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South Bend’s first zoo, the South Bend Zoo, began as a modest duck pond in Leeper Park in 1902. In 1921, the Potawatomi Zoo was established in Potawatomi Park, where it continues to exist today. As one of the oldest zoos in Indiana, we are rich in history and building a promising future.
It is the mission of the Potawatomi Zoo to inspire excellence in education, conservation, and improved animal quality of life.
The vision of the Potawatomi Zoological Society is:
- To protect and preserve the diversity of species on Earth
- To provide guests with a unique and meaningful animal experience that is memorable, up close, and personal
- To be recognized as a premier regional destination
- To be responsible and respectful of the facilities and resources entrusted to us
Get Connected
South Bend’s first zoo, the South Bend Zoo, began as a modest duck pond in Leeper Park in 1902. In 1921, the Potawatomi Zoo was established in Potawatomi Park, where it continues to exist today. As one of the oldest zoos in Indiana, we are rich in history and building a promising future.
It is the mission of the Potawatomi Zoo to inspire excellence in education, conservation, and improved animal quality of life.
The vision of the Potawatomi Zoological Society is:
- To protect and preserve the diversity of species on Earth
- To provide guests with a unique and meaningful animal experience that is memorable, up close, and personal
- To be recognized as a premier regional destination
- To be responsible and respectful of the facilities and resources entrusted to us

Executive Director Josh Sisk![]() |
Director of Development Margie Anella![]() |
Director of Finance & Operation![]() |
Curator of Animals Jami Richard![]() |
Curator of Education Jeremy Gill![]() |
Zoo Vet Audrey Siegrist DVM![]() |
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Christi Risk, Treasurer Nursing Home Administrator | ![]() |
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Steve Infalt United Beverage Company | ![]() |
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Accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA): "Accreditation" means official recognition and approval of a zoo or aquarium by a group of experts. These experts, called the AZA Accreditation Commission, carefully examine each zoo or aquarium that applies for AZA membership. Only those zoos and aquariums that meet the high standards of the commission can become members of AZA. AZA’s high standards for accreditation are constantly evolving and being raised. Around 236 zoos and aquariums, fewer than 10% of the approximately 2,800 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, are AZA accredited. The Potawatomi Zoo has been continually accredited since 1987. The Zoo received its most recent five-year accreditation in September 2019.
• 2010: 185,000
• 2011: 198,000
• 2012: 203,898
• 2013: 205,758
• 2014: 207,000
• 2015: 219,667
• 2016: 232,125
• 2017: 236,452
• 2018: 207,384