PHILADELPHIA — Visitors making the pilgrimage to Philadelphia to see Pope Francis in September are exploring all options to stay in the city — even those on the wild side.

A group of parishioners at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey, will be sleeping at the Philadelphia Zoo during the weekend of Sept. 26 to 27.

Church officials set out to find cheaper lodging for the weekend and nailed down plans to sleep inside two buildings that contain insect and bird exhibits.

At least 60 families from the church have signed up.

More than 1 million travelers are expected in Philadelphia, where the pope will attend a world meeting of Roman Catholic families and celebrate Mass.