What animals can I see at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo?

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from around the globe. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of species, including African lions, giraffes, zebras, Sumatran tigers, orangutans, Komodo dragons, red pandas, snow leopards, kangaroos, African penguins, and sea lions. The zoo's themed areas, such as the African Journey, Australian Adventure, and Asian Trek, each feature animals native to those regions.

Does the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo have rides?

Yes, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo offers several popular rides for added fun. These include the Sky Safari, which provides aerial views of the African Journey, the Z.O. & O. Railroad train ride, and the Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride in the Australian Adventure. There is also an Endangered Species Carousel. Tokens or ride passes are required for these attractions.

Is the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo suitable for adults without children?

Absolutely! While the name includes 'Children's,' the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is highly rated and enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Its immersive exhibits, diverse animal collections, engaging educational programs, and various rides and interactive experiences provide an enjoyable and stimulating visit for adults, couples, and individuals alike. Many adults visit solo or with other adults to appreciate the conservation efforts and beautiful animal habitats.

ZooIndiana, US

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

Nestled in the heart of Indiana, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo offers an extraordinary journey into the animal kingdom, designed to enchant and educate visitors of all ages.

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About

Nestled in the heart of Indiana, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo offers an extraordinary journey into the animal kingdom, designed to enchant and educate visitors of all ages. This award-winning zoo is renowned for its immersive habitats that transport you across continents, from the sun-drenched plains of Africa to the lush rainforests of the Australian outback. As you wander through carefully curated environments, you'll encounter a captivating array of wildlife, from majestic giraffes and playful lemurs to the elusive snow leopard and fascinating Komodo dragons. The zoo's commitment to creating engaging experiences means every visit is an adventure, with opportunities for close-up animal encounters, interactive exhibits, and thrilling rides.The visitor experience at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is characterized by its thoughtful design, allowing for exploration and discovery at every turn.

Imagine feeding a giraffe by hand at the Giraffe Feeding Station in the African Journey, soaring above the African savanna on the Sky Safari, or navigating the thrilling Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride in the Australian Adventure. The zoo brilliantly integrates education with entertainment, making learning about conservation and wildlife protection an engaging and memorable part of your day. Each exhibit is crafted to resemble the animals' natural habitats, providing both comfort for the residents and an authentic viewing experience for guests, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.What makes the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo truly special is its dedication to creating unforgettable family memories. It’s a place where children can marvel at the wonders of nature, and adults can rediscover the joy of discovery.

From the vibrant underwater world of The Reef in the Australian Adventure to the adventurous trails of the Indonesian Rainforest (now known as Asian Trek), every corner promises a new delight. Whether you're captivated by the intricate behaviors of the Red Pandas at Red Panda Ridge or mesmerized by the powerful presence of the Sumatran Tiger, the zoo provides a delightful escape, inspiring a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and conservation efforts. It's truly a destination where fun, learning, and wonder converge. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo can trace its origins back to 1952 when 54 acres were added to Franke Park to establish a nature preserve. The local popularity of this preserve led officials to plan a full-fledged zoo by 1962, with a mission to educate children about animals. On July 3, 1965, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo officially opened its doors, initially spanning 5.5 acres with 18 animal exhibits. Over the decades, the zoo has seen significant growth and modernization. Major expansions included the African Veldt (later African Journey) in 1976, the Australian Adventure in 1987, and the Indonesian Rainforest in 1994, followed by Orangutan Valley in 1995 and Tiger Forest in 1996. More recently, the Indonesian Rainforest area was reimagined and renamed Asian Trek in 2023, and the Coastal Cove exhibit, featuring California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals, opened in 2025. Looking ahead, the zoo will officially be known as the 'Fort Wayne Zoo' starting January 1, 2025, to reflect its broader appeal to all ages.

What to do here

Participate in Giraffe Feeding, glide over the African Journey on the Sky Safari, ride the Z.O. & O. Railroad train, and explore interactive areas like the Bamboo Forest Adventure Play. Look for scheduled keeper talks and animal demonstrations throughout the day.

Seasonal info

The zoo is typically closed for outdoor areas during the winter months (November-April). Summer visits can be hot, so plan for hydration and seek shaded areas; mornings and late afternoons are when animals tend to be most active. The zoo often extends its season to weekends in April and November. Seasonal events like Wild Zoo Halloween occur in October.

Accessibility

The zoo is highly accessible, with paved pathways throughout suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Wheelchair and Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Z.O. & O. Railroad even has a wheelchair-accessible car. The facility is also certified sensory inclusive.

Don't miss

African Journey

Experience the vast African plains with Giraffes, Zebras, and African Lions. Don't miss the chance to feed a giraffe from an elevated platform.

Australian Adventure

Encounter Kangaroos, dingoes, and kookaburras. Enjoy the Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride and the Stingray Bay touch tank where you can gently interact with stingrays.

Asian Trek (formerly Indonesian Rainforest)

A lush indoor environment home to Sumatran Tigers, Orangutans, Komodo Dragons, and Red Pandas at Red Panda Ridge.

Central Zoo

Features classic zoo favorites including Snow Leopards, African Penguins, and the lively Monkey Island with capuchins. The new Coastal Cove houses sea lions and harbor seals.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

African Lion

Tiger

Sea Lion

Blacktip Reef Shark

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early

Get to the zoo shortly after opening to avoid the largest crowds and experience animals at their most active.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo spans 40 acres, so you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Check Schedules

Upon arrival, grab a map and check the schedule for keeper talks, animal feedings (like the popular Giraffe Feeding), and showtimes to plan your day.

Stay Hydrated & Pack Snacks

Especially on hot summer days, bring water bottles. The zoo allows outside food and drink, so packing a lunch or snacks can save money.

Experience the Rides

The Sky Safari and Z.O. & O. Railroad offer unique perspectives of the zoo and are great ways to cover ground, while the Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride adds a fun, themed experience.

Utilize Interactive Opportunities

Don't miss opportunities like feeding giraffes, touching stingrays at Stingray Bay, or brushing goats at the Indiana Family Farm for memorable encounters.

Frequently asked questions

: The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from around the globe. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of species, including African lions, giraffes, zebras, Sumatran tigers, orangutans, Komodo dragons, red pandas, snow leopards, kangaroos, African penguins, and sea lions. The zoo's themed areas, such as the African Journey, Australian Adventure, and Asian Trek, each feature animals native to those regions.
: Yes, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo offers several popular rides for added fun. These include the Sky Safari, which provides aerial views of the African Journey, the Z.O. & O. Railroad train ride, and the Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride in the Australian Adventure. There is also an Endangered Species Carousel. Tokens or ride passes are required for these attractions.
: Absolutely! While the name includes 'Children's,' the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is highly rated and enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Its immersive exhibits, diverse animal collections, engaging educational programs, and various rides and interactive experiences provide an enjoyable and stimulating visit for adults, couples, and individuals alike. Many adults visit solo or with other adults to appreciate the conservation efforts and beautiful animal habitats.