Walking through the main gates at Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend reveals a sanctuary for nature lovers.
Wallabies hop across open, grassy spaces. Spider monkeys move gracefully from tree to tree. Okapi enjoy a delicious helping of leaves. Lions roar. Sights and sounds abound in a family friendly environmentwith 400 hundred-plus animals.
Get to Know the Potawatomi Zoo
Established in 1902 as a duck pond at Leeper Park, Potawatomi Zoo is Indiana’s first zoo. It’s home to over 400 animals. Big cats like the Amur tigers, African lion, Amur leopards and snow leopards are big draws. Visitors also love the red pandas, Southern White rhino and North American River otters.
The Zoo season runs from early April through the end of October, with many special events along the way. Although it is mostly closed during the winter, there are some special open days throughout the snowy season.
Giraffe Feeding at the Zoo
Giraffes joined the zoo in 2022 and have quickly become a visitor favorite! They can be found roaming around a brand new exhibit built specifically for them. They wander through a savannah with several other animals.
Animal Encounters
Here’s your chance to get up close with some of your favorite zoo animals. There are two options: Bison Encounter and Rhino Encounter.
Bison Encounter includes the chance to meet the zoo’s three North American Bison: Geornimo, Bobbie and Zipper. Visitors can learn more about the animals from the zoo keeper and even feed them. These take place at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $20 per person.
The Rhino Encounter brings you close to Masamba, a Southern White rhino. This experience includes the opportunity to touch Masamba. These take place at 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $50 per person (limited to ages six and up).
Other Things to Do in the Zoo
Be sure to visit the farm area of the zoo. There you can feed goats and alpacas. Watch the North American river otter glide under water. And listen to the yellow-crested cockatoo talk about what a pretty bird it is.
Hop on the Zoo Train and you’ll see many animals on site and, before you leave, take a ride on the hand-crafted and hand-painted Endangered Species Carousel. Cap off your trip by riding one of the 18 unique animals including a zebra, lion, leopard and tortoise.
