Spring is arriving in Fort Wayne, which means that the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is opening! You may have already taken advantage of the zoo's Spring Preview days to check out one of the city's most beloved attractions, but with the official seasoning opening happening April 27, it's time to take a look at what's new for 2024 at the zoo.
New Animals
New animals are always the highlight of a new zoo season, and 2024 is no exception. Guests will enjoy the return of ring-tailed lemurs. These playful primates have their own new home in the African Journey, past the concession area near the giraffe exhibit. Speaking of giraffes, you'll want to see Lily, the newest giraffe. Lily just celebrated her second birthday and will be ready to greet the public along with the other giraffes. In the Australia Adventure, there are five young kangaroo joeys. And later this spring, you'll see baby penguins (they've already hatched, but aren't in the exhibit just yet). Over at Red Panda Ridge, you can find two new binturongs, also known as bearcats. Fun fact: these animals smell like popcorn! Speaking of Red Panda Ridge, have you heard the news? The exhibit was named #6 in the USA Today 10 Best Zoo Exhibits for 2024. If you haven't seen it yet, a visit this year is a must.
Sitatunga Animal Feeding Experience
Like getting up-close and personal with zoo animals? Of course you do! This year, there's a new opportunity for that in the African Journey, where you can feed the swam-dwelling sitatungas. Feedings will be offered daily at 11 a.m., and can be accessed through a $6 digital ticket.
Bamboo Forest Adventure Play and Marketplace
New since last year is the Bamboo Forest Adventure Play. Here, kids of all ages can climb high above the trees on this colorful harness and lanyard system ropes course. The Sky Trail offers 27-element adventures for guests 48" or taller. For littler guests, check out the 11-element Sky Tykes (kids on this attraction will need a supervising companion). The sky-high fun starts with pre-registration on the kidszoo.org website, or when you arrive at the guest services kiosks or ticket booth (if times are still available).
Coastal Cove Construction
Coastal Cove, the zoo's newest exhibit, which will feature sea lions and harbor seals, is set to open late this summer. You'll see construction happening for this amazing addition to the zoo, and can check the zoo's website and social media pages for a heads-up as opening nears.
Wild Wednesdays
Wanting to visit after-hours? That's possible with the zoo's Wild Wednesdays. Each Wednesday May through July, the zoo will be open until 8 p.m. New this season, you can visit from 4-8 p.m. on these Wednesdays for a great ticket value price of just $12.
Run Wild 5K
Looking to get active in the zoo? Then you may want to register for Run Wild, a 5K being held in partnership with Fort4Fitness on Friday, May 17. This twilight run features a path that weaves inside and outside the zoo. Pre-registration is required, and you can find the form and more details at the zoo's website.
Rock & Roar
The zoo is a family-friendly treasure. But if you'd like to enjoy an adults-only event at the zoo, be sure to come to a Rock & Roar event. This summer music series features bands from Fort Wayne's local music scene, and is intended for guests 21 and older. You can enjoy craft beverages from Hop River Brewing Co and delicious specialty menu items while strolling through portions of the zoo. The Crocodile Creek Adventure ride, Z.O.&O. Railroad, and Endangered Species Carousel ride are included in your admission.
2024 dates and groups include:
June 28 Good Night Gracie
July 12 James and the Drifters
July 26 Whoa, Man!
August 9 JacksonVibe
August 23 Sweetwater All Stars
Kids for Nature Conservation Kiosk
Save your Zoo penny when you enter the zoo; you can use it to vote for your favorite Kids for Nature Conservation project at the Kids for Nature kiosk. Votes help the zoo direct its conservation funding commitments locally and worldwide. Projects up for voting this year include Marsupials, Marine Mammals, and African Primates.
Birthday Parties at the Zoo
If you have an animal lover in the family, the zoo is the perfect location for a birthday party! You have several options for parties at the zoo: the Jungle Party Room (in the Indonesian Rain Forest), the Sea Lab room (in the Reef Aquarium), and, new this year, the deck of the Bamboo Forest Adventure Play (this option includes time on the ropes course). You will just need to bring your guests and gifts; zoo event staff handle everything else, from setup to cleanup. Food and drink catering with the zoo are available as well; visit the zoo website for more information.
With so many of your favorite animals and attractions still here, and all these new things to discover as well, what are you waiting for? Set a date or two for a zoo visit this season.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
