- Attraction: Peoria Zoo
- Location: 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603
- Industry: Zoo
- Website: https://peoriazoo.org/
Imagine standing face-to-face with a towering giraffe while staying firmly planted in the heart of Illinois.
At the Peoria Zoo, this magical experience awaits you just off North Prospect Road, where over 100 species from around the globe have found their home in meticulously designed habitats.
Originally founded as Glen Oak Zoo in the late 1800s, this beloved attraction transformed dramatically in 2009 with the opening of its stunning Africa exhibit, nearly doubling the zoo’s size and creating an immersive experience that transports you to distant continents.
What sets this zoo apart is its perfect size – large enough to house magnificent creatures like Siberian tigers and white rhinos, yet intimate enough to explore comfortably in a single visit.
You’ll discover thoughtfully crafted environments that make both animals and visitors feel at home, from the lush Australia Walk-About where wallabies roam freely to the expansive African savanna where giraffes tower majestically overhead.
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Keep Exploring →Unforgettable Animal Encounters
Giraffe Feeding Experience: The crown jewel of any visit happens at the elevated feeding platform in the Africa exhibit.
For just $5, you’ll climb to giraffe-head height and offer leafy treats to these gentle giants, feeling their surprisingly rough, 18-inch tongues as they eagerly accept your offerings.
Sessions typically run at noon and 2:00 PM during peak season, and you’ll get several minutes of up-close interaction that creates memories lasting a lifetime.
Australia Walk-About Adventure: Step into the immersive walkthrough exhibit where Bennett’s wallabies hop freely around you while emus strut nearby.
During summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the budgie aviary becomes a kaleidoscope of color as hundreds of bright parakeets flutter around you. Seed sticks cost just $2, and these charming birds often land directly on your hands for feeding.
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Discover MoreAfrica Exhibit Majesty: The massive Africa section spans nearly half the zoo, featuring invisible barriers that create unobstructed views across sprawling enclosures.
You’ll witness white rhinos weighing up to 6,000 pounds, endangered Grevy’s zebras with their distinctive stripe patterns, and Thomson’s gazelles gracefully bounding across their savanna home. The exhibit divides into northern and southern sections, allowing different species to coexist naturally while giving you multiple vantage points from the elevated boardwalk.
Asian Trail Mysteries: Come face-to-face with magnificent Siberian tigers Nikita and Sasha, sisters who call this exhibit home.
The trail also features the fascinating Sichuan takins – unusual creatures that look like a cross between a goat and a yak – along with smaller exhibits housing snakes, bats, and other Asian wildlife.
Contact Barn Delights: Perfect for younger visitors, this hands-on area lets you interact with friendly Nigerian dwarf goats and domestic donkeys.
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Atmosphere & Setting
Scenic Boardwalk Design: The Africa exhibit’s elevated wooden boardwalk creates an authentic safari feel as you peer across expansive enclosures that seem to stretch endlessly. Mixed-species exhibits allow you to witness natural interactions between giraffes, gazelles, zebras, and rhinos, just as you might see on an African plain.
Seasonal Beauty: Year-round operation means you’ll enjoy different experiences throughout the seasons.
Winter visits offer the unique spectacle of Siberian tigers and takins frolicking in snow, while summer brings lush greenery and active animals. The zoo maintains its charm across all seasons, with indoor viewing areas providing comfort during extreme weather.
Family-Friendly Layout: Well-maintained pathways with ramps instead of stairs make navigation effortless for strollers and wheelchairs. Strategic shade areas and rest spots throughout the zoo ensure comfort during longer visits, though some guests note that additional shade would enhance the summer experience.
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Discover MoreHistoric Charm: The Victorian-era Glen Oak Pavilion, constructed in 1896, adds architectural elegance to your visit.
This beautifully restored building now houses the nearby Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, extending your family adventure beyond the zoo gates.
Other Considerations
Excellent Value Pricing: Admission runs $11.50 for adults, $8.25 for children (2-12), and $10.50 for seniors and active military, with children under 2 entering free.
Most visitors find this pricing quite reasonable for the quality and variety of experiences offered.
Convenient Amenities: Free on-site parking eliminates city parking hassles, while the spacious lot accommodates even RVs.
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Perfect Visit Duration: Plan approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours for a comfortable, thorough exploration.
The manageable size prevents overwhelming fatigue while ensuring you don’t miss any highlights.
Special Programs: Educational opportunities abound with keeper chats running daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, plus special events like the Easter Egg Hunt and Howl-Zoo-Ween. Summer camps, birthday parties, and zoo snoozes add extra excitement for memorable celebrations.
Conservation Mission: Your visit directly supports important wildlife conservation efforts, including Species Survival Plans for endangered animals and local recovery programs for native Illinois species.
Peoria Zoo
📍 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603
