Peoria Zoo | Peoria

Peoria Zoo – Detailed Overview

Location:
The Peoria Zoo is situated within Glen Oak Park in Peoria, Illinois. It covers about 14 acres and offers a diverse collection of animals and interactive experiences.

1. Zoo Hours & Admission

Operating Hours:
The zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM.

Closures:
The zoo closes on major holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.

Admission Fees:

Adults (ages 13 and up): $12.50

Children (ages 2 to 12): $9.00

Seniors (65+): $11.50

Active military: $11.50

Children under 2: Free

Online Tickets: Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online for a smoother, contactless entry experience.

2. Animal Exhibits & Species

The Peoria Zoo hosts over 100 animal species across various themed exhibits designed to mimic natural habitats:

Africa! Exhibit:
This area showcases iconic African species including giraffes, lions, zebras, and ostriches. The habitats are spacious and designed for both animal welfare and visitor viewing comfort.

Australia Walk-About:
A unique walkthrough exhibit where visitors can encounter animals like wallabies, emus, black swans, and budgerigars. It offers an immersive experience to see animals in environments resembling their native habitats.

Asian Trail:
Home to animals native to Asia such as Siberian tigers, Sichuan takins (a goat-antelope species), and Reeves’s muntjacs (small deer).

Tropics Building:
An indoor exhibit featuring tropical rainforest species such as cotton-top tamarins (small monkeys), sloths, and various lemurs. This controlled environment maintains a warm, humid climate suited for tropical species.

Conservation Center & Contact Barn:
Houses endangered reptiles and amphibians, and offers interactive opportunities with domesticated animals like goats and donkeys. This area focuses on conservation education and visitor engagement.

3. Visitor Experience & Activities

Keeper Presentations & Animal Encounters:
The zoo provides daily keeper talks where visitors can learn about animal behaviors, conservation efforts, and fun facts. These include giraffe feedings and budgerigar (small parrot) encounters.

Special Seasonal Events:

Glow Wild Lantern Festival: A spring event that lights up the zoo with colorful lantern displays, live cultural performances, and family activities.

Various holiday-themed events and educational programs take place throughout the year.

Visitor Amenities:
The zoo features shaded seating areas, picnic spots, restrooms, and a Safari Gift Shop offering souvenirs, educational toys, and snacks.

4. Membership and Benefits

Membership Levels: Options include individual, family, and supporting memberships.

Benefits Include:

Unlimited free admission throughout the year.

Discounts at the Safari Gift Shop.

Invitations to members-only events and early access mornings.

Reciprocal free or discounted admission to over 150 zoos and aquariums nationwide through the AZA Reciprocal Program.

Purchasing Membership: Members can purchase or renew memberships online or at the zoo entrance.

5. Accessibility and Visitor Tips

Accessibility:
The zoo is fully accessible to guests with disabilities. Paths are wheelchair-friendly, and service animals are welcome. The zoo is a smoke-free environment.

Food & Beverage:
Visitors may bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in designated picnic areas. There are also food vendors inside the zoo.

Estimated Visit Duration:
Most guests spend approximately 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the zoo.

Nearby Attractions:
Glen Oak Park, where the zoo is located, includes additional family-friendly destinations such as the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum and Luthy Botanical Garden.

Summary

The Peoria Zoo provides a comprehensive, family-friendly experience focused on education, conservation, and entertainment. With a wide variety of animals from multiple continents, interactive exhibits, special events, and community programs, it serves as a major cultural and recreational attraction in Peoria.