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Peoria Zoo

Phone: 309.686.3365

2320 North Prospect Road
Peoria, IL

The Peoria Park District is proud to have Peoria Zoo as one of the great facilities available to people of all ages who live, work, or play in Peoria. The Zoo is home to unique animals from all over the world and is open to the public 360 days a year. Even during the winter, animal lovers can visit the Zoo to see Amur tigers and Sichuan takins frolicking in the snow! The Zoo offers many classes and tours and is a great place to host birthday parties, weddings, and corporate events.

Get to the Peoria Zoo by bus using CityLink. Check out bus routes HERE.

Amenities

Rentals
Classes
Field Trips
Trails / Hiking
Weddings
Picnic Tables
Special Events

Peoria Zoo’s mission is to create connections that inspire an appreciation for and encourage actions to conserve the natural world.

Accreditation:

Peoria Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1981. AZA is the independent accrediting organization for the best zoos and the best aquariums in America and the world, assuring the public that when they visit an AZA-accredited facility, it meets the highest standards for animal care and welfare.

Conservation:

Conservation is the heart of Peoria Zoo’s mission and they believe that partnerships with other organizations are critical to fulfilling their mission. Currently, they are proud to support the following conservation organizations: Peoria Zoo Green Team, Heart of Illinois American Association of ZooKeepers, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Tiger Conservation Campaign, Turtle Survival Alliance, International Rhino Foundation and more.

Peoria Zoo’s local conservation efforts have been focused on the recovery of the Alligator Snapping Turtle. Peoria Zoo partnered with Illinois DNR in 2008 and they have been working to reintroduce the native Alligator snapping turtle to strategic watersheds in Illinois in an effort to restore this unique and majestic reptile.

Peoria Zoo is a cooperating member of AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP). The mission of an AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program is to cooperatively manage specific, and typically threatened or endangered, species population within AZA accredited Zoos and Aquariums.

Peoria Zoo is home to six exhibits:

Asian Trail & Australia Walk-About: Upon entering the Zoo, most visitors wander among the Australia-Asia corridor where they can seasonally feed the budgies, or get face-to-face with the tiger. The immersive Walk-About allows visitors to come eye-to-eye with the emus and walk with the wallabies.

Africa!: When you walk through the portal, you’re transformed into Africa! The continent features modern day zoological design with mixed species exhibits, and barriers invisible to the public eye. From the small golden weaver birds to the mighty giraffe, you’ll be transported into another world.

Tropics Building: Adventure into South America where you can see primates, snakes, and more! This building, with its iconic round glass exhibit, was home to the Zoo’s entry until 2012.

Conservation Building & Contact Barn: Get a glimpse of some amphibious friends inside the conservation center. Outside you’ll find the Chinese Alligator, goats, donkeys and more! This area also has a play zone, picnic tables, educational stage and more!

Notable Species:

Aldabra Tortoise
Black Swan
Burmese Python
Colobus Monkey
Cotton-top Tamarin
Donkey
Emu
Giant Mole Rat
Giraffe
Lion
Mandrill
Red River Hog
Red-footed Tortoise
Rhinoceros
Ring-tail Lemur
Spider Monkey
Takin
Tarantula
Tiger
Wallaby
Zebra

Bolded animals are species at risk.

HOURS

The Zoo is open daily from 10am to 5pm; Last Admission at 4:30pm. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day and New Years Eve/Day.

ADMISSION RATES

Adult (13 and over)$12.50
Child (2 – 12)$9
Child (1 and Under)FREE
Senior (65+)$11.50
Active Military$11.50

The Zoo features the following program types. Check our website for details, dates and times.

THEME DAYS & EVENTS
Any day spent at the Zoo is a Zooper time and theme days bring a little bit extra to your Zoo adventure. Check out our website for a list of days, as well as fundraising and special events.

Upcoming Events

ENCOUNTERS & SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Add to any Zoo visit by experiencing an ed-Zoo-cational class, tour, or adopting an animal. Enhance any Zoo visit by talking with our staff. “Ask a Keeper,” giraffe feedings, and Australia Walk-About with budgie feedings are available seasonally.

Peoria Zoo Website

GROUP EXPERIENCES
Schools, scouts, camps, or your closest group of friends are welcome to set up a group experience. Animal programs, tours, and reduced group admission are all available.

Scouts Youth Programs Field Trips

RENTALS AND EVENTS
Birthdays, weddings, showers, and more can all be spent at Peoria Zoo. Bring your friends and family to celebrate in a unique animal location. There are options to make your event one of a kind!

Rentals

Memberships make every day a Zoo Day! For one fee you get access to the Zoo all year long, get discounts on select events and programs, reciprocal access to over 150 zoos and aquariums and MORE! Memberships are available at many levels and are good for one year from the date of purchase.

Membership Information