Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden

Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden is a zoo in Evansville, Indiana that opened in 1928. It is one of the state's oldest and largest zoos. It covers approximately 20 hectares and houses approximately 200 species, including more than 700 animals housed in natural-like habitats that include both exotic and spontaneous vegetation. Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

History

Gilmour Haynie and other businessmen established the Garden in 1928. Karl Kae Knecht, a local cartoonist for the Evansville Courier & Press, was instrumental in popularizing the zoo concept. It began with two lion cubs, some antelopes, and an elephant. With a total cost of $15 million, the garden completed an expansion phase in 2008, which included the simulation of a tropical rainforest and a new entrance. Over 38,000 people visited the new exhibition in its first month. In addition to adding more than 150 animals to the zoo, one of the garden's two existing lakes was occupied for the construction of the new complex.

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Mesker Park was one of the first zoos in the United States of America to use a moat system to display its animals in an environment that resembled natural habitats as closely as possible.] Counterclockwise from the entrance, exhibits in this garden include: Amazon, North America, Tropical America, Discovery Center, Lemur Forest, African Rift, The Kley Building, Asia & Australia, The Children's Enchanted Forest, and an African Panorama.] Mesker Park Zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

Conservation

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden's mission is to preserve animal species and ecosystems through active participation in education and conservation. To that end, it collaborates with other accredited zoos to manage rare species responsibly. The rare Francois langue has been successfully bred at the zoo. The garden received two females, Liang and Sai, from the San Diego Zoo in November 2003. In August 2006, each gave birth to a calf. The male arrived in December 2005 from the Cincinnati Zoo. Liang gave birth to a female in February 2008.

Hours: 

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. / 365 days a year!

Please keep an eye on our Calendar Page for any closures due to private rentals or special events.

During inclement weather, please call for hours verification.

Visitors are welcome to explore the zoo grounds until 5 p.m.; however, last admission is at 4 p.m., and the exhibit buildings close at 4:30 p.m.