Thackray Crane Supports New Pherris Wheel Installation at the Philadelphia Zoo

Thackray Crane is proud to have supported yet another high-profile crane services project in Philadelphia at one of the city’s most iconic destinations — the Philadelphia Zoo. Our team recently completed crane operations to assist with the base foundation assembly of the Zoo’s new Ferris Wheel, an exciting new attraction now fully assembled and featured that now replaces the Zoo’s famous ballon.

For this project, Thackray Crane deployed a Liebherr LTM 1045-3.1 all-terrain crane, a highly versatile machine ideal for urban construction sites that demand precision, mobility, and safety. The crane was used to carefully lift and set critical foundation components, ensuring a stable base for the Ferris Wheel’s base structure assembly.

Providing professional crane rental services in Philadelphia requires detailed planning, experienced operators, and a strong commitment to safety. Even with the Philadelphia Zoo remaining open to the public during the work, our team coordinated closely with project partners to carefully plan each lift, ensuring operations were executed safely, efficiently, and on schedule with minimal impact to daily activities.

Now complete, the “Pherris Wheel” is a new striking feature at the Philadelphia Zoo and represents an exciting addition to the Zoo’s grounds. Being part of a project that enhances a major cultural landmark made this job especially meaningful for the Thackray Crane team.

From all-terrain crane rentals to complex commercial and specialty lifts, Thackray Crane is proud to support construction and infrastructure projects throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region. This project highlights our ability to deliver safe, precise crane services for unique installations in high-visibility locations.

We’re honored to have played a role in bringing this new attraction to life and look forward to continuing to support projects that shape the communities we serve.