Potawatomi Zoo

Potawatomi Zoo

The Entrance of the Potawatomi Zoo
Date opened 1902[1]
Location South Bend, Indiana, USA
Coordinates 41°40′09.59″N 86°13′04.52″W / 41.6693306°N 86.2179222°W
Land area 23 acres (9.3 ha)[1]
Number of animals 400[1]
Memberships AZA[2]
Website www.potawatomizoo.org

The Potawatomi Zoo is a 23-acre (9.3 ha) zoo located in South Bend, Indiana. The zoo was formerly run and maintained by the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department, but since January 1, 2014 is run and maintained by the Potawatomi Zoological Society,[3] while still remaining city owned. Founded in 1902,[4] the Potawatomi Zoo is Indiana's oldest zoo. It features over 400 animals on 23 acres (9.3 ha) of land, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.[5] The zoo accommodates over 200,000 visitors each year.

History

The Potawatomi Zoo initially started as a duck pond in 1902. At that time, it was called the South Bend Zoo. It moved locations to Wall Street in South Bend and incorporated a herd of deer. The zoo expanded in 1917 with the addition of American Bison that were placed on a quarter acre of land in Potawatomi Park. The zoo again expanded in 1927 to include 10 acres. A farm barn was built in 1949 to house domesticated animals. This barn still stands as the petting zoo portion of the zoo.[6]

Exhibits

Animals

The Potawatomi Zoo is home to over 400 animals. The zoo specialize in large cats, primates, and Australian animals.[7] In 2011, the zoo added a North American river otter exhibit that utilizes a green roof, the first of its kind to be used on any municipal building in the City of South Bend.[8] The latest addition to the zoo was a male baby sichuan takin on March 6, 2013.[9]

Gallery

Potawatomi Zoo Photo Gallery
A Bengal Tiger (d. 2015)[11] takes a nap at Potawatomi Zoo. 
A White-naped Crane at the Potawatomi Zoo in April 2012. 
An endangered Golden lion tamarin at the Potawatomi Zoo in April 2012. 
North American river otter display opened in 2011. 

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 South Bend Parks and Recreation Department
  2. ↑ "List of Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  3. ↑ http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/zoological-society-to-take-over-management-of-potawatomi-zoo/23520296
  4. ↑ https://potawatomizoo.org/visit-potawatomi-zoo/zoo-history
  5. ↑ "Potawatomi Zoo – Our Mission And History". Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  6. ↑ "Potawatomi Zoo – Our Mission And History". Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  7. ↑ "Visit South Bend". Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  8. ↑ South Bend On. "Zoo’s river otters get first municipal green roof". Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  9. ↑ http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/sbt-zoo-welcomes-baby-takin-20130308,0,7236672.story
  10. ↑ Gray, Amanda (April 1, 2015). "Potawatomi Zoo's White Bengal euthanized". South Bend Tribune. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  11. ↑ Gray, Amanda (April 1, 2015). "Potawatomi Zoo's White Bengal euthanized". South Bend Tribune. Retrieved April 11, 2015.

External links