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Potawatomi Zoo
Potawatomi Zoo front entrance.jpg
Entrance
Date opened 1921
Location South Bend, Indiana, United States
Land area 23 acres (9.3 ha)
Coordinates 41°40′09.59″N 86°13′04.52″W / 41.6693306°N 86.2179222°W / 41.6693306; -86.2179222
No. of animals 400
No. of species 135
Memberships AZA

The Potawatomi Zoo is a fun place to visit in South Bend, Indiana, United States. It covers 23 acres and is home to over 400 animals! The zoo is located in Potawatomi Park, near the St. Joseph River. It opened in 1921, making it the second-oldest zoo in Indiana. Every year, more than 200,000 people visit this amazing zoo. It is also approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which means it meets high standards for animal care.

History of the Zoo

The Potawatomi Zoo started in 1921 with just one deer! This deer was given to the park by Albert Russell Erskine, who was the head of the Studebaker car company. From this small beginning, the zoo has grown into the 23-acre park we see today.

In 1940, during a tough economic time called the Great Depression, a group called the Works Progress Administration built the zoo's first permanent building. This was the Cat House. It is still standing and is the oldest building at the zoo. Today, it is home to beautiful Amur leopards and snow leopards.

By 1947, the zoo had many different animals. These included a polar bear, African lions, and even peacocks.

In 1971, a group called the St. Joseph Zoological Society was formed. This group, now known as the Potawatomi Zoological Society, helps run the zoo. In 1981, the zoo started charging a small fee to enter. This helped them count visitors and also raised money for the animals.

For many years, the city's Parks and Recreation Department took care of the zoo. But since 2014, the Potawatomi Zoological Society has been in charge of running it. The city still owns the land and buildings. In 2020, the zoo opened a brand new entrance. This new area makes it easier for visitors to come in and also has a bigger gift shop.

Animal Exhibits

The Potawatomi Zoo is home to more than 400 animals. The zoo also helps protect many endangered animals through special programs.

Africa

The Africa section is a large part of the zoo. It starts with the Old World Monkeys exhibit, where you can see black-and-white colobus monkeys and fennec foxes. You can also find many other African animals here, such as:

In 2017, the Potawatomi Zoo became the first zoo in Indiana to have okapis. Okapis are rare forest animals that are related to giraffes. The zoo has two male okapis that you can see outside or in their special indoor home. In 2019, a male southern white rhinoceros named Masamba joined the zoo. He lives next to the okapis. In 2022, four male Masai giraffes also came to live at the zoo.

Asia

Animals from Asia are found in different parts of the zoo. Near the front entrance, you can see the powerful Amur tigers and unique Sichuan takins. In 2014, a special area for red pandas and muntjacs was added near the front gate.

Australian Animals

The zoo used to have an Australian Outback exhibit where you could walk among animals like emus and red kangaroos. This area was changed in 2022 to be part of the new giraffe exhibit. The kangaroos and emus now live in a new home in another part of the zoo, across from the alligators.

Leopard House

The zoo's Cat House was the first building ever built at the zoo. It was made a long time ago during the Great Depression. Today, it is often called the "Leopard House" or "Leopard Path." It has outdoor areas for snow leopards and Amur leopards. In 2016, some very rare Amur leopard cubs were born here, which was very exciting for the zoo!

Learning Center

The Learning Center is located at the front of the zoo. It is home to many smaller animals and also where you can get tickets and memberships. Some of the animals you might see here include:

The Americas

The western side of the zoo features animals from North and South America. A popular spot is the bison yard, where you can see three American bison. In 2011, a cool new exhibit for North American river otters opened. This exhibit even has a special "green roof" that helps the environment. Other animals in this area include:

Soon, you will also be able to see Spectacled bears here!

Zoo Farm

At the Zoo Farm, you can get up close with some friendly farm animals. You can even pet and feed them! Animals you might meet include:

Conservation Efforts

The Potawatomi Zoo works hard to protect endangered animals. They are part of over 56 Species Survival Plan programs. These programs help zoos around the world work together to breed endangered animals. The goal is to keep these animals from disappearing forever.

The zoo has had many successes in breeding rare animals. They have helped breed Chacoan peccaries, Southern three-banded armadillos, and Amur leopards. For example, a female Amur leopard named Pearl has had nine cubs since 2007! In 2019, the zoo also announced the birth of two Sichuan Takins. These animals are considered vulnerable and live in Tibet and parts of China.

Other Fun Attractions

Carousel: The Endangered Species Carousel opened in 2016. This ride has 18 beautiful animals carved by hand, like zebras, lions, and leopards. It's a great way to learn about different species while having fun!

Zoo Train: The zoo train started running in 2004. You can take a ride on a historic train that is one-third the size of a real one. The electric train goes around the western part of the zoo for about half a mile. The train is also a big hit during the "ZOO BOO" event, when it turns into a spooky haunted train ride!

Gallery

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