Potter Park Zoo

Potter Park Zoo is an AZA-accredited zoo with over 350 animals, many of which are endangered. Page managed by PPZS.

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Zoo Update

Due to continued poor air quality, the animals will have access to their indoor spaces and may not be visible on exhibit. The zoo will remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thank you for your understanding!

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Zoo Update
⁠
Due to today's poor air quality, the animals will have access to both their indoor and outdoor habitats, allowing them to choose where they're most comfortable. Thank you for your understanding.⁠
⁠
The zoo remains open today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Cool enrichment with a purpose! 🦦🧊 ⁠
⁠
These buckets of crushed ice aren't just a fun way for Miles and Nkeke to beat the heat, they're also an opportunity to engage in natural foraging behaviors. Enrichment like this helps keep animals mentally stimulated while also providing a refreshing way to stay cool during the summer. ⁠
⁠
During warmer weather, our Animal Care Team uses a variety of ways to help animals stay comfortable based on each species' needs. Depending on the animal, that can include:⁠
💦 Misters and sprinklers⁠
🧊 Ice and frozen enrichment⁠
💧 Plenty of fresh drinking water⁠
🌳 Access to cool, shaded spaces and off-exhibit areas⁠
⁠
Every species has different needs, and our keepers are constantly monitoring the animals to make sure they're happy, healthy, and comfortable, no matter the temperature.⁠
⁠
📹️ Keeper Carolyn

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Due to the forecasted heat index this week, the Contact Yard will close at 2 p.m. July 14th, 15th, and 16th to help ensure the safety of our guests, staff, and animals.

Thank you for your understanding, and be sure to stay cool and hydrated if you're visiting the zoo!

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Happy Cow Appreciation Day! 🐄

Did you know Dexter cattle are one of the smallest cattle breeds in the world? Despite their size, they're hardy, intelligent, and have been valued by farmers for centuries!

Stop by the Farmyard today to say hello to Fresca and Fontina! 💚

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Join us TONIGHT from 6 - 9 p.m. for Twilight Adventures! 🌙

Explore the zoo with a themed scavenger hunt, make friendship bracelets, paint rocks for pollinators, play yard games, and enjoy s’mores by the fire.

Along the way, discover simple ways to help animals and the planet because small actions make a big impact!

Grab your tickets if you haven’t yet, and get ready for a wild night at the zoo: https://t.co/R39HJmrPgf

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Thank you for an incredible Zoo Days!

Over the past two days, thousands of guests visited Potter Park Zoo to celebrate one of our favorite summer traditions. From first-time visitors to longtime members, it was wonderful to see so many families and friends making memories together while connecting with wildlife.

A special thank you goes to our staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped make this event possible. Your hard work and support created a fun, welcoming experience for everyone who walked through our gates.
Most importantly, thank you to our community for choosing to spend part of your summer with us. Your support helps further our mission of inspiring conservation of animals and the natural world.

We hope you had a wonderful time, and we look forward to seeing you again soon! 🦁🐧🐾

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Day one of Zoo Days is in the books!

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday. It was wonderful seeing so many families making memories, learning about wildlife, and enjoying a day at the zoo.
Didn't make it? Good news! Today is your second and final chance to take advantage of $2 admission and FREE parking during Zoo Days.

We'll be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can't wait to welcome you for another great day at Potter Park Zoo!

Learn More: https://t.co/A100L3RTzP

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Zoo Days starts today!⁠
⁠
Today's the day to enjoy one of Potter Park Zoo's biggest summer traditions!⁠
⁠
Join us today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for:⁠
⁠
🦁 $2 admission⁠
🚗 FREE parking⁠
⁠
Whether you're visiting your favorite animals, introducing someone to the zoo for the first time, or simply looking for a fun way to spend the day, Zoo Days is the perfect opportunity to explore, learn, and make lasting ⁠
memories.⁠
⁠
We'll see you at the zoo! 🐾⁠

https://t.co/A100L3RTzP

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Happy World Porcupine Day!

Today we're celebrating Crockett, our Cape porcupine, with a behind-the-scenes look at one of the many ways our animal care team monitors animal health.

Regular weigh-ins help us track changes over time and ensure Crockett is staying healthy at Potter Park Zoo!

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Did you know? 🦁🥤

An adult lion typically drinks 1–4 gallons of water each day to stay hydrated, especially in the hot African climate. But these incredible predators are built for survival and can go several days, and sometimes up to a week, without drinking by getting much of their moisture from the prey they eat.

Luckily, Kota doesn’t have to worry about that! Our animal care team refills water daily and ensures fresh, clean water is always available throughout his habitat.

During these hot summer days, they also closely monitor all of our animals to make sure they’re staying cool, comfortable, and well-hydrated across the zoo.
It’s just one of the many ways we help our animals stay healthy, happy, and thriving every day. 🌅

#Cats #lion #potterparkzoo

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Have you met our goats yet? 🐐

One of the most hands-on experiences at Potter Park Zoo can be found in the Farmyard! Stop by our Contact Yard to get up close with our friendly goats and make some new four-legged friends.

Whether you're visiting with family, snapping photos, or simply looking for a fun animal encounter, the Contact Yard is a guest favorite for all ages.

The Contact Yard is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Be sure to add it to your next zoo visit!

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

What does it mean to be a Habitat Hero? 🌿 

At Potter Park Zoo, it means taking action to support Michigan wildlife through education, awareness, and habitat restoration.

Our new Habitat Hero program helps community members create wildlife-friendly spaces by planting native species that provide critical resources for pollinators, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other native animals.

From native plant giveaways to community conservation efforts, Habitat Hero is about showing that conservation doesn't just happen in wild places, it can start in your own backyard.

Learn more in our latest blog: https://t.co/tYyjTWDBYB

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Have you met your new mini donkeys, Sid (white) and Manny (brown)? These two playful, curious additions to the zoo are always up to something.

Stop by the farmyard to watch them explore, play, and get the zoomies!

📹️ Zoo Educator Becky

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Happy Veterinary Appreciation Day! 🩺🐾

Today we're celebrating the incredible team that helps keep Potter Park Zoo's animals healthy: Director of Animal Health, Dr. Ronan and Veterinary Technician, Bridget.

Whether they're conducting routine wellness exams, assisting with conservation efforts, responding to medical emergencies, or monitoring animal health behind the scenes, their dedication and expertise play a vital role in the care of every animal at the zoo.

Their work is supported by the zoo's growing veterinary capabilities, allowing much of the care, diagnostics, and treatment our animals receive to happen right here on zoo grounds. Together, they help ensure our animals receive exceptional care every day.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Ronan and Bridget for their compassion, hard work, and commitment to animal welfare. 👏🐧🦁🦦

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Happy 15th Birthday to Degan Reid! 🎂🎉

Degan is spending his special day the way many of us would like to spend a birthday: enjoying a quiet and beautiful June morning, soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells of the season.

Red pandas can live into their teens and early twenties under human care, making 15 an impressive milestone worth celebrating. Join us in wishing Degan a very happy birthday and many more cozy naps, tasty treats, and sunny mornings ahead! 🎁🎋☀️

📸 Keeper Carolyn

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Looking for a wild way to celebrate Dad?

Join us at Potter Park Zoo this Father's Day! All dads receive FREE admission to the zoo Sunday, June 21.

Spend the day exploring animal exhibits, making family memories, and enjoying everything the zoo has to offer.

📅 Father's Day – Sunday, June 21
⏰ Zoo hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
🎟 Dads get in FREE!

Tag a dad who deserves a trip to the zoo! 👇

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Kermit is ready for the World Cup⚽

Who are you cheering for?

📹️Keeper Carolyn

#worldcup #football #fifa #soccer

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

A big thank you from all of us at Potter Park Zoo! 🍃

Dezi, our tufted deer, enjoyed fresh browse today thanks to YOU and our amazing browse donors. Your support helps provide natural, enriching food for our animals every day.

Did last night’s storm leave you with fallen branches or downed trees? They may be just what we're looking for!

Learn more about donating browse here: https://t.co/Bj5JT4upXP

📸 Keeper Adrianna

[Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo]

Happy International Lynx Day! 🐾

Today we're celebrating Canadian lynx and the incredible instincts that make them such skilled hunters. During today's enrichment, Ragnar was determined to get his daily diet, leaping, swatting, climbing, and strategizing every step of the way.

Enrichment activities like this encourage natural behaviors, provide mental stimulation, and keep animals active and engaged. Judging by Ragnar's persistence, we're pretty sure he understood the assignment. 😼

Stop by and visit Ragnar and Rollo on your next trip to Potter Park Zoo!
#InternationalLynxDay