Indianapolis Zoo
Orangutans overhead, underwater dolphins, sharks and rays, African plains, chimpanzee habitat, desert animals, and White River Gardens support a conservation-centered full day.
Artwork inspired by Felrath Hines
Indianapolis is unusual in holding accreditation as zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. Its strongest experiences use space and behavior: orangutans can travel high cables, dolphins are visible below water, chimpanzees move through a large network, and White River Gardens shifts attention to plants and pollinators. The Global Center for Species Survival connects exhibits to field conservation beyond the campus.
Check presentation times before walking away from the entrance, then choose a route that alternates indoor and outdoor habitats. Animal visibility changes with temperature and time; a quiet return often beats waiting at one window. Rides and feedings cost extra and should not displace observation. Dynamic online pricing rewards advance purchase, while warm-weather weekends make early arrival valuable for parking and lower animal activity.
- Accreditation
- Zoo, aquarium, garden
- Included
- Daily presentations
- Pricing
- Date-based online rates
Quick guide
- Check the day sheet
- Mark keeper talks and dolphin presentations before setting the route.
- Return later
- Animals use complex spaces; absence at one moment is not an empty exhibit.
How to build a behavior-first zoo visit
- Check the day sheet
- Mark keeper talks and dolphin presentations before setting the route.
- Return later
- Animals use complex spaces; absence at one moment is not an empty exhibit.
- Read conservation work
- Connect species labels to the Global Center’s field partnerships and threats.
- Budget extras deliberately
- Admission includes exhibits and presentations; rides and feedings are separate.
Good to know
Current regular hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday–Sunday, with seasonal changes and evening events. Admission uses dynamic pricing, so buy online for the selected date. Nonmember parking is $10. The campus is fully ADA accessible with sensory bags, accessible parking, ramps, automatic doors, and mobility rentals.
Notice these
- Orangutan overhead trails
- Underwater dolphin viewing
- International Chimpanzee Complex