Connecting people with the world around them happens naturally at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. Your visit to Indiana’s first zoo offers a worldwide adventure as you encounter hundreds of animals representing species from around the globe.
Located on 45 scenic acres on Evansville’s northwest side, we welcome you to our unique zoo and think you’ll enjoy being completely immersed in natural beauty. From the South American rainforest of Amazonia to the Family Garden, Lake Victoria, and the rolling hills in between, connecting people with the natural world is mission accomplished when you visit Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.
Educational Experiences
Our Education team provides engaging programs and experiences to connect people to the natural world. We are eager to introduce all of the amazing natural wonders of the plant and animal world, and how people can strive to share this planet we all call home.
We offer something for everyone. Try our structured school or scout programs, the Zoolittles preschool series, or enroll in our unique summer camps. Those that want to further nurture their nature can even join a Docent or ZooTeen volunteer group. Experience the zoo your way!
To find out more about any of our educational experiences, select a category on the pull down menu up top. To find out more about volunteering at the zoo, select the Volunteer category on the Support Us pull down menu up top.
Plan Your Trip to the Zoo
It’s easy to add a custom program for your community or civic group during a visit or facility rental at the Zoo! We have several options that can enhance the zoo experience for your group’s event.
- Review the general information and FAQ about group reservations.
- Review the program options available to your group. (Program Menu).
- Complete the online Registration Form to reserve your arrival date and time.
Book a Group Visit or Program Reservation»
The Zoo Can Come to You
We can bring some of the Zoo to you at your community event! We have several programs that can travel out in the community for festivals, events, or meetings for your community, civic, or college group. They can be customized to fit your group’s needs, and involve encounters with our traveling live animal ambassadors.
It’s easy to request a visit from the Zoo!
- Review the program options available to your group. (Program Menu).
- Complete the online Registration Form to request a custom program.
Conservation
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden takes an active role in wildlife conservation. We support in situ (in the field) conservation in three ways:
- Direct monetary support
- Staff involvement in fieldwork or research
- Conservation education
Our focus is to help endangered species in North America and also support international conservation efforts of animal and plant species with a focus on those held in our collection. We support efforts that protect whole ecosystems as well as the individual species. We acknowledge that habitat destruction through degradation and modification is a leading cause of extinction. Therefore, we include and demonstrate best management practices and technologies in our operation. We also solicit donations from visitors at exhibit locations as a way for them to become involved in conservation.
Coming Events:
Hours
9am – 4pm / Open 365 Days a Year!
Note: Please check our Calendar Page for any closings due to private rentals or special events.
Please call for verification of hours during inclement weather.
Visitors may explore zoo grounds until 5 pm; however, last admittance is at 4 pm and the exhibit buildings close at 4:30pm.
Admission Rates
Adults: $11.00
Children (age 3 -12): $10.00
Children 2 and Under: Free
November – February Rates:
Adults: $9.00
Children (age 3-12): $8.00
Children 2 and Under: Free
Special Offers: Upgrade your visit! The cost of daily admission can be applied towards the purchase of a zoo membership if you upgrade to membership level during your visit.
(The membership office closes at 4:00 daily, your upgrade should be made before office closes.)
In recognition of the significant support they provide, Vanderburgh County residents receive a $2.00 off admission discount. (*Cannot be combined with any other offer of discount. Proof of residency required.)
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards are accepted.
Please check Zoo Policies for additional information.
