Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting children and families with animals and inspiring conservation efforts. Its origins trace back to 1952 when a nature preserve was established in Franke Park, which, due to local popularity, led to the decision to build a full zoo. The zoo officially opened on July 3, 1965, on 5.5 acres with 18 exhibits, under the leadership of its first director, Earl Wells. His vision was to create a zoo specifically for children.

The zoo is operated by the Fort Wayne Zoological Society, a non-profit entity, through a cooperative agreement with the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. It operates without tax funding, relying entirely on earned revenue from admissions, memberships, and concessions, as well as private donations and grants. The business model is self-sustaining, with all proceeds supporting the zoo's operations, animal care, and conservation programs. The zoo hosts over 600,000 visitors annually.

Over the decades, the zoo has expanded significantly. Major additions include the African Veldt in 1976, the Australian Adventure in 1987, and the domed Indonesian Rain Forest in 1994, followed by Orangutan Valley and Tiger Forest. In 2023, the zoo began reimagining its Indonesian Rainforest area into the Asian Trek. As of January 1, 2025, the institution will be known as the Fort Wayne Zoo to reflect its broader appeal.

Now spanning 40 acres, the zoo is home to over 1,500 animals and features several immersive, biome-themed exhibits. Key areas include the African Journey, with its giraffe feeding station and Sky Safari ride; the Australian Adventure, featuring a stingray bay and Crocodile Creek Adventure Ride; and the recently added Asian Trek, which houses one of the largest red panda habitats in the U.S. The zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and actively participates in over 60 Species Survival Plan programs to manage and conserve threatened and endangered species. Its conservation efforts extend globally, supporting over 30 partners and contributing financially to various projects. The zoo also offers extensive educational programming, including summer camps, in-class visits, and the 'Teens for Nature' volunteer program.

Keywords: wildlife conservation, zoological park, family attraction, animal exhibits, environmental education, endangered species, non-profit organization, animal encounters, Fort Wayne tourism, AZA accredited, Species Survival Plan, African Journey, Australian Adventure, Asian Trek, conservation programs, educational outreach, nature preserve, family activities, zoo animals, community attraction