Zoo Peoria IL
Peoria is an enchanting city situated at the center of Illinois that features rich history, cultural diversity and natural beauty. One must-visit attraction is the zoo Peoria IL, which provides home for an assortment of exotic and native animal species – ideal for family outings as well as conservation efforts and education efforts. We will discuss various aspects of this captivating zoo that make it unique and exciting in this article.
History of the Zoo Peoria IL
The Peoria Zoo first opened its doors to the community in 1955 as the Glen Oak Zoo; later relocating to Glen Oak Park in 1978 where it has seen many renovations and upgrades throughout its tenure, focused on providing excellent care for animals while creating an enjoyable visitor experience.
The Peoria Zoo in Illinois boasts an illustrious past dating back to its establishment in the early 1900s when city first acquired two deer. Since then, it has undergone substantial growth and evolved to become one of the top attractions in its region – now managed by Peoria Park District and officially recognized by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Location and Layout of the Zoo
The Peoria Zoo can be found at 2320 North Prospect Road and covers 14 acres within Glen Oak Park. It features several themed areas that showcase animals from all corners of the globe as well as their habitats.
The Zoo is open year-round from 10 am to 5 pm daily and features wheelchair and stroller accessibility, several parking options (including free parking for visitors) as well as wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
Peoria Zoo – Animal Exhibits
The Peoria Zoo offers an incredible collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates from across the globe, such as Africa, Australia, Asia North America South America and the Tropics. Each exhibit resembles each animal’s natural habitat to provide visitors with an engaging educational experience.
Peoria Zoo Offers Unique Animal Experiences and Programs
The Peoria Zoo provides visitors with special animal encounters and programs, such as behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, birthday parties, zoo camps and special events and programs, that allow visitors to get up close and personal with its inhabitants. Experiences offered here include behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters birthday parties zoo camps as well as special events and programs.
Peoria Zoo Conservation Efforts
The Peoria Zoo is dedicated to conserving endangered species. Through breeding and conservation programs for Black Rhinos, Red Pandas, and Snow Leopards as well as sustainable practices that promote conservation through education programs for community outreach purposes – Peoria Zoo’s conservation efforts continue.
Peoria Zoo Offers Special Events
The Peoria Zoo provides private events after normal operating hours at its Zambezi River Village banquet facility overlooking Africa!. Perfect for receptions, corporate events and group meetings; this banquet hall seats 200 guests while looking out over lush African vegetation where rhinos, giraffes, zebras, lions, mandrills and other wildlife graze peacefully while guests attend events held here.
Peoria Zoo Memberships
The Peoria Zoo provides membership packages which offer access to over 150 zoos and aquariums throughout the US for free visits, plus 10% discounts in Safari Gift Shop, special member prices on events & programs, invitations to exclusive member-only events as well as receiving Zoo Tales newsletter from Peoria Zoological Society member newsletter. Annual membership fees begin at $45.
Peoria Zoo Visitor Information
Parking facilities are conveniently available and the zoo offers food and beverage options such as cafes and snack bars for visitors to enjoy while shopping souvenirs in its gift shop.
Admission prices for the Peoria Zoo
Admission prices at Peoria Zoo are $11.50 for adults (ages 13-64), $8.25 for children aged 2-12 years, senior citizen (ages 65 years older) and active military are $10.50 and free admission for kids under 2 years .