Potawatomi Zoo — Attraction in South Bend

3 cars and a couple hour drive north, the whole family arrived at the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend Indiana! This is a beautiful place even on the outside. There is a ton of shade as there is a park outside the park. The shade doesn’t stop there. The entire zoo has plenty of shade to help keep you cool on a hot sunny day. The prices for entry are very good. Our part is 4 people and a trip here cost us just $28 to get in. $10 per adult, 1 pre-teen at $8 and out 2 year old was free. Compared to half the drive to Indy but $105 for the same 4 people to just get in. We have been to both now and I’m here to tell you, it is worth the extra drive! The animals are much the same if not better at Potawatomi! The petting and feeding area is fun for all ages. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and the staff is for the most part very friendly. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was for this reason here. We purchased a couple items from the store in the red barn. We used our debit card. The girl asked if we wanted a copy of the receipt. I got one but my sister in law behind me declined as she likes to save a tree. We headed toward the exit and stopped by the spider and snake exhibit and used the restrooms. I pushed the stroller to the stroller exit and headed to the car. My wife and daughter was stopped by a side vender at the entrance/exit and asked for a receipt for the stuffed animal my daughter had. I waited for 10 minutes and decided to return. Everyone was just walking out the door. I asked what happed and they said that the employee was not going to let them leave because they couldn’t provide a receipt showing proof of purchase. This is not a good practice period. If you are asked if you want a copy of your receipt in one store, the outside vendor at the door 100 yards away from that store should not be asking people for a receipt, let alone detaining people for 10 minutes questioning their purchase. It takes a lot to boil my blood but this one hit that point. I would definitely recommend this zoo. It heist has some PR work to do with some of the staff. Thank you for a wonderful...

Potawatomi Zoo offers visitors an immersive and enriching experience, showcasing a diverse collection of animals from around the globe. The zoo is home to over 400 animals representing a wide range of species, from playful primates to colorful birds and fascinating reptiles. The zoo demonstrates a commitment to conservation and education, making it a valuable resource for the community and beyond.

Potawatomi Zoo boasts an impressive array of large cat exhibits, each meticulously designed to provide optimal welfare and promote natural behaviors. • The Lion Habitat: This recently renovated habitat provides a spacious and stimulating environment for the zoo's pride of African lions. The expansive outdoor area features naturalistic elements such as rocky outcroppings, varied terrain, and a dedicated watering hole, encouraging exploration and social interaction. A large viewing window offers visitors intimate views of the lions within their indoor den.

• The Tiger Exhibit: Home to a pair of Amur tigers, this exhibit showcases the power and grace of these endangered animals. The spacious habitat includes a large pool, encouraging natural swimming behaviors, and a variety of enrichment features to stimulate their senses and promote physical activity.

• The Amur Leopard Habitat: This exhibit features a stunning Amur leopard, one of the rarest big cats in the world. The habitat is designed to cater to the leopard's arboreal nature, with ample climbing structures and elevated platforms. This dynamic environment allows the leopard to express its natural agility and camouflage skills.

Potawatomi Zoo stands as a testament to the vital role zoos play in conservation and education. With its diverse collection of animals, well-designed exhibits, and commitment to public engagement, the zoo provides a truly enriching experience for visitors...

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Pride Gone Wild event at the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, and it was an absolute delight. This event not only provided a fantastic evening filled with unique activities and close-up animal encounters but also showcased the zoo's commitment to both community and conservation in a festive atmosphere.

The zoo itself is beautifully landscaped, making every path we strolled down a pleasant journey. As we wandered through the various exhibits, it was clear that great care is taken to maintain both the natural beauty of the environment and the well-being of the animals. One particularly thoughtful amenity that caught my eye was the free electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot, a nod to the zoo's forward-thinking approach to sustainability.

The evening was packed with activities and animal enrichment events that were thoroughly entertaining and educational. It was a joy to watch the anteaters and capybaras as they engaged with treat boxes prepared by the keepers. These enrichment sessions not only provided the animals with stimulation but also offered guests a glimpse into the fascinating behaviors of these wonderful creatures.

The Pride Gone Wild event itself was a vibrant celebration, filled with a sense of community and support for wildlife. The atmosphere was inclusive and joyful, making it a perfect family outing or a fun night out with friends. The zoo staff and community volunteers did an incredible job organizing the event, ensuring that every guest had a...