Potawatomi Zoo

Potawatomi Zoo

About Us

South Bend’s first zoo, the South Bend Zoo, began as a modest duck pond in Leeper Park in 1902. In 1921, the Potawatomi Zoo was established in Potawatomi Park, where it continues to exist today. As one of the oldest zoos in Indiana, we are rich in history and building a promising future.

It is the mission of the Potawatomi Zoo to inspire excellence in education, conservation, and improved animal quality of life.

The vision of the Potawatomi Zoological Society is:

To protect and preserve the diversity of species on Earth
To provide guests with a unique and meaningful animal experience that is memorable, up close, and personal
To be recognized as a premier regional destination
To be responsible and respectful of the facilities and resources entrusted to us