What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 5pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

Peoria Zoo

Peoria Zoo, a Peoria Park District Facility. Learn more at PeoriaZoo.org EXCELLENT IN ANIMAL CARE: Our animals are ambassadors for wildlife conservation.

OUR MISSION
Create connections that inspire an appreciation for and encourage actions to conserve the natural world. OUR VISION
The Peoria Zoo will be recognized as a leader in raising public awareness and commitment to conservation. OUR INSTITUTIONAL CORE VALUES

Outstanding Human Relations: Our visitors, staff and volunteers are vital to achieving our mission. They will be treated with the utmo

st respect and we will strive to make their connection with the zoo as enriching as possible. We will promote innovations in husbandry and achieve the highest standards of animal care. CONNECTIONS THROUGH EDUCATION: Only through caring, will people make the choices and changes needed to save our natural resources. Our education programs will promote the knowledge and connections that are the key to caring. IMPACT ON CONSERVATION: Conservation is our cause. Our programs and practices will be based on achieving the maximum possible conservation potential.

08/22/2024

Last month, giraffes Emy and Vivian underwent routine medical care similar to a human's annual checkup at the doctor. We're happy to say that both recovered beautifully and were up within a few hours. 🦒

A few of the many experts involved include Farriers (hoof care), Dental Teams, and Anesthesiologists from many areas around the country! To put things into perspective, think about the number of doctors who would be in the room if you got all of your annual medical, dental, and vision exams done at the same time. Now picture how many people that would take if you were 14 feet tall! 😮

We could not be more grateful for the support from the Brookfield Zoo Chicago and every other expert who made sure our giraffes were safe and healthy throughout the procedure process. Thank you!!! 🦒❤️

08/20/2024

A roaring "thank you" to the Forestry crews who trimmed up the trees in the Africa exhibit last Wednesday, August 7th! 🦁

The Forestry crews play an essential role in keeping the Peoria Zoo exhibits in tip-top shape for both the animals and visitors to enjoy. The Africa exhibit is open daily from 10am-5pm, our animals would love to see your smiling faces! 🦓🐢🐍🦒

08/15/2024

A magical night awaits at Peoria Zoo during The Wonderful World of Wizardry; magic lessons, animal encounters, themed concessions for purchase and a showing of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on the jumbo outdoor movie screen in the African village. Dress in your wizardry best as there will be photo opportunities and a costume contest!

Get your ticket now at Peoriazoo.org/wonders-wizardry/

08/15/2024

🌳 Peoria Community, We Need Your Input! 🌳

Help us shape the future of our spaces and places by participating in the Peoria Park District Community Survey. Your feedback is crucial in helping the District focus our efforts as we work to contribute to healthy and vibrant communities by responsibly using our resources to offer high quality parks, recreation, and education experiences to those who live, work, or play in our District. It only takes a few minutes to make a lasting impact.

🔗 Take the survey now at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BX9DM5R

08/14/2024

🌟 August Donation Days at the Zoo! 🌟

📅 Mark your calendars for August 6, 2024 and August 15, 2024 – because we’re offering FREE ADMISSION to everyone! 🦁🐒🦓 While you’re here, we welcome any financial donations to support our wonderful animal friends. 🐾💖

Join us for a fun-filled day by participating in Giraffe Feedings at noon and 2 PM for just $5/person! 🦒🍃

Come enjoy a wild day at the Zoo!

08/13/2024

Happy Tortoise Tuesday from George, Georgia, and Georgette! 🥬🐢 You can visit the Aldabra Tortoises in our Africa exhibit daily from 10am-5pm.

Did you know that Aldabra Tortoises are one of the oldest living species? The oldest recorded Aldabra Tortoise was 170 years old! 💚

08/08/2024

Swing into Savings at Peoria Zoo—Today Only! 🦘🐒

Don’t miss out on a tree-mendous deal! Today, you can visit Peoria Zoo for just $6.50! While our Africa exhibit is still undergoing some tree trimming, the rest of our wild residents are ready to see you! Our animals will be leafing you in awe tomorrow with their freshly groomed homes, so be sure to swing by again! ❤️🦏

This un-be-leaf-able admission rate is only available on August 8th, 2024. Snag it while you can!

08/07/2024

Visit the Peoria Zoo for $6.50, today only! 🦘🐒

Our Africa exhibit will be closed today as forestry crews are tree trimming, but the animals would love to show you their freshly trimmed homes tomorrow. ❤️🦏

Please note that this discounted admission rate is only available August 7th, 2024. 🦜

08/05/2024

🌟 August Donation Days at the Zoo! 🌟

📅 Mark your calendars for August 6, 2024 and August 15, 2024 – because we’re offering FREE ADMISSION to everyone! 🦁🐒🦓 While you’re here, we welcome any financial donations to support our wonderful animal friends. 🐾💖

Join us for a fun-filled day with our animals:
🌿 Giraffe Feedings at noon and 2 PM for just $5/person.
🦘 Please note, our Australian Walk-About will be open but the aviary will be closed.

Come enjoy a wild day at the Zoo!

08/05/2024

A magical night awaits at Peoria Zoo during The Wonderful World of Wizardry; magic lessons, animal encounters, themed concessions for purchase and a showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on the jumbo outdoor movie screen in the African village. Dress in your wizardry best as there will be photo opportunities and a costume contest!

Get your ticket now at Peoriazoo.org/wonders-wizardry/

Explore Africa, feed the giraffes, and so much more at the Peoria Zoo at Glen Oak Park!

08/03/2024

Happy Birthday to Sparky, our Chinese Alligator! 🎂

Fun fact: Marco Polo was the first person outside of China to write about the Chinese Alligator when he visited the country in the 1200s!

08/02/2024

Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable Golden Girls-themed murder mystery dinner at Peoria Zoo, where you can channel your inner Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, or Sophia and solve the mystery with your fellow pals and confidants!

Murder Mystery: Party Time at Golden Acres Retirement Community: It’s party time at Golden Acres Retirement Community! The senior residents look forward to the special events that the Activities Director organizes, and this party is to celebrate Blanche’s birthday. But is she really 50? Again?

Learn more and grab your tickets here: https://www.peoriazoo.org/murdermystery/

08/01/2024

Attend The Elegant Wedding Expo at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in Peoria on August 4th from 12-3pm for a fantastic opportunity to see everything you need for your big day, all in one place! 👰❤️

Whether you're just starting out or you're putting the finishing touches on your plans, this expo has something for everyone. Chat with talented wedding professionals in the area, taste delicious cakes, see beautiful flowers, view amazing decor, and even find your perfect wedding look. 💐🍰

Email Steve Hausler at [email protected] to learn how you can get 4 FREE tickets! Purchase additional tickets at ElegantWeddingExpo.com. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to make your dream wedding a reality!

07/26/2024

What does a chatty Caterpillar become?

A social Butterfly🦋

Make sure to come check out the Butterfly and our other colossal creatures at our BIG BUGS! exhibit open through July 28! Swing by the Zoo and immerse yourself in this incredible exhibit before it buzzes away on July 28th! 🌿🦋

07/24/2024

What do you call a Praying Mantis that’s good with numbers?

A Praying Mantis-statistician! 🧮

Make sure to come check out the Praying Mantis and our other colossal creatures at our BIG BUGS! exhibit open through July 28! Swing by the Zoo and immerse yourself in this incredible exhibit before it buzzes away on July 28th! 🌿🦗

07/23/2024

Aren't our Budgies some Beauts? Come spend some time with the Budgerigars in our aviary, which is free to enter with zoo admission/membership.

Get a closer encounter by purchasing a Budgie Seed Stick for just $2.00. You'll have the opportunity to feed the birds from your hand! 🦜

07/20/2024

Why was the butterfly so good at baseball?

Because it always knew how to hit a fly ball! 🦋⚾

Make sure to come check out the butterfly and our other colossal creatures at our BIG BUGS! exhibit open through July 28! Swing by the Zoo and immerse yourself in this incredible exhibit before it buzzes away on July 28th! 🌿🦋

07/18/2024

Join us for an engaging presentation featuring our primates! Learn about our BEEP (Behavioral Enrichment and Enhancement Program) designed to improve environments and animal care by focusing on natural behaviors and instincts. Presentations will be held near the Spider Monkey exhibit. Look for our "ASK A KEEPER" banners for more details just before each presentation.

🗓️ Date: Daily through September 2, 2024
🕝 Time: 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Spider Monkey Exhibit, Tropics Building

07/17/2024

🌟 July Donation Days at the Zoo! 🌟

📅 Mark your calendars for July 9, 2024 and July 18, 2024 – because we’re offering FREE ADMISSION to everyone! 🦁🐒🦓 While you’re here, we welcome any financial donations to support our wonderful animal friends. 🐾💖

🚨 Please note: Our Australia Walk-About will be closed these days. 🚨

But don’t worry, there’s still plenty of fun to be had!
🌿 Giraffe Feedings at noon and 2 PM for just $5/person.
🐛 Explore the incredible BIG BUGS! exhibit for $3/person.
🍿 Check out our expanded new menu in the Zambezi River Lodge!

Come enjoy a wild day at the Zoo!

07/14/2024

Join us on July 16th to celebrate World Snake Day! Join us to celebrate the remarkable world of our reptiles for World Snake Day! There will be self-guided activities/crafts which will give guests a chance to learn about some of their favorite animals and how to help with their preservation. No registration required; free with zoo admission/membership.

07/11/2024

What do caterpillars do on their birthday?

They throw a butterfly bash! 🐛🎉🦋

Make sure to come check out the caterpillar and our other colossal creatures at our BIG BUGS! exhibit open through July 28! Swing by the Zoo and immerse yourself in this incredible exhibit before it buzzes away on July 28th! 🌿🦋

07/09/2024

We’ll be talkin’ about Takins at this Ask a Keeper presentation! Discover why these large, muscular hoofed animals with impressive horns are considered a national treasure in China. Learn what makes Takins so special and how we care for them. Look for our "ASK A KEEPER" banners for more details just before each presentation.

🗓️ Date: Daily through September 2, 2024
🕦 Time: 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Takin Exhibit, Asian Trail

07/07/2024

Come find all of the Pokéstops at the Zoo, while visiting our Pokémon friends. Battle, Trade, Collect them all here on this day. July 27, 2024 from 11am-4pm. No registration required; free with zoo admission/membership.

07/06/2024

Why don't ants get sick?

Because they have tiny ant-bodies! 🐜💪

Make sure to come check out the ants and our other colossal creatures at our BIG BUGS! exhibit open through July 28! Swing by the Zoo and immerse yourself in this incredible exhibit before it buzzes away on July 28th! 🌿🦋

07/04/2024

Our is taking a patriotic theme in honor of our nation's birthday! The Zoo is open today from 10am-5pm, with last admission at 4:30pm.

The Peoria Zoo was home to Bald Eagles from 1975 to 1990. Two Bald eagles were rescued and transferred to the Zoo because they had sustained injuries in the wild. While at the zoo, the pair of eagles produced chicks and those chicks along with the rehabilitated parents were successfully reintroduced to the wild in the 1980's.

07/02/2024

Join us tomorrow in Glen Oak Park for Streets Belong to Me for a fun, free day of PLAY that includes bounce houses, obstacle course, video game truck, face painting, food trucks, entertainment, fun from our community partners, and discounted admission ($3 per person per facility) to Peoria Zoo and Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum! Join us from 10am until 3pm in Glen Oak Park!

06/30/2024

Why don't dung beetles ever get lost?

Because they always follow their nose! 🐞👃💩

Make sure to come check out the Dung Beetles and our other colossal creatures at our BIG BUGS! exhibit open through July 28! Swing by the Zoo and immerse yourself in this incredible exhibit before it buzzes away on July 28th! 🌿🦋

06/27/2024

A huge shoutout to all our amazing sponsors for making BIG BUGS possible! 🐞✨ Swing by the Zoo and immerse yourself in this incredible exhibit before it buzzes away on July 28th! 🌿🦋

Address

2320 N Prospect Road
Peoria, IL
61603

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

+13096863365

Website

http://www.peoriazoo.org/

Alerts

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Videos

🌟🎉 Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at Park-a-palooza on the Peoria RiverFront! 🎶🎨 Check out all the fun in store, from live music and delicious food to exciting games and activities for the whole family! 🎤🍔🎈 ✨ Don't miss the FREE drone light show on Saturday evening! Watch in awe as 300 drones create amazing moving designs in the night sky. 🌌🚀 Join us for an incredible celebration! 🌟 #Parkapalooza #PeoriaRiverFront #FamilyFun #DroneLightShow #WeekendVibes #FreeEvent

Baby Mandrill Update: River is bouncing around and getting bigger every day! In the video, you can see her face is getting darker and she is super busy running and jumping around! She is also eating more on her own and getting more independent! Don't forget the Zoo is open all year round (closed for a few holidays), so make sure to plan a visit sometime soon to see her and the rest of our crew!

River, our baby Mandrill, has been growing up fast!! You'll see her jump all over the indoor enclosure as well as on Tara (the other adult female) and mom, Kofola. You can also spot dad, Linus hiding in the back! 📷Thank you to keeper Regan for the great video!

It's Zoo o'clock! ⏰⏰⏰ Vote for Peoria Zoo at BuildPeoria.org/vote The Peoria Zoo is in the running for a $50,000 grant to build an outdoor tropics classroom! One vote per person... through the end of May! Let's Go! 🙌

Zootini is back on May 11th!!!!!! 🍸🦓 Tickets go on sale next week! Learn more at peoriazoo.org/zootini/

Happy National Reptile Awareness Day! Enjoy this video from our Keeper Doug to celebrate this day!

Enjoy a family-friendly drive through experience full of spooktacular fun and freight! Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22 from 6:30-9pm Lakeview Park After Dark brings back the vintage, all hallows eve experience of ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, and witches, through this family-friendly adventure. The marked route will guide your car along the twists and turns through Lakeview Park with surprises of Halloween fun everywhere you look! The night is full of tricks and a treat for the first 1,000 kids! Halloween-themed beverages will be available for purchase as you enter the park. Admission is $15/vehicle. There is no pre-registration/ticket sales. All sales are at the entrance.

Have you ever heard the joke about the sloth crossing the road? Never mind, it’d take too long... 😂 Instead, enjoy this rare glimpse of Dustin, taking the mighty trek across his exhibit!

🎉Happy Birthday, Mac, our male Kookaburra! Enjoy this fun fact about Kookaburra calls from Keeper Michael!

Today we're celebrating Scrapper, our Three-banded Armadillo's 21st birthday! Enjoy this video taken this summer with Keeper Elly to learn all about Scrapper!

Your favorite Peoria event is BACK! Get your tickets to Zootini today! Learn more: https://fb.me/e/1mdu8HAaW

Thank you to Curator Melissa for this video of Dustin, our Two-Towed Hoffman's Sloth! In the wild, sloths are found in the rainforest canopy in Central and South America, from Nicaragua south to Bolivia, and from Peru east to Brazil. Did you know that the health of sloth populations is wholly dependent on the health of tropical rain forests? Without an abundance of trees, sloths will lose their shelter and food source. When sloths come to the forest floor—which they do once a week—they are more exposed to predators and can do little to fend them off. You can help by encouraging sustainable forestry, and supporting conservators efforts, like the work of the World Wildlife Fund.

Only ONE DAY LEFT to get your ticket to the holiday party of the year-- Peoria Zoo's Murder Mystery Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! Learn more and get your ticket here: https://www.peoriazoo.org/murdermystery/

Did you know that we have three Reticulated Giraffes at Peoria Zoo named Taji, Emy and Vivian? Check-out this fun video of Emy, one of our females, enjoying a beautiful fall day here at Peoria Zoo! Reticulated giraffes are listed as endangered in its native habitat and their populations are declining. Learn more about giraffe on our website: https://www.peoriazoo.org/animal-groups/mammals/giraffe/

Make sure you have your tickets to the holiday party of the year! It's going to be a party to die for.... literally, for at least one guest! https://www.peoriazoo.org/murdermystery/

We're letting the cat out of the bag! Save the date for May 12, 2022... 🦁🐯🍸

Today's Tongue Out Tuesday is a special video of Louise, our Burmese Python! #TongueOutTuesday #BurmesePhython

It's that time of the year for some pumpkin enrichment! Check out the Tiger, Red River Hog and Mandrill enjoying some fun seasonal enrichment! 📸credit: Curatorial Assistant Lisa