The Potawatomi Zoo opens for the season on March 29, 2019. Regular hours will be 10 am to 5 pm daily until December 1. Regular admission is $10 for adults; $8 for children ages 3-14 and seniors 62+; and free for children 2 and under. Potawatomi Zoological Society members are admitted free of charge.
“We are looking forward to a great year and seeing the Zoo develop through our construction projects,” says Marcy Dean, executive director of the Potawatomi Zoo. “Plus, we are bringing in some amazing new animals and have even more exciting experiences and events planned for our guests.”
Due to construction at the Zoo, there will be fewer admission windows open, so guests are advised that there may be lines, particularly at special events. Although there will not be a dedicated Zoo Members entrance this year, Zoo employees will do their best to accommodate members whenever possible.
“The safety of our guests is very important to us,” says Dean. “We may temporarily block off construction zones or mark prohibited areas. We ask our guests to be extra vigilant this year in reading signs and not crossing barriers.”
Although the big addition to the Potawatomi Zoo this year will be bringing in a southern white rhino, the Zoo has already added some new species and animals to its collection. A few babies have been born this year, and the Zoo has acquired new animals including grey kangaroos, ring-tailed lemurs, a male painted dog, a male Chacoan peccary (with females on the way), a female red fox and more.
“It’s so important to keep bringing new animals to the Zoo,” says Josh Sisk, director of Animal Programs & Education. “Not only does it help preserve rare and endangered species but having animals that people are excited to see helps us spread our conservation message even further.”
The Zoo will continue to have regular keeper experiences where guests can interact with animal ambassadors, observe enrichment, and learn about different species. The schedule of experiences will be available weekly on the Zoo’s website.
Education also has new events and expanded dates this year as well. Registration for spring and summer classes and summer camps is open, as is registration for some of their new and revamped evening programs: Zoo Snooze Sleepovers and Evening Safaris. Zoo Snooze Sleepovers and Evening Safaris are both family-friendly experiences. Evening Safaris are themed evening classes and Zoo Snooze Sleepovers offer adults and children over five the opportunity to camp out in the Zoo overnight.
After the success of Roars & Pours in 2018, the Zoo has added new dates in 2019 for these after-hours special events. Family Nights, 5:30 – 8 pm, are open to all ages and will be held April 26, May 11, June 13, July 11, August 23, and October 3. On September 21, Roars & Pours will be a special 21 and older Brew Night.
For more details about construction, animals, Education, and special events, or to become a member, please see potawatomizoo.org or check the Zoo’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
