The Potawatomi Zoo is a 23-acre (9.3 ha) zoological park located in
South Bend, Indiana, United States. The zoo is nestled in Potawatomi Park between the St. Joseph River and the Grand Trunk railroad in the east side neighborhood of River Park. Founded in 1921, it is Indiana's second-oldest zoo. It features over 400 animals and is accredited by the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums.[4] The zoo has over 200,000 visitors each year.
History
In 1921, the Potawatomi Zoo was established in Potawatomi Park when a single deer was donated to the park board by Albert Russell Erskine, then president of the Studebaker Corporation.[5] As the second oldest zoo in Indiana, today's 23-acre Potawatomi Zoo is rich in history and building a promising future.
At the end of the Great Depression in 1940, the Works Progress Administration constructed the zoo's Cat House, its first permanent structure. The building still stands, serving as home to Amur leopards and snow leopards, and is the oldest zoo building still standing.[6]
The list of species housed at the zoo in 1947 included a polar bear, African lions, dwarf zebu, rhesus monkeys, peacocks and the less exotic raccoon.
In 1971, the St. Joseph Zoological Society, now called Potawatomi Zoological Society, was formed, with Craig D. McCowan as its first director. In 1981, the zoo began charging admission, to provide an accurate attendance count as well as revenue.[7]
The zoo was formerly operated and maintained by the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department. Since January 1, 2014, it has been operated and maintained by the Potawatomi Zoological Society,[8] while still remaining city owned.
The zoo opened its new front entrance in 2020. This beautiful gateway welcomes members and visitors and also houses the zoo's expanded gift shop.
Exhibits
The Potawatomi Zoo is home to over 400 animals and the zoo participates in over 56 Species Survival Plans.[9]
The zoo's Cat House was its first permanent structure built during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration. The Cat House includes outdoor exhibits for a
snow leopard and
Amur leopards. The birth of
rare Amur leopard cubs in the summer of 2016 was a big Zoo. Nowadays it is also known as the "Leopard House", or the "Leopard Path"
Amur leopard,
Snow leopard
The zoo breeds endangered animals and participates in over 56
Species Survival Plan programs.[15] The zoo has had a number of successes including the breeding
Chacoan peccaries,[16]Southern three-banded armadillos, and
Amur leopards. Since 2007, Pearl (female amur leopard) has had nine cubs with the most recent two being born in 2016.[17] In 2019, the zoo announced the birth of two
Sichuan Takins, a vulnerable species native to Tibet and parts of China.[18]
Other Attractions
Carousel: The Endangered Species Carousel opened in 2016. The ride features 18 hand-crafted animals, like zebras, lions, and leopards.[19]
Zoo Train: In 2004 the zoo trained opened to the public. Take a ride on a historic 1/3- scale replica CP Huntington Locomotive . the electric train winds around the western half of the zoo for approx. 1/2 miles.[20][21] The Train has become a major attraction for ZOO BOO as during those nights it turns into a Haunted Train Ride.[22]
The Potawatomi Zoo is a 23-acre (9.3 ha) zoological park located in
South Bend, Indiana, United States. The zoo is nestled in Potawatomi Park between the St. Joseph River and the Grand Trunk railroad in the east side neighborhood of River Park. Founded in 1921, it is Indiana's second-oldest zoo. It features over 400 animals and is accredited by the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums.[4] The zoo has over 200,000 visitors each year.
History
In 1921, the Potawatomi Zoo was established in Potawatomi Park when a single deer was donated to the park board by Albert Russell Erskine, then president of the Studebaker Corporation.[5] As the second oldest zoo in Indiana, today's 23-acre Potawatomi Zoo is rich in history and building a promising future.
At the end of the Great Depression in 1940, the Works Progress Administration constructed the zoo's Cat House, its first permanent structure. The building still stands, serving as home to Amur leopards and snow leopards, and is the oldest zoo building still standing.[6]
The list of species housed at the zoo in 1947 included a polar bear, African lions, dwarf zebu, rhesus monkeys, peacocks and the less exotic raccoon.
In 1971, the St. Joseph Zoological Society, now called Potawatomi Zoological Society, was formed, with Craig D. McCowan as its first director. In 1981, the zoo began charging admission, to provide an accurate attendance count as well as revenue.[7]
The zoo was formerly operated and maintained by the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department. Since January 1, 2014, it has been operated and maintained by the Potawatomi Zoological Society,[8] while still remaining city owned.
The zoo opened its new front entrance in 2020. This beautiful gateway welcomes members and visitors and also houses the zoo's expanded gift shop.
Exhibits
The Potawatomi Zoo is home to over 400 animals and the zoo participates in over 56 Species Survival Plans.[9]
The zoo's Cat House was its first permanent structure built during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration. The Cat House includes outdoor exhibits for a
snow leopard and
Amur leopards. The birth of
rare Amur leopard cubs in the summer of 2016 was a big Zoo. Nowadays it is also known as the "Leopard House", or the "Leopard Path"
Amur leopard,
Snow leopard
The zoo breeds endangered animals and participates in over 56
Species Survival Plan programs.[15] The zoo has had a number of successes including the breeding
Chacoan peccaries,[16]Southern three-banded armadillos, and
Amur leopards. Since 2007, Pearl (female amur leopard) has had nine cubs with the most recent two being born in 2016.[17] In 2019, the zoo announced the birth of two
Sichuan Takins, a vulnerable species native to Tibet and parts of China.[18]
Other Attractions
Carousel: The Endangered Species Carousel opened in 2016. The ride features 18 hand-crafted animals, like zebras, lions, and leopards.[19]
Zoo Train: In 2004 the zoo trained opened to the public. Take a ride on a historic 1/3- scale replica CP Huntington Locomotive . the electric train winds around the western half of the zoo for approx. 1/2 miles.[20][21] The Train has become a major attraction for ZOO BOO as during those nights it turns into a Haunted Train Ride.[22]