Peoria Zoo

06/25/2026

Training sessions are an important part of animal care here at Peoria Zoo. 🦒💚

Through positive reinforcement and cooperative care , our team builds trust with Fitz and encourages voluntary behaviors that support his health and wellbeing. These behaviors allow our keepers to monitor his health and provide routine care while reducing stress for both the animals and our team.

Hear from keeper Lauren as she shares how cooperative care helps us provide the very best care for our giraffe herd, and why trust is at the heart of everything we do. ✨

06/24/2026

🐅🎉 Fourteen never looked so fierce!

Join us in wishing our Amur tiger Nikita a very happy 14th birthday today! She's spending her day doing what she does best... Looking majestic and stealing the spotlight over in the Asia Trail.

Stop by and pay her a visit, or drop some birthday love in the comments below 👇

06/21/2026

🦒 Happy World Giraffe Day! 🦒

Today we're celebrating the tallest animals on Earth and raising awareness for giraffe conservation around the globe.

Join us for a day filled with giraffe-themed activities, crafts, conservation education, and opportunities to see our incredible giraffe herd up close!

Don't miss giraffe feedings at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm for just $5 per person!

Every visit helps support our mission to connect people with wildlife and inspire conservation action. Come celebrate these gentle giants with us today!

📍 Peoria Zoo
🦒 Activities included with Zoo admission

Conservation

06/20/2026

💙 Fathers & Floats at Peoria Zoo 🍦

Celebrate Father’s Day at Peoria Zoo on Sunday, June 21!

Treat Dad to a day of family fun, amazing animals, and a refreshing root beer float in the Lodge.

🎉 Dads receive FREE admission with a paid child admission and a FREE root beer float!

Bring the family, make memories, and enjoy a sweet way to celebrate Father’s Day weekend.

📅 Sunday, June 21
📍 Peoria Zoo
🎟️ No advance registration required

06/19/2026

You may have already noticed a couple of new faces out in the rhino habitat 👀🦏
We'd like to officially introduce Arthur and Mwezi! ✨

These 5-year-old white rhino half brothers joined us from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park late last year and have been getting to know life at Peoria Zoo ever since. While they may look alike, their personalities are quite different!

🦏 Arthur is curious, energetic, and always interested in what's happening around him. He's also a big fan of showers! 🚿
🦏 Mwezi is a little more laid-back and prefers to take life at his own pace, preferably with a nap mixed in. 💤

As they've settled into their new home, we've loved watching their confidence grow. This process takes time, and our animal care team is allowing Arthur and Mwezi to explore at a pace that prioritizes their comfort. Some days you may spot one of them out exploring the yard (often with his brother not far behind!), while on others they may choose to spend more time behind the scenes.

Believe it or not, these boys still have some growing to do! We are excited to watch them continue to grow, gain confidence, and make themselves at home here at Peoria Zoo. 💚

Be sure to keep an eye out for Arthur and Mwezi during your next Zoo visit!

06/17/2026

Let's talk rhinos. 🦏

Many of you have asked where our rhinos, Harris and Leo, have gone. While we miss seeing them here, their story is far from over.

Harris and Leo were transferred to other AZA-accredited zoos as part of the White Rhino Species Survival Plan (SSP). These moves were not random. They were recommended by a team of conservation scientists who manage a nationwide population to help protect this critically endangered species.

💬 So why do rhinos move between zoos?

White rhinos in human care are part of a shared conservation effort. Every transfer is carefully planned to support healthy breeding, maintain genetic diversity, and strengthen the future of the species. By placing individuals where they can contribute most to the population, we are helping ensure that white rhinos will still exist for generations to come.

Harris and Leo now have an important role to play in that bigger mission, and we are proud to have been part of their journey.

This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our rhino program here at Peoria Zoo...stay tuned! 💛

06/17/2026

🚨 Due to inclement weather, all animal interactions at the Zoo are closed for the day. This includes Giraffe Feedings, Bleat Retreat, Australian Walk-About, and all Keeper Chats.

⚠️ The Lodge will also be closed for dining.

The safety and well-being of our animals, guests, and staff is always our top priority. While many indoor exhibits remain open, some outdoor experiences may be affected by weather-related closures throughout the day.

We appreciate your understanding, and we hope everyone stays safe as weather moves through the area today. 💚

06/16/2026

🐾 Another Donation Day is Almost Here! 🐾

Join us at Peoria Zoo on Wednesday, June 17 for a Donation Day! Enjoy free admission all day long and spend time discovering amazing animals with your family and friends. 🦒🦏🐅

While admission is free, optional donations help support animal care, conservation initiatives, and educational programs right here at Peoria Zoo.

Come make memories, learn something new, and help make a difference for wildlife. We hope to see you there! 💚

06/15/2026

🐝🦋 It’s National Pollinator Week!

Join us for a week-long celebration of the tiny creatures that make a big impact. From bees and butterflies to birds and bats, pollinators help keep our ecosystems healthy and thriving. 🌼🌎

Did you know? Animal pollinators are responsible for 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat and help sustain 75%–95% of all flowering plants on Earth! 🌸💛

Explore special activities and interactive stations throughout the Zoo, learn how pollinators affect our everyday lives, and discover simple ways you can help protect them at home.

Come see what all the buzz is about! 🐝✨

🎟 Free with general admission or membership.

06/14/2026

🦒🥂 Brunch with Giraffes is back! 🥂🦒

Join us for a wildly unique brunch experience at Peoria Zoo—up close with the tallest animals on Earth!

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes presentation from Zoo staff, a special meet-and-greet introduction to our giraffes and their spaces, a guided tour of the African Loop, delicious brunch in the heart of the Zoo, and a personal giraffe feeding for each guest.

🌍 Best of all, proceeds from this event directly support wildlife conservation efforts, helping protect giraffes and other species in the wild for future generations.

Event Details:
🕙 10:00 AM–1:30 PM
📍 Peoria Zoo, African Loop
👤 Ages 12+
🎟️ Limited to 40 guests
🌿 Outdoor seating only

Space is limited, and this exclusive event is expected to sell out quickly!

Reserve your spot: https://ow.ly/sGau50Z9wjM

Join us for a wildly unique brunch experience - up close with the tallest animals on Earth!