2022 April Buzz
2022 Season: What To Know
We’re open for the season now! The Zoo is open every day 10 am – 5 pm through May 31; 10 am - 8 pm from June 1 through August 31; and 10 am – 5 pm from September 1 through October 31.

Last entry is half an hour before close. Last train and carousel rides are 15 minutes before close. Right now, while the giraffes are still getting used to crowds, the Giraffe Visitor Center will close at 4 pm.

Admission to the Zoo is FREE for Zoo members (excludes special events). Zoo Members will need their photo ID for all named members attending the Zoo.

Admission for adults 15-61 is $12, seniors and children are $10, and babies 2 and under are free. Train and carousel tickets are $3. We are planning to have giraffe feeding this year, but the giraffes aren’t quite ready for that level of interaction with people yet.

Zoo Rules, the Zoo Map, and more information can all be found on the website!
Giraffe Habitat Ribbon Cutting
We officially opened the Laidig Giraffe Conservation Center at a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 31, and we unveiled the beautiful new giraffe mom and calf statue by artist and sculptor Jocelyn Russell.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Josh Sisk, executive director of the Potawatomi Zoo, thanked everyone who was involved in making the zoo’s plan of bringing giraffes to South Bend a reality. 

“I am so proud to have worked with the city, state, community, donors, and staff on this incredible project,” said Sisk. “It’s my hope that in 50 years, we can look back and see how this habitat was an integral part of the zoo’s revitalization, and another big step in turning our beloved city zoo into a regional destination.”

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Big & Loud campaign. We can’t wait to watch our boys experience their new space and grow with the Zoo.
Zoo Class For Adults

Did you know that nature can be intoxicating, and animals can get intoxicated?

Join us on April 20, 6-8 pm, to learn why a hamster could drink you under the table or why a rough-toothed dolphin might play with a toxic puffer fish. 

This class is for adults 21+. It’s $25 per person (which includes an adult beverage). Zoo Members get 10% off.
Spring Activity Box

You can pre-order your spring Zoo Activity Box now! It’s full of zoo-themed gifts like an animal plushie, a picture painted by our adorable guinea pigs, and the materials and instructions to do a Zoo and Spring themed science experiment, craft, and a scavenger hunt at home. Plus, you’ll get a link to learn more about our animals and watch them paint your canvas.

Zoo Activity Boxes are $35, which includes shipping. Zoo Members get 10% off.
Eat and Drink at the Zoo!
Zoo Members can buy tickets to Eat and Drink at the Zoo right now, before anyone else! Don't miss this chance to get general admission and VIP tickets before they sell out like they did last year. Tickets go on sale to the public on April 11.

Eat and Drink at the Zoo is an all-inclusive food and drink tasting event at the Zoo on May 21, 2022, from 5 - 8 pm. General admission is $85 per person. VIP tickets are $125 per person.

(The Zoo will close early for this event at 1 pm).

Buy Tickets Here (Zoo Members must log in to buy tickets)