January Buzz: What's going on in the off-season

2023 January Buzz

Winter At The Zoo

Visit the Zoo in the off season and check in on some of your favorite animals! This year, we have Winter Days on Saturdays and Sundays!

Upcoming Winter Days are January 21, 22; February 4, 5, 18, 19; and March 4, 5, 18, 19. They’re 12-3 pm, last entry at 2:30. Concessions and the Potawatomi Express will open, weather permitting.

After the January 22 Winter Day, from 3-4, you can also check out our Volunteer Open House! Meet current volunteers and learn more about volunteering at the Zoo.

Winter Days are free for Zoo Members. Admission is $7.50 for adults and $6.50 for children and seniors. Babies 2 and under are free.

See The Full Schedule

Party At The Zoo!

Did you know? During the Zoo’s off-season this year, birthday parties at the Zoo are discounted 10% for everyone!

There are two options for birthday parties, the Zoo Explorer and the Animal Adventurer. All parties include a room for your party, a plush toy for the birthday child, a guided Zoo tour, and fun zoo activities. Two animal encounters are included with the Animal Adventurer package. Both packages can be customized with add-ons.

Although off-season parties don’t usually include full access to the Zoo (other than the guided Zoo tour), all parties booked from 11 am – 1 pm on one of our Winter Days include admission to the Zoo!

Book Your Party Here!

Groundhog Day

Meet our new ambassador animal, Poppy the groundhog! We’re very happy to have her and very excited to double check Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast!

Poppy came to us through a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, where she was recovering from an illness. When the time came to release her, it turned out that she was too people-friendly to release safely.

Check our social media on February 2 to find out if Poppy agrees or disagrees with her famous Pennsylvanian cousin.

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Calling Tiny Bookworms!

This brand new class is designed for children 0-2 and a caregiver. Come to the Zoo in the off-season, listen to some stories and meet an ambassador animal! It’s a great way to encourage love of animals and reading.

There are two sessions available, January 20 and January 27, starting at 9:30 am. Tiny Bookworms is $5 for both a child and a caregiver (you can add another adult and/or a child). Zoo Members receive a 10% discount (must be logged in).

We'll have other classes for other age groups this winter and spring as well. Watch our social media, emails, and website for updates.

Learn More and Register HERE!

Blueberry’s Birthday

Our blue-tongued skink, Blueberry, is turning 35 this year! Blueberry was an Ambassador Animal for many years, but she retired around five years ago, and has continued to live behind the scenes.

Blue-tongued skinks are native to Australia and New Guinea. They’re typically gentle and calm lizards, and are one of the largest species of skinks. They typically live 15-20 years, although they may live as long as 30 years in human care. At 35, we believe Blueberry is the oldest blue-tongued skink in accredited zoos!