PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – It’s a sure sign that spring is just around the corner as the Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County reopens Saturday marking the return of normal operating hours.

The Elmwood Park Zoo is offering free admission to all Norristown residents on Saturday to come celebrate the reopening. The events include live animal encounters, demonstrations with zookeepers, and lots of family entertainment.

The zoo closed its door during the week this past winter to concentrate on improvements and help save money. Zoo director, Bill Konstant says they hope the upgraded Pavilion will be the Zoo’s epicenter for events and weddings.

“Before it was two canvas tents that were leaking, and now you look at it it’s a beautifully landscaped pavilion, and you can be in there any time of the year basically. There’s a nice stone wall with a fireplace.”

Konstant says the zoo has been a fabric of the community for years. They are also working with the county to come up with ways to expand parking which Konstant says will help to accommodate growing crowds.

Reported By Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio.