Explore Indiana's premier zoos featuring 2 AZA-accredited facilities, including the unique Indianapolis Zoo combining zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, and the award-winning Fort Wayne Children's Zoo with over 1,000 animals across 40 acres.
6+
Zoos in Indiana
2
AZA-Accredited
1,600
Animals at Indianapolis Zoo
250
Species
AZA-Accredited Zoos
Indianapolis Zoo Zoo + Aquarium + Botanical Garden
Address: 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 Location: White River State Park, Downtown Indianapolis Website:indianapoliszoo.com Accreditation: AZA-accredited through September 2026 (also American Alliance of Museums)
Only attraction accredited by AZA as zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. Member of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Largest zoo in Indiana with 1,600 animals of 250 species and 23,000 plant specimens. Views from oceans, forests, deserts, encounters, and plains.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
Address: 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808 Website:kidszoo.org Location: Fort Wayne's Franke Park Accreditation: AZA-accredited through September 2029 Established: 1965
Beloved destination for families featuring 1,000+ animals across 40 acres. Described as "Connecting kids and animals, strengthening families, and inspiring people to care." Participates in AZA Harbor Seal Species Survival Plan maintaining genetic diversity and long-term sustainability of conservation-valuable species.
Recent News: Welcomed new harbor seal named Bubba (November 2025).
Other Indiana Zoos and Wildlife Parks
Mesker Park Zoo (Evansville) Address: 2421 Bement Ave., Evansville, IN 47720 Website:meskerparkzoo.com
Potawatomi Zoo (South Bend) Address: 500 S. Greenlawn, South Bend, IN 46615 Website:potawatomizoo.org
Washington Park Zoo (Michigan City) Address: 115 Lakeshore Drive, Michigan City, IN 46360 Website:washingtonparkzoo.com Covers 15 acres on hilly sand dune close to Lake Michigan. Exhibits 220+ animals of 90+ species.
Black Pine Animal Park (Albion) Address: 1426 W. 300 N., Albion, IN 46701 Website:blackpineanimalpark.com Nonprofit exotic animal sanctuary providing refuge for rescued and retired exotic animals. Over 70 big and small cats, bears, primates, birds, reptiles, former pets and retired performers.
Exotic Feline Rescue Center (Center Point) Address: 2221 E. Ashboro Road, Center Point, IN 47840 Website:exoticfelinerescuecenter.org One of largest rescue centers in United States for abused, unwanted, and neglected exotic felines. 186 exotic felines call EFRC home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indiana has 2 AZA-accredited zoos: Indianapolis Zoo (accredited through September 2026) and Fort Wayne Children's Zoo (accredited through September 2029). As of September 2025, there are 240 AZA-accredited institutions worldwide out of approximately 2,800 USDA-licensed exhibitors.
Indianapolis Zoo is the only attraction in the United States accredited by AZA as a zoo, an aquarium, and a botanical garden. This triple accreditation recognizes its excellence across three distinct disciplines. The zoo is also accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo actively participates in the AZA Harbor Seal Species Survival Plan, which maintains genetic diversity and ensures long-term sustainability of species with significant conservation value. Indianapolis Zoo participates in cooperative breeding programs through its membership in World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Both facilities support conservation efforts through education, research, and breeding programs.
Indianapolis Zoo is the largest zoo in Indiana, offering views of 1,600 animals representing 250 species and 23,000 plant specimens. The zoo features diverse habitats representing oceans, forests, deserts, encounters, and plains. Located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, it combines zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden experiences.
Both AZA-accredited Indiana zoos excel at family experiences. Fort Wayne Children's Zoo was specifically designed for families and has been a beloved destination since 1965, connecting kids and animals while strengthening families. Indianapolis Zoo offers diverse exhibits across oceans, forests, and deserts with aquarium and botanical garden components, providing educational experiences for all ages.
Indianapolis Zoo features 1,600 animals of 250 species from oceans, forests, deserts, and plains worldwide. Fort Wayne Children's Zoo houses over 1,000 animals including harbor seals participating in the Species Survival Plan. Black Pine Animal Park has 70+ big and small cats, bears, primates, birds, reptiles. Exotic Feline Rescue Center houses 186 exotic felines.
Indianapolis Zoo is located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is in Fort Wayne's Franke Park. Other zoos include Mesker Park Zoo (Evansville), Potawatomi Zoo (South Bend), Washington Park Zoo (Michigan City on Lake Michigan), Black Pine Animal Park (Albion), and Exotic Feline Rescue Center (Center Point).
Yes, Indiana has two major exotic animal sanctuaries. Black Pine Animal Park in Albion is a nonprofit sanctuary providing refuge for over 70 rescued and retired exotic animals including big cats, bears, primates, birds, and reptiles. Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Center Point is one of the largest rescue centers in the United States for abused, unwanted, and neglected exotic felines, housing 186 cats. Both facilities focus on rescue, education, and conservation awareness.