September Buzz: Fall into the Zoo

2022 September Buzz

Brew At The Zoo

Brew at the Zoo, presented by Majority Builders, is this Saturday, September 24, from 4-7 pm (3 pm for VIPs). We’re looking forward to a great day of drink samples, food, music, and more!

We’re going back the classic Brew this year with 30 drink stations set up around the Zoo. The Zoo is ONLY open for Brew. It's the the perfect time for our adult visitors to stroll around the Zoo, listen to music by Blammo! and Jake from StarHeart, stop at the photobooth, and make great new memories.

Many thanks to our partners, UFP Industries of Granger, Indiana Michigan Power, Best. Week. Ever., and U-93 for helping us bring this event to South Bend!

Tickets for this 21+ event are nearly sold out! Don't wait too long to get yours!

Info and Tickets HERE

Zoo Awarded Regional Grant

The Zoo is pleased to announce that it was awarded $1.07 million by the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership this week. The money will be used to build a new dining and event facility with an attached bear habitat on the northwest side of the Zoo.

The state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) program shared $40 million between 19 projects intended to improve the region’s quality of life.

“We’re thrilled to have been chosen for this grant,” Josh Sisk, executive director of the Potawatomi Zoo, says. “The Zoo’s goal is to be an asset to the local community as well as a regional destination, and this new project is an important part of that.”

The Zoo plans to complete the bear and concession project by the end of next season.

Read More HERE

Zoo Boo News

Zoo Boo will return to the Zoo on October 21-22, 2-8 pm, and October 23, 10 am - 4 pm. We’re extending the hours and making a few other changes to this special event to hopefully serve all of our visitors better.

We’ll have a Trick or Treat Trail with vendors in part of the Zoo so visitors can also enjoy walking around the decorated Zoo, riding the attractions, and looking at animals. A ticket to the Trick or Treat Trail will be included with every paid admission.

This year, regular admission will be $12 per person, and Zoo Member admission will be $6 per person. Train and Carousel tickets will be $3 each. Visitors can use Attraction Passes.

Advance tickets will be available soon. They aren’t required, but they will help speed up the line.

More Details HERE

2023 Photo Contest

Over 125 people submitted 702 photos for us to consider in the 2023 Conservation Calendar Photo Contest. After your votes on Facebook and Instagram, and a judging panel of professionals, the Grand Prize goes to this gorgeous picture of a flamingo by Jason Cottingham.

The category winners are: Birds—Michele Parker; Black and White—Branden Banghart; Cats—Elsie Rollins; Family—Kayla Bauman; Giraffes—Adam Maly; Humor—Brandi Davis; Large Mammals—Ashley Henderson; Macro—Mike Norris; Native Species—Stephanie Allen; Reptiles—Joshua Vilmure; Small Mammals—Emily Werner; and Zoo Farm—Carrie Cobb

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this year’s photo contest. It’s always inspirational to see the Zoo through your eyes.

The winning pictures are on Facebook HERE and Instagram HERE

Counting Down The Season

It’s been an amazing year, full of so many new things! From giraffes to zoo babies to record-setting attendance, we’re so thankful to all our visitors and Zoo Members who have shown their support this year. We have all our fingers, toes, paws, and claws crossed for good times and great weather from now until our last day of the season, October 31.