Plan Your Visit to Potawatomi Zoo

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 environment with 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.

Giraffe Potawatomi Zoo

Animal Encounters

Here’s your chance to get up close with some of your favorite zoo animals. You'll get to meet the animals and talk to their keeper for a unique experience. Check the list of animals you can encounter this year!

MORE INFO: Animal Encounters at the Zoo

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.

Zoo Luminate

Rooted in traditional Chinese lantern art, Zoo Luminate is a visually stunning cultural experience featuring large-scale, illuminated lantern installations inspired by centuries-old Chinese craftsmanship. In partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, an internationally recognized producer of authentic Chinese lantern festivals, the Potawatomi Zoo will come alive with more than 60 handcrafted lantern displays, each reflecting the creativity, symbolism, and artistic heritage of Chinese culture.

Zoo Luminate will take place April 22 - June 28, 2026, Wednesdays through Sundays from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Zoo Luminate lily pad

Check our Event Calendar for other special events such as Brew at the Zoo, Zoo Boo, Gift of Lights and more!

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