About Us
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
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
| Year | Attendance |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 274,563 |
| 2020 | 188,000 |
| 2019 | 211,303 |
| 2018 | 207,384 |
| 2017 | 236,452 |
| 2016 | 232,125 |
| 2015 | 219,667 |
| 2014 | 207,000 |
| 2013 | 205,758 |
| 2012 | 203,898 |
| 2011 | 198,000 |
| 2010 | 185,000 |
*The Zoo opened June 14 in 2020.
In 2021:
- The Education Department conducted 202 programs serving 23,196 people of all ages.
- There were 72 camps and classes that served 1,599 people, both children and adults.
- Groups and individuals volunteered 2,545 hours to the Zoo.
- Interns worked 2,461 hours in the Education department, Animal Care, and the diet kitchen.
About Us
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
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
| Year | Attendance |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 274,563 |
| 2020 | 188,000 |
| 2019 | 211,303 |
| 2018 | 207,384 |
| 2017 | 236,452 |
| 2016 | 232,125 |
| 2015 | 219,667 |
| 2014 | 207,000 |
| 2013 | 205,758 |
| 2012 | 203,898 |
| 2011 | 198,000 |
| 2010 | 185,000 |
*The Zoo opened June 14 in 2020.
In 2021:
- The Education Department conducted 202 programs serving 23,196 people of all ages.
- There were 72 camps and classes that served 1,599 people, both children and adults.
- Groups and individuals volunteered 2,545 hours to the Zoo.
- Interns worked 2,461 hours in the Education department, Animal Care, and the diet kitchen.
Executive DirectorJosh Sisk |
Director of DevelopmentMargie Anella |
Director of Finance & OperationKris Wiley |
General CuratorJami Richard |
Curator of EducationJeremy Gill |
Zoo VeterinarianAudrey Siegrist DVM |
 Amber Pulford, PresidentCentier Bank |  Jason Schultz, Vice-PresidentBarnes & Thornburg |  Christi Risk,Treasurer Nursing Home Administrator |  James Turnwald, SecretaryMichiana Area COG | TBD |
 Myles BusbyAllied Solutions LLC |  Christine CotterMeridian Title | Mark Critini SouthBank Legal | Jennifer Duke Retired Science Teacher |  Chris Fielding Cressy Commercial Real Estate |
 Eric HorvathCity of South Bend, Public Works |  Erik JohnsonJ2 Marketing |  Daryl Knip Abonmarche Consultants |  Mona LivingstonIndiana Michigan Power |  Robert Mendoza Insight Accounting Group |
 Dave Nufer J.N.K. Inc. | Capitol Consulting Solutions |  Gillian Shaw enFocus |  Patrick StalveySouth Bend Community School Corp | |
 George Horn, President EmeritusBarnes & Thornburg |  John Mertes, President EmeritusZiker Cleaners |
