Miller Park Zoo | Bloomington

The Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois, is a well-established, family-friendly zoo that offers an immersive and educational wildlife experience. It is located within the larger Miller Park, a beautiful urban park, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The zoo has a strong community presence and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), reflecting its commitment to high standards in animal care, conservation, and education.

History and Location

Established in 1891, Miller Park Zoo began as a deer park inside Miller Park.

The zoo’s first major attraction was a lion cub named Big Jim, who arrived around 1900 and became a local icon until his death in 1912.

In 1914, the Koetthoefer Animal Building was constructed and remains one of the zoo’s historic landmarks, recently reopened to visitors after renovations.

Over the decades, the zoo expanded with new exhibits such as the Woodland Wing (1960), Tropical Rainforest Exhibit (1970s), and Tropical America Rainforest (2004).

It is located at 1020 South Morris Avenue within Miller Park, an accessible and scenic setting close to Bloomington’s city center.

Animal Collection and Exhibits

The zoo houses more than 170 species of animals, many of which are endangered or rare, emphasizing conservation efforts.

Its exhibits showcase animals from diverse global habitats, including:

Tropical America Rainforest: This exhibit replicates a lush rainforest environment with animals native to Central and South America, offering visitors an immersive tropical experience.

Animals of Asia: Featuring species native to the Asian continent, highlighting biodiversity and conservation issues.

Wallaby WalkAbout: A unique interactive area where visitors can walk alongside free-roaming wallabies, providing a rare up-close wildlife encounter.

Children’s Zoo: Designed specifically for younger visitors, this area encourages hands-on learning and interaction with gentle animals, fostering early appreciation for wildlife.

Notable animals include Candy, the oldest known sun bear in North America at over 30 years old, and Irwin, a popular wallaroo joey named through a community contest.

Facilities and Visitor Experience

The Koetthoefer Animal Building, built in 1914, is a historic zoo facility that has been modernized while preserving its original charm.

The zoo grounds feature walking paths, shaded areas, picnic spots, and educational signage to enrich the visitor experience.

ZOOtique Gift Shop offers a range of animal-themed merchandise, including toys, apparel, jewelry, and souvenirs, with discounts for zoo members.

Concessions are available seasonally, offering refreshments for guests.

Educational Programs and Events

The zoo runs several educational initiatives designed to engage the community and promote wildlife conservation:

Junior Zookeeper Program: Allows children to learn about animal care, biology, and conservation through hands-on activities and guided experiences.

Special Events: These include “Brews at the Zoo,” an annual event combining local craft beer and live entertainment; the “ZooDo Annual Gala,” a key fundraiser supporting zoo operations; and family-focused activities like the “Stampede” event with animal encounters and games.

The zoo’s education team frequently hosts school visits, summer camps, and outreach programs to connect with diverse audiences.

Hours, Admission, and Accessibility

Operating hours are daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with visitors asked to clear the grounds by 5:00 PM.

The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission fees are affordable:

Adults (13–59): $9

Youth (3–12), Seniors (60+), Military, and College Students (with ID): $7

Children under 2: Free

Special reduced pricing available through programs like Museums for All.

Parking at Miller Park is free and ample, facilitating easy access.

The zoo is committed to accessibility, offering accommodations and amenities to ensure a comfortable visit for guests with disabilities.

Conservation and Community Role

Miller Park Zoo participates in various conservation programs and supports animal welfare, aiming to educate the public about the importance of protecting biodiversity.

It acts as a community hub for nature appreciation, hosting volunteers, members, and supporters who help maintain and enhance the zoo’s offerings.

In summary, Miller Park Zoo is a historic, well-maintained zoological park combining engaging animal exhibits, educational programs, and community events. It serves as both a local treasure and an important player in wildlife conservation and public education within central Illinois.