Indianapolis Zoo

Zoos & aquariums ·Indianapolis ·Closed
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About

Indianapolis Zoo is a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden in Indianapolis, Indiana, in White River State Park, about a mile west of Monument Circle.

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Indianapolis Zoo

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What's on here

Why go

  • Watch dolphins swim and hunt through glass five metres below the surface in the underwater viewing dome.
  • The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center has a 90-foot viewing atrium and cableways orangutans use to travel around the zoo at their own pace.
  • White River Gardens has cactus, shade, water and orchid collections; Hilbert Conservatory has seasonal attractions such as butterflies.

Opening hours

Today09:00 – 21:00Show all
Monday09:00 – 16:00
Tuesday09:00 – 16:00
Wednesday09:00 – 19:00
Thursday09:00 – 19:00
Friday09:00 – 21:00
Saturday09:00 – 21:00
Sunday09:00 – 19:00

Don't miss

  • Midwestern PanoramaA cylindrical mural inside the Bud Schaefer Rotunda at White River Gardens.Bud Schaefer Rotunda, White River Gardens
  • Wynkin, Blynkin and NodThree bronze penguin statues in the Oceans building.Oceans building
  • Azy sculptureA limestone sculpture near the zoo entrance, unveiled for Azy's 40th birthday.Near the zoo entrance2017

With kids

  • Explore the shark touch tank in Oceans.
  • Feed flamingos and parrots in Flights of Fancy.
  • Ride the roller coaster or carousel in the grounds' amusement park.
  • Attend animal talks held throughout the day.

Tips for your visit

  • Dolphin Poolside Adventure, Dolphin Meet & Greet, Elephant Bathing, Rhino Adventure and Sloth Adventure are named animal encounters.
  • Some animals can be fed or ridden for an extra charge.
  • Walk the gardens and pathways along the White River.

Entrances

  • East entranceThe former Washington Street Bridge provides a walking and cycling link from downtown.White River Gardens, east side of the zoo

Facilities

  • Parking Vehicle access from West Washington Street.

Shorts

History

The original site became too small for further expansion, prompting the move to White River State Park.

  1. 1944The Indianapolis Zoological Society was incorporated after columnist Lowell Nussbaum advocated for a zoo.
  2. 1964The Washington Park Children's Zoo opened at its original East 30th Street site on April 18.
  3. 1967Christmas at the Zoo began as the first holiday lights display at a U.S. zoo.
  4. 1985Construction at the downtown site began in September.
  5. 1987The original zoo closed on November 1.
Show all
  1. 1988The current site at White River State Park opened on June 11.
  2. 1996The zoo became the first institution accredited as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden.
  3. 2000The world's first successful artificial insemination of an African elephant took place at the zoo.

How to get there

  • BusIndyGo Route 8 serves the zoo.
  • On footThe White River Trail provides access on foot or by bicycle.
  • CarThe zoo is at 1200 W Washington St, just west of Downtown.

Sources: Indianapolis Zoo - Wikipedia · Indianapolis Zoo - Wikipedia (part 2) · Indianapolis - Wikivoyage (see) · Indianapolis Zoo - Home · Tickets & Hours - Indianapolis Zoo · Group Tickets - Indianapolis Zoo · Indianapolis Zoo - Wikipedia · Zoo d'Indianapolis - Wikipedia · checked 26 Sep 2026

Where
1200 W Washington St, IN, Indianapolis

Plan from here: With kids →

Questions and answers

How is Indianapolis Zoo funded?

It is a private nonprofit supported by memberships, admissions, donations, sales and fundraising.

What is the Indianapolis Prize?

Established in 2004, it recognizes conservationists every two years and includes the Lilly Medal and US$250,000.

Does Indianapolis Zoo use clean energy?

It buys more than 12 GWh of clean energy annually.

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