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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 Kris Wiley |
Curator of Animals Jami Richard |
Curator of Education Jeremy Gill |
Zoo Vet Audrey Siegrist DVM |
 Amber Pulford, Vice PresidentCentier Bank |  Christi Risk,Treasurer Nursing Home Administrator |  John White, At LargeMeijer, Grape Road |  George Horn, President EmeritusBarnes & Thornburg |  Myles BusbyAllied Solutions LLC |  Christine CotterMeridian Title |
 Chris Fielding Cressy Commercial Real Estate |  Eric HorvathCity of South Bend, Public Works |  Erik JohnsonJ2 Marketing |  Amanda KinnucanEntrepreneuer/Communications Consultant | Daryl Knip Abonmarche Consultants |  Robert Mendoza Insight Accounting Group |
| Dave Nufer J.N.K. Inc. |  Jason SchultzSaint Joseph Health System | Gillian Shaw enFocus |  Patrick StalveySouth Bend Community School Corp |  James TurnwaldMichiana Area COG |
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
• 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.
