A 93-acre Urban Oasis

The Indianapolis Zoo is a combined zoo, aquarium and botanical garden located in White River State Park near downtown Indianapolis. Spanning 93 acres, the nonprofit institution houses over 1,400 animals representing more than 230 species and maintains tens of thousands of plants across themed habitats. Its membership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums ensures high standards of animal care and conservation. The zoo is divided into biomes replicating natural habitats—Oceans, Deserts, Plains and Forests—plus the innovative International Orangutan Center. You can also explore the adjacent White River Gardens, a three‑acre botanical garden and glass conservatory.

Exhibits and Animals

– **Oceans**: This indoor aquarium features a 360‑degree Dolphin Pavilion with a viewing dome, a Shark Touch Pool, and exhibits with sea lions, penguins and colorful reef fish. Bottlenose dolphin presentations are offered several times daily.
– **Forests & International Orangutan Center**: Home to a family of orangutans who swing through a network of cables high above visitors, as well as red pandas, brown bears and macaques. The skyline‑high Hutan Trail allows orangutans to explore outdoors.
– **Plains**: An African savanna habitat with elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, zebras, cheetahs, lions and African wild dogs. Elevated boardwalks and open viewing areas let guests get close to grazing herds.
– **Deserts**: A climate‑controlled dome replicating the Sahara and Sonoran deserts with meerkats, tortoises, lizards and birds perched among cacti.
– **White River Gardens**: A tranquil space featuring seasonal gardens, the Hilbert Butterfly Exhibit (open spring through fall) and a tropical conservatory, included with zoo admission.

The zoo also offers walk‑through experiences like **Kangaroo Crossing**, where visitors share an open habitat with red kangaroos and emus. New Humboldt penguin and red panda exhibits are slated to open in the next few years.

Animal Encounters and Experiences

Beyond strolling the exhibits, the Indianapolis Zoo offers paid animal encounters where you can feed giraffes, go behind‑the‑scenes with dolphins or elephants, and even wash a rhinoceros. Daily feedings and keeper talks around the zoo provide educational moments included with admission.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

The zoo hosts family‑friendly events throughout the year, including **Animals & All That Jazz** summer concerts on Thursday evenings, **ZooBoo** in October with trick‑or‑treating and pumpkin displays, **Christmas at the Zoo** with millions of lights from late November through December, and other after‑dark experiences. These events are popular and may require timed‑entry reservations.

Planning Your Visit

– **Hours and Tickets**: The zoo operates year‑round, generally 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with extended evening hours in summer. Buying tickets online in advance can save money and guarantee entry on busy days. Memberships provide unlimited visits, parking and discounts on encounters.
– **Amenities**: Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available at the entrance. Dining options include cafes and snack stands serving sandwiches, pizza and ice cream. There are water refill stations and shaded seating areas.
– **Getting There**: Located just west of downtown, the zoo offers on‑site parking for a fee. IndyGo bus routes and the Cultural Trail provide car‑free access. Pair your visit with other White River State Park attractions like the Indiana State Museum or Eiteljorg Museum for a full day out.

Make a Day of It

Consider combining your zoo trip with a walk or bike ride along the nearby Canal Walk or a picnic at White River State Park. For lunch or dinner, explore downtown restaurants or head to Mass Ave; see our dining guide for ideas.