Scovill Zoo | Decatur

Scovill Zoo is a prominent and beloved zoological park located in Decatur, Illinois. It is part of the larger Scovill Park complex, which covers 62 acres, with the zoo itself occupying about 15 acres. Since its establishment in 1967, Scovill Zoo has grown from a modest farm-themed attraction into an accredited zoo that houses over 400 animals representing nearly 100 different species from around the world. It is an important community resource that combines wildlife conservation, education, and recreation.

Location and Contact Information

Address: 71 S. Country Club Road, Decatur, IL 62521

Phone: (217) 421-7435

The zoo is situated within Scovill Park, making it easy to visit along with other park amenities and attractions nearby.

Hours and Admission

Operating Season: Scovill Zoo typically operates seasonally, with Spring and Summer hours from early April through May, generally 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and extended hours until 5:00 p.m. on weekends. The zoo closes approximately one hour after the last admission.

Admission Prices:

Adults: $10.00

Children (ages 2-12): $8.00

Seniors (65+): $9.00

Children under 1 year old: Free

Free Admission Days: The zoo offers free entry on Mondays during April and on Thursdays from June through October, encouraging community engagement.

Animal Exhibits and Species

Scovill Zoo hosts a diverse collection of animals from six continents, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Key exhibits and species include:

Cheetahs: One of the fastest land animals, housed in a specially designed habitat.

Gray Wolves: Exhibited in naturalistic enclosures to educate visitors about predator ecology.

Zebras: Visitors can observe these striking African herbivores up close.

Alligators: Reptile exhibits featuring alligators and other species to highlight biodiversity.

The zoo’s mission includes conservation and education about endangered species, reflected in the selection of animals and habitats.

Unique Attractions and Activities

Endangered Species Carousel:

A charming carousel featuring 30 hand-carved wooden animals, all representing endangered species worldwide.

Rides cost $3.50, with a discounted price of $3.00 for members of the Friends of the Zoo group.

Z.O. & O. Express Train:

A scaled replica of the historic 1863 C.P. Huntington steam train that offers narrated tours of the zoo grounds.

Rides cost $4.50 ($4.00 for Friends of the Zoo).

Project Playground II:

A large, ADA-accessible playground area designed and built by the community.

Features include rock climbing walls, a musical instrument station, slides, and accessible play equipment, making it welcoming to children of all abilities.

Scovill Sculpture Park:

Outdoor sculpture displays set along walkways that connect the zoo with the nearby Children’s Museum of Illinois, combining art and nature.

Educational Programs and Special Encounters

Scovill Zoo offers a variety of interactive experiences designed to educate visitors and provide memorable animal encounters:

Ambassador Animal Encounter:
A 45-minute session where visitors can meet and interact with small animals such as rabbits, doves, and guinea pigs. Ideal for intimate educational experiences. This program costs $150 for groups up to six people.

Camel Encounter:
Guests get the chance to meet and feed the zoo’s camels, Jack and Finn, in a 30-minute session. This encounter costs $300 for up to six people and is seasonal, not available from October through April.

Zoo Snooze – Group Camp Out:
An overnight experience where participants sleep at the zoo, enjoy animal presentations, guided tours, and bonfires. This immersive program costs $45 per person, with optional additional fees for crafts and meals.

After Hours S’mores & Tours:
Evening programs featuring animal talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and social bonfires. The cost is $30 per person, with additional options for food and crafts.

Recent Developments and Upcoming Features

Newborn Animals: In late 2024, the zoo welcomed a baby howler monkey named Rowan, a milestone in their breeding and conservation efforts. Visitors can now see Rowan in the exhibit.

Mountain Lion Exhibit: A new, state-of-the-art habitat is under construction, designed to mimic the mountain lion’s natural environment with rock outcroppings, ponds, caves, and a large glass viewing area. This exhibit is expected to open in 2025 and will enhance the zoo’s offerings significantly.

Visitor Experience

Scovill Zoo is known for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The zoo’s layout encourages easy walking with shaded pathways and informative signage about animals and conservation efforts. Visitors often combine their zoo visit with other nearby attractions in Scovill Park, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.

The zoo also emphasizes accessibility and inclusiveness, offering ADA-compliant facilities and programs suited to all ages and abilities. Concession stands and gift shops add to the visitor experience, while staff and volunteers provide educational presentations throughout the day.

Summary

Scovill Zoo is more than just a place to see animals—it is a community hub for education, conservation, and recreation. With a diverse collection of animals, unique attractions like the carousel and train, engaging educational programs, and ongoing improvements, it offers a comprehensive, enjoyable experience for residents and tourists in Decatur. Whether for a casual visit or a special event, Scovill Zoo presents a rich opportunity to connect with wildlife and nature in a meaningful way.