Who We Are
Originally called the South Bend Zoo, Potawatomi Zoo began as a modest duck pond in Leeper Park in 1902. As the oldest zoo 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
View the Potawatomi Zoo’s Master Plan.
View the 2019 Potawatomi Zoo Economic Impact Study.
View the 2016 Potawatomi Zoo Economic Impact Study.
Who We Are
Originally called the South Bend Zoo, Potawatomi Zoo began as a modest duck pond in Leeper Park in 1902. As the oldest zoo 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
View the Potawatomi Zoo’s Master Plan.
View the 2019 Potawatomi Zoo Economic Impact Study.
View the 2016 Potawatomi Zoo Economic Impact Study.
Executive Director
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Director of Development
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Director of Finance & Operation
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General Curator
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Zoo Vet
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| John Mertes, President Ziker Cleaners |
 Amber Pulford, Vice PresidentCentier Bank Favorite animals: Giraffes or peacocks |
 Michael Guzik, SecretaryLawson-Fisher Associates |
Christi Risk, Treasurer Nursing Home Administrator |
 John White, At LargeMeijer, Grape Road |
 George Horn, President EmeritusBarnes & Thornburg |
 Robert MendozaInsight Accounting Group |
 James TurnwaldMichiana Area COG Favorite animals: Sichuan takin and giant anteaters |
 Chris FieldingCressy Commercial Real Estate |
 Jennifer AndersonLincolnway Veterinary Clinic |
 Juliane MorrisCressy & Everett Real Estate Favorite animal: Red panda! |
 Eric HorvathCity of South Bend, Public Works |
 Myra ChapmanCrowe, LLP |
 Ashlie CollierAshlie Collier Legal |
 Amanda KinnucanUniversity of Notre Dame, Alumni Education |
Steve Infalt United Beverage Company |
 Christine CotterMeridian Title |
 Erik JohnsonJ2 Marketing |
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
• 2011: 198,000
• 2012: 203,898
• 2013: 205,758
• 2014: 207,000
• 2015: 219,667
• 2016: 232,125
• 2017: 236,452
• 2018: 207,384
• Education Department conducted over 600 programs with over 45,000 people.
• Had 153 volunteers who contributed 2,542 hours of service to Potawatomi Zoo.
• Volunteers provided 128 onsite exhibit presentations for over 44,000 people.
• Education Department presented 218 Outreach Programs serving 10,620 people.
• Education Department hosted 55 camps and classes that enrolled 1,148 children between the ages of 3 and 12.
• Employs up to 80 people.
• Has 8,073 member households.
• Directly spends $3 million on goods and services.
• Based on a recent survey of 500 Zoo visitors, 92% of visitors believe the Zoo to be important economically to the South Bend area,.
• Continues to be one of the most visited attractions in the City of South Bend and surrounding area.
