placing apprentices with at least three employer partners in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Each apprentice will complete 14 weeks of paid, related technical instruction before progressing into a full year of mentored on-the-job learning. To remove barriers to participation, Philadelphia Works will provide up to $2,500 per apprentice for childcare, transportation, industry certifications, accessibility accommodations and other wrap?around supports. Recruitment will flow through the ApprenticeshipPHL network and PA CareerLink® centers in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Berks, and Chester counties.
Voices of Support
“Under Gov. Josh Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania is investing in skills that pay the bills,” Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker said. “CyberPath PA exemplifies the innovative, employer?driven training our commonwealth needs.”
Philadelphia Works President and CEO H. Patrick Clancy called the grant “an opportunity to open doors to family?sustaining cybersecurity careers for women, veterans, people with disabilities and neighbors from underserved communities.”
PACT President and CEO Dean Miller added that the apprenticeship will “give employers a diverse pipeline of security talent while strengthening our tech ecosystem.”
Philadelphia Works expects to submit the program for state registration in Fall 2025. The first cohort is slated to begin classroom instruction in April 2026 and will transition to mentored on-the-job learning by July, when the second cohort will begin its classroom component.
Employers interested in learning more about CyberPath PA can connect via email at [email protected].
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About Philadelphia Works
Philadelphia Works invests in solutions and services to grow Philadelphia’s economy by connecting employers to workforce talent and career seekers to jobs. We influence the public policies that support economic growth and optimize funding and resources to invest in regional solutions to build a skilled and thriving workforce. For more information about our dedicated board members and staff, workforce research, labor market data, services, and initiatives, visit philaworks.org.
PHILADELPHIA - Columbus Day is going back on the calendar in the City of Philadelphia after a ruling by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.What we know:On Wednesday, an opinion by Judge Patricia McCullough stated seven judges unanimously agreed the executive order is void and a violation of the separation of powers.Attorney George Bochetto filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Conf...
PHILADELPHIA - Columbus Day is going back on the calendar in the City of Philadelphia after a ruling by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.
What we know:
On Wednesday, an opinion by Judge Patricia McCullough stated seven judges unanimously agreed the executive order is void and a violation of the separation of powers.
Attorney George Bochetto filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, Inc., Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark F. Squilla, The 1492 Society, Jody Della Barba and Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Sons and Daughters of Italy.
"It’s now back to as it should be, and always should have been, Columbus Day," said Bochetto. "[Kenney] didn’t consult anybody. He didn’t have the legislature weigh in on it, he didn’t have any studies done, he never took a public poll. He just did it in tyrant-like fashion and the Commonwealth Court said unanimously – absolutely not."
"We had specific concerns with how it was done and why it was done. We know there was a lot of controversy at that time, but the Italian American population too felt like it was a slight on them and we no longer have a holiday because you don’t like the name of the person," said Councilmember Squilla. "I think at this point it’ll go back to being Columbus Day and I think we should still celebrate Indigenous Day for the Native American people. We’re all proud of our cultures."
During the Kenney Administration, tensions flashed over the Christopher Columbus statue back in 2020 that led to a box being put over the statue.
A judge ultimately ruled the statue in Marconi Plaza can stay and for the box to be removed.
Mabel Negrete is the Executive Director of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly and said their voices are being silenced yet again, this time by the court’s unanimous decision on Columbus Day.
"It’s disappointing and sad that this is happening," said Negrete. "I doubt they had any consultations with the Native American community in the region in Pennsylvania or much less with the Indigenous communities of Philadelphia in the city as well. Their rhetoric and their view of Columbus is not one that celebrates indigenous people but denigrates indigenous people denigrates Native Americans."
What's next:
Negrete said IPD Philly will continue advocating for Indigenous Peoples’ Day and celebrations this year will move forward as planned on October 13.
The City of Philadelphia Law Department said they are reviewing the opinion and decline to comment at this time.
From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Let us know!If state lawmakers don’t add new funding to resolve SEPTA’s $213 million budget deficit by Aug. 14, the transit agency will begin implementing drastic service cuts.“We will be left with no other choice but to begin dismantling the SEPTA system,” SEPTA Gener...
From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Let us know!
If state lawmakers don’t add new funding to resolve SEPTA’s $213 million budget deficit by Aug. 14, the transit agency will begin implementing drastic service cuts.
“We will be left with no other choice but to begin dismantling the SEPTA system,” SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer said in an emailed news release. “Our planning and operations staff have worked hard to compress the timeline for pre-schedule change work, but we cannot push it beyond Aug. 14.”
As part of the cuts, 32 bus routes will be eliminated. There will be “significant reductions” on all rail service. Special services like the express trains that take fans to the sports complex in South Philly will no longer be in operation. Starting Sept. 1, fares will rise by 21.5%.
SEPTA has set the Aug. 14 deadline for state lawmakers to act because the agency needs time to complete a number of tasks related to the cuts, including finalizing work schedules and updating the SEPTA App, digital signs and platform announcements to reflect the reduced service.
“This includes making sure accurate schedule data has been entered into our train signal systems. a critical safety issue. If the signal system has incorrect data, trains could be routed to the wrong tracks,” Sauer said. “We also have to provide several thousand bus and train operators and support staff with clear instructions for work assignments and ensure that vehicles and other equipment are in place.”
SEPTA’s Chief Planning and Strategy Officer Jody Holton said this level of cuts is unheard of.
“These service cuts are unprecedented and not just for SEPTA, no major transit agency has had to take steps this drastic,” Holton said. “These are across the board cuts, so every rider will be impacted.”
Absent any additional funding, a second round of cuts is planned for Jan. 1, which includes the end of all five Regional Rail lines, a 9 p.m. end of service for all rail lines and the elimination of another 18 bus routes.
“We remain optimistic that a funding agreement can be reached by Aug. 14,” Sauer said. “We will continue working with lawmakers in any way we can to help get this over the finish line.”SEPTA’s website has the full list of routes that will be eliminated or reduced.
This story will be updated.
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PHILADELPHIA — The looming service cuts to SEPTA got a bit more real Wednesday, as the transit authority released schedule and timetable details in the event funding is not secured.With SEPTA facing a structural budget deficit of $213 million, major service cuts are planned. If SEPTA does not get the money it needs, 32 bus routes will be eliminated. SEPTA's board on June 26 approved the potential cuts....
PHILADELPHIA — The looming service cuts to SEPTA got a bit more real Wednesday, as the transit authority released schedule and timetable details in the event funding is not secured.
With SEPTA facing a structural budget deficit of $213 million, major service cuts are planned. If SEPTA does not get the money it needs, 32 bus routes will be eliminated. SEPTA's board on June 26 approved the potential cuts.
SEPTA called Aug. 14 the "point of no return" in terms of route eliminations, which will begin Aug. 24 and Aug. 25.
Riders can see full schedules for the 20 percent service reduction plan online here.
Specific details on Regional Rail schedules and bus and metro schedules are also available online.
Crews last week installed signs at about 3,000 bus stops in the region to alert riders of the looming cuts. SEPTA has also met with officials at the School District of Philadelphia, where tens of thousands of students need to find other ways to get to school.
Service cuts also include the elimination of five Regional Rail lines: Cynwyd Line, Chestnut Hill West Line, Paoli/Thorndale Line, Trenton Line, Wilmington/Newark Line. These will be cut Jan. 1, 2026
The cuts will also force a significant reduction in trips on all rail services, an end to all special service including the Sports Express, 18 additional bus route eliminations, and a 9 p.m. curfew for all rail services, all of which would also begin Jan. 1, 2026. Additional cuts would follow in subsequent years.
And, a 21.5 percent fare increase will be implemented on Sept. 1, as will a complete hiring freeze.
The cuts and fare increases were proposed in response to a $213 million budget gap, which stems from a combination of the end of federal COVID relief funding and increases in the day-to-day costs of providing service to customers. SEPTA is also grappling with the impact of inflation on everyday necessities such as fuel, power and supplies.
The impact of the proposed service cuts would be felt throughout the city and region, as reliable options for everyday travel to school and work are greatly diminished, SEPTA officials said.
Efforts to stave off the funding crisis led SEPTA to take on aggressive austerity measures, including a freeze on management pay and cuts to third-party consultants, have resulted in savings of $30 million. Other measures, including a 7.5 percent fare increase and the resumption of paid parking at Regional Rail lots, are generating new revenue.
SEPTA is working to finalize work schedules for thousands of frontline workers and other staff, and ensuring equipment is in place and ready for service.
Time is also needed to prepare data feeds for the SEPTA App, external feeds, digital signage, platform announcements, and bus and train marquees to ensure service information is accurate.
These processes typically take a minimum of three weeks to complete for routine schedule changes, but will be compressed to less than 10 days to ensure all facets of SEPTA’s operation are ready for new schedules on Aug. 24.
"Our planning and operations staff have worked hard to compress the timeline for pre-schedule change work, but we cannot push it beyond Aug. 14," SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer said. "If funding is not secured by then, these painful service cuts will go into effect on Aug. 24."
Sauer said come Jan. 1, 2026, SEPTA "will be left with no other choice but to begin dismantling the SEPTA system."
"Tens of thousands of people or more will be left with no viable public transportation options," he said.
Despite the point of no return growing nearer, Sauer said the transit authority is hopeful funding will come from Harrisburg.
"We remain optimistic that a funding agreement can be reached by August 14," he said. "We willcontinue working with lawmakers in any way we can to help get this over the finish line."
Female Amur tiger Rory and male Amur leopard Rafferty came to the zoo in early summer and are visible in their habitats at Big Cat Falls.PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Zoo welcomed two new big cats to its family.Female Amur tiger Rory and male Amur leopard Rafferty both arrived at the zoo in early summer and are visible to guests inside their habitats at Big Cat Falls.Rory came to the zoo on an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation with one of the zoo’s...
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Zoo welcomed two new big cats to its family.
Female Amur tiger Rory and male Amur leopard Rafferty both arrived at the zoo in early summer and are visible to guests inside their habitats at Big Cat Falls.
Rory came to the zoo on an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation with one of the zoo’s brothers, Wiz and Dimitri.
Rafferty has been paired with Kira through the same program.
The goal of the SSP is to manage populations of threatened, endangered and other species across AZA institutions to maintain long-term genetic and demographic viability to protect species from extinction.
Amur tigers are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with an estimated wild population of less than 500. Amur leopards are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN with an estimated population of less than 150.
The main threats for both these species, that share most of the same geographic area in the Amur River Valley in Russia, includes habitat loss and poaching.
"As a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, one of our most important roles is to protect endangered species from extinction," Vice President of Animal Wellbeing and Conservation Rachel Metz said. "We are excited to welcome these two beautiful big cats to their new home and are equally excited for our guests to meet them. Our animal care professionals are diligently working to get to know the cats and their personalities, and are also closely monitoring for signs the cats are ready to be introduced to their mates. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we will welcome cubs in the coming years."
"Our big cat team has already fallen in love with both Rory and Rafferty," Assistant Director of Carnivores Jackie Stone said. "Rory has very expressive ears and loves playing with the different enrichment items, from toys covered in scents to ice treats. Rafferty is a curious cat that enjoys interacting with his keepers during training sessions."
The Philadelphia Zoo has previously had success breeding these two endangered species. In 2017, Amur tiger Koosaka gave birth to cub Zoya, who later went on to live at the Oklahoma City Zoo and has since had two litters of her own at Roosevelt Park Zoo in North Dakota. The zoo has also welcomed two female Amur leopard cubs born, one in 2000 and again in 2002.
With the addition of 4-year-old Rory, the zoo now has four Amur tigers: 13-year-old brothers Wiz and Dimitri and 18-year-old female Koosaka. With the addition of 8-year-old Rafferty, the Zoo has two Amur leopards that include him and 11-year-old female Kira. All the cats, including snow leopards Yuki and Marcy, African lions Makini and Tajiri, and puma siblings Elbroch and Olympia, rotate through the different habitats inside Big Cat Falls and the Big Cat Crossing Zoo360 trail; different animals are visible to guests depending on the day they visit. Guests are encouraged to look for activations schedule as the enter Big Cat Falls to see times for daily feedings or training sessions.
Rory was born July 20, 2021, at Toledo Zoo. The public voted to choose her name, and donations to name her and her twin Alexei went to tiger conservation efforts. At four years old, she is considered fully grown, but will likely fill out a bit more. She weighs almost 300 pounds and also has longer whiskers than any other tiger at the Zoo.
Rafferty was born at Utah's Hogle Zoo February 17, 2017. His name means "one who possesses prosperity." He previously sired offspring at Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York in 2019 which is where he was before coming to Philadelphia Zoo. He has two different colored eyes that the veterinary team is monitoring to ensure his health.
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