Potawatomi Zoo | South Bend

The Potawatomi Zoo, located in South Bend, Indiana, is the oldest zoo in the state, having been established in 1921. Spanning approximately 23 acres within Potawatomi Park, the zoo serves as a vital cultural and educational institution for the region. It houses more than 400 animals across roughly 135 species, drawing over 300,000 visitors annually. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a testament to its commitment to animal care, conservation, and education.

History and Development

Originally a small collection of animals donated by local citizens and organizations, the Potawatomi Zoo has grown steadily over the past century into a modern facility known for its focus on conservation and family-friendly experiences. Its development has been marked by expansions of habitats, modernization of facilities, and the addition of interactive and educational attractions, all designed to enhance visitor engagement while prioritizing animal welfare.

Animal Exhibits and Species

The zoo is organized into several geographic and thematic areas, each showcasing animals native to different parts of the world. This structure allows visitors to experience global biodiversity and learn about diverse ecosystems in one accessible location.

Africa: The African section includes species such as southern white rhinoceros, African lions, plains zebras, African wild dogs, and red river hogs. One of the highlight features is the Okapi Conservation Center, which houses Indiana’s first okapi exhibit. The okapi, a rare forest-dwelling relative of the giraffe, is a flagship species for conservation efforts.

Asia: This area features animals adapted to cold and mountainous environments such as the Amur tigers and snow leopards. The zoo also exhibits rare species like the Sichuan takin, a goat-antelope native to the Tibetan region, as well as red pandas and muntjacs, showcasing the diversity of Asian wildlife.

The Americas: North American species include American bison and North American river otters, both iconic animals of the continent’s natural heritage. South American residents include capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, and giant anteaters, providing insight into the unique fauna of tropical wetlands and forests.

Australian Outback: This zone recreates the distinctive Australian ecosystem with red kangaroos, emus, and laughing kookaburras. These animals offer a glimpse into the unusual and varied wildlife of Australia’s plains and woodlands.

Leopard Path / Cat House: The zoo’s cat house features big cats like the Amur and snow leopards. These exhibits are designed to allow visitors close-up views of these elusive predators in habitats mimicking their natural environments.

Zoo Farm: Designed especially for families and children, this interactive area includes domesticated animals such as alpacas, goats, and sheep. Visitors can often feed or pet these animals, providing tactile and educational experiences for younger guests.

Attractions and Visitor Experience

Potawatomi Zoo goes beyond traditional exhibits by offering a range of amenities and interactive features to enrich the visitor experience:

Endangered Species Carousel: This carousel is themed with 18 hand-carved animals, many representing endangered species found in the zoo’s collection, blending recreation with awareness.

Zoo Train: A one-third scale train provides rides around the zoo, adding a fun and convenient way to see the grounds, especially appreciated by families with small children or guests with mobility concerns.

Playgrounds and Splash Pads: Multiple playgrounds, including a large wooden Kids Kingdom and a water splash pad, offer energetic play opportunities that complement the educational experience.

Gift Shop and Café: The recently expanded gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs, educational books, toys, and conservation-themed merchandise. Food and refreshments are also available for visitors.

Conservation and Education

Potawatomi Zoo actively participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans (SSPs)-cooperative breeding programs managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums aimed at conserving endangered species. Notable species included in these programs are the Amur leopard, Chacoan peccary, and Sichuan takin.

The zoo offers a robust education program for school groups, families, and community organizations. These include guided tours, animal encounters, camps, and special events such as "Zoo Boo" during Halloween and "Zoo Member Mornings," designed to foster engagement and awareness about wildlife conservation.

Visitor Information

Location: The zoo is situated at 201 S. Greenlawn Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, within the larger Potawatomi Park, which also contains gardens, picnic areas, and walking trails.

Operating Hours: The zoo is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, offering ample opportunity for visits throughout the week.

Admission Fees: Adults pay $11, seniors (60+) $9.50, students (ages 6–17) $7, and children under 5 enter free. Zoo members enjoy free admission year-round.

Accessibility: The zoo is designed to be fully accessible to visitors with mobility challenges, with paved pathways and accommodations to ensure a comfortable visit.

Surrounding Attractions and Context

Potawatomi Zoo’s location within Potawatomi Park places it amid other notable attractions such as the Potawatomi Conservatories, which house tropical and desert plants, and the Potawatomi Wildlife Park, a nearby nature sanctuary offering hiking trails and wildlife observation.

Its proximity to downtown South Bend makes it an integral part of the city’s cultural and recreational landscape, easily combined with visits to other local sites like the Studebaker National Museum and the University of Notre Dame.

Summary

Potawatomi Zoo provides a compelling blend of wildlife conservation, education, and family-friendly recreation. Its diverse collection of animals from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia, combined with interactive exhibits and engaging amenities, creates a dynamic experience for visitors of all ages. As Indiana’s oldest zoo and an AZA-accredited institution, it stands out as a model of modern zoological practices, emphasizing both animal welfare and public education. The zoo’s commitment to endangered species conservation and community engagement makes it a vital cultural and environmental asset for South Bend and the broader region.