Fort Wayne Zoo
4.7(11K)google
4.5(120)yelp
WildlifeFamilyKidsEducationalOutdoor
Overview
The Fort Wayne Zoo is a zoo in Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States. Since opening in 1965, the 1,000-animal zoo has been located on 40 acres (16 ha) in Fort Wayne's Franke Park. The Fort Wayne Zoo is operated by the non-profit Fort Wayne Zoological Society under a cooperative agreement with the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department.
Practical Info
Mon9:00AM – 5:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-6 hours
Best TimeMay through September is the premier season (the zoo closes during cold winter months). Arriving by 8:45 AM on a mid-week morning (Tuesday-Thursday) allows you to enter right at 9:00 AM when animals are active—especially in the African Journey—while bypassing intense afternoon heat and heavy weekend crowds.
Getting ThereNestled within Franke Park at 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne. Drive from I-69 via Exit 309B, take IN-930 E, turn right onto Goshen Rd, and follow Sherman Blvd straight to the zoo's sprawling complimentary parking zones. Alternatively, catch Citilink Bus Route 4 from downtown Fort Wayne, though limited walking is required.
Travel Tips
- The Sky Safari chairlift requires distinct token purchases and suspends operations instantly if sustained wind speeds reach 20 mph.
- Selfie sticks, laser pointers, drones, and inflatable latex balloons are strictly banned inside to prevent ingestion hazards within animal enclosures.
- The Giraffe Feeding Platform sells limited daily lettuce bundles, which routinely exhaust by 2 PM; lines should be formed before 11 AM.
- The Sky Safari chairlift over the African exhibit requires separate ticketing and grounds instantly if sustained wind speeds breach 15 knots.
- Disposable plastic straws, bags, and balloons are banned at security check-posts to eliminate fatal ingestion hazards within open animal paddocks.
- Heavy school-bus arrival waves swamp the main turnstiles between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays; plan a 1 PM entry for zero lines.
Reviews
Positive
- Consistently rated among the nation's best children's zoos for good reason! The natural landscape design is highly refined, and hand-feeding giraffes offers top interactive value.
- The general management is incredibly high-tier, featuring clear multilingual signs, smooth accessible paths to all themed zones (Africa, Australia), and spotless restrooms.
- Staff and keepers are passionate about animals and love sharing wildlife insights with guests; park order is excellent, and tight safety measures offer peace of mind.
- Beyond wildlife, the small train, sky safari, and jungle boat rides are great value, backed by free driving parking, making it a top choice for family trips.
Heads up
- On sunny summer weekends or school breaks, the zoo is swarming with wall-to-wall crowds! Popular paths freeze up, making pushing a stroller difficult.
- Internal dining costs are high; the price of basic fast food and soft drinks is significantly steeper than downtown, presenting typical tourist-trap premiums.
- Because the zoo is large, young children wear out fast from walking, yet double-stroller rentals are pricey and frequently run out early on peak days.
- On blisteringly hot summer afternoons, many large mammals retreat to air-conditioned indoor quarters or deep shade to sleep, leaving open enclosures empty.