Potawatomi Zoo opens for the season March 29

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Officials at the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend announced on Wednesday that the zoo will be open for the 2024 season on March 29 and regular hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

"Once again, giraffe feeding will be one of the Zoo’s daily scheduled attractions. Giraffe feeding is either on the outdoor giraffe deck or, in inclement weather, inside the giraffe barn visitor center," zoo officials said. "This year, the Zoo’s Education Department will have a full range of classes and camps in both the Learning Center and the AEP Foundation STEM Classroom. Classes are currently in session, and Zoo Camp begins in June."

The Potawatomi Zoo Express Train and Endangered Species Carouse will both be open to start the season. For $3, guests can buy an attraction ticket, good for the train or carousel, or two large pieces of lettuce for feeding animals.

"The zoo’s new concessions facility, The Lodge, officially opens to the public at the start of the season. The Lodge’s menu will include burgers, pizzas, and salads, along with many other zoo visitor favorites," officials said.

"The zoo will continue to host a series of events this year including Eat and Drink at the Zoo on June 8, Children’s Day on June 12, Brew at the Zoo on Sept. 14, Zoo Boo on Oct. 18-20, and the Gift of Lights, beginning on Nov. 29."

Regular admission is $14 for adults, $12 for children ages 3-14 and seniors 62+, and free for children two and under.

Potawatomi Zoological Society members are admitted free of charge during regular hours and extended summer hours, which will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., June 1 through Aug. 31.

Guests can also buy an attraction pass, which includes 15 uses for $35, a $10 discount from the single ticket price.

More details on classes and events can be found on the zoo’s website. You can also keep up with the most recent happenings at the zoo by following their pages on social media. 

The 2024 season is scheduled to end November 24.