2024 December Buzz

Don't Miss The Gift of Lights

There are only two more weeks left for The Gift of Lights! It's every Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 pm, and every Sunday from 5 to 8 pm, through December 22.

Enjoy all the twinkling lights, meeting Santa, sipping hot chocolate, feeding giraffes, and so much more during this great holiday tradition.

We're happy to welcome the Civic Theatre on December 20 and 21. They'll be performing near the Zoo plaza.

We'll also have TVs on December 20 so you won't miss any of the local football action!

Advance tickets are not required.

Learn more here...

Need A Last Minute Gift?

Check out our Gift Shop VIP boxes, new this year! We think they'd make fantastic Christmas presents!

Choose your theme--axolotl, capybara, giraffe, red panda, or dinosaur--and each VIP box includes THREE plushes, a t-shirt, water bottle, button, and sticker. All of that is only $65 per box (extra cost may apply for shipping).

You can buy them in the Gift Shop Monday-Thursday 10 am-4 pm, Friday- Saturday 5-9 pm, Sunday 5-8 pm, or you can call 574-235-7651 to order over the phone.

When they're sold out, they'll be gone, so don't wait too long to pick yours up!

See all the VIP boxes...

Zoo Memberships

It's always a good time to get a Zoo Membership, but if you want to be sure you get one delivered before Christmas, we recommend ordering by today! Zoo Memberships make great gifts for anyone on your list!

Not only do you get a full year of free entry to the Zoo on regular admission days, you can also visit other AZA-accredited zoos for free or discounted admission! Plus you get discounts at our Gift Shop, Education programs, select events and other awesome benefits like Zoo Member Mornings.

Winter Break Camp

Kids in K-6th grade can join us this winter break for 2 days of learning and fun. Discover ancient life that once roamed the Earth, and learn how the world has transformed, how paleontologists make sense of prehistoric life, and how animal species have adapted. We’ll have demonstrations, activities, games, crafts, animal encounters, and more!

Winter Break Camp is January 2 and 3, 9 am – 3 pm, $70 for 2 days of camp. Zoo Members get a 10% discount!

A Season of Giving

Every time you visit the Zoo, purchase a membership, attend an event, or give to a campaign, you’re helping build a better future! Your gifts to the annual appeal allow the Zoo to further invest in modern equipment, animal welfare, as well as advance education and conservation efforts.

As a non-profit, all of our revenue goes back into making the Zoo a great facility for animals and visitors. It costs a LOT to run a Zoo, from heating and cooling to water to medication to beautifying the grounds. We're thankful to be a part of this vibrant, growing community that helps us grow. Thank you for supporting the Zoo with a donation today!

Support the Zoo here...