New Babies!
Raya the Organgutan
Prepare for crowds at the orangutan exhibit in the Indonesian Rain Forest area of the zoo, because in January the zoo's orangutan Zara had a baby, who is named Raya. Raya comes from the Indonesian word "grand," and this cute baby joins sister Asmara. Sumatran orangutans are a critically endangered species, making Raya's arrival all the more exciting. Check out the zoo's website (fwzoo.com) or their social media channels for Raya's schedule so you can visit at a time she's in the exhibit.
More Babies
Raya isn't the only new baby you'll see at the zoo this year. Check out the Indonesian Rain Forest Dome for several new hatchlings:
- a Victorian crowned pigeon named ABBA
- a white-throated ground dove named Hanta
- a Luzon bleeding heart dove named Boden
- three new Mandarin ducks--these are from other zoos and are named Cara, Jaffa, and Seville after varieties of oranges
Also look for Miki, a new two-year-old reticulated python. Expecting a lifespan of over 20 years, Miki is young enough to consider a baby.
Matilda's New Home at the Zoo
If you can't find fan favorite Matilda, the red-tailed hawk, it's because she has moved. She is just down the path from the Indiana Family Farm, sharing a larger aviary with another bird species across from the Z. O. & O. Railroad. Matilda came to the zoo from Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehab in 2019 after an injury made it impossible for her to return to the wild. She has bonded with zoo guests ever since.
Bubba the Seal
If the Coastal Cove is one of your favorite zoo hangouts, you'll notice a new seal in the exhibit this year. It's Bubba, who arrived at the zoo last November from Woods Hole Science Aquarium. Bubba joins another harbor seal and two California sea lions in the exhibit.
As the season continues, keep your eyes open for other animals arriving at the zoo. At this point, they are expecting a male wildebeest, another California sea lion, and an additional zebra.
Train Upgrade
After more than 60 years of delighting zoo guests with a chance to view the zoo's environment in comfort, the Z. O. & O. Railroad is getting a major upgrade in time for opening day. The train has a new electric engine and the original seating cars have been refurbished.
Zoo Events
Be sure to mark your calendars for a few Fun Fridays at the zoo. These Fridays, beginning June 12 and running through August 28, will feature extended zoo hours (until 7pm). Starting at 4pm on those days, guests will also enjoy discounted general admission.
If you're looking for a nighttime event, you can experience the zoo in a whole different way with a visit to Glo Wild, an immersive adventure that transforms the zoo into a dazzling light display featuring lanterns.
Member Perks
Do you need an additional perk in order to entice you into purchasing a zoo membership? This year, all levels of membership feature Rock & Roar admission. Rock & Roar is a summer music series for those 21 and older, where guests enjoy the zoo and its rides while hearing local musical groups perform.
Opening Day
Opening festivities will begin at 9am on April 24 in the zoo's Entrance Plaza with musical performances by the Northside Wildsiders, the Summit City Singers, and the Festival Choir singing the National Anthem. The zoo’s Executive Director Rick Schuiteman and Sarah Earls, President of the Zoo’s Board of Directors, will cut the official ribbon, and the season begins!
The zoo will be open daily from 9am – 5pm, April 24 through October 31.
Fort Wayne Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
260-427-6800
fwzoo.com
