ABC57 Road Trip: Indianapolis Zoo

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Indianapolis zoo is the largest zoo in the entire state of Indiana. It has been a destination in the circle city for more than 50 years. It features five areas from oceans to deserts to plains and forests. But what makes it so different?

“Here at the Indianapolis zoo, we want to be able to get our guest closer than they have ever been to these animals so we offer all kinds of interactive experiences,” says Carla Knapp, Indianapolis Zoo PR Specialist.  

With a general admission ticket, guests receive the opportunity to attend “chats.” A chance to speak with an expert about the animals and see them in an entire new light. Kids can enjoy time with flamingos, interact face-to-face with orangutans, touch sharks, feed giraffes or even see an elephant up close after she experiences a relaxing bath.

But for the zoo, these interactions are about more than just memories, they’re also an educational tool.  

“And the way that you can tell the difference between an Alligator and a Crocodile is to look at the snout on the end if it is a pointy snout, that is a crocodile,” says Knapp.

The goal is to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world through exhibits like this one Alligators and Crocodiles: “The Fight to Survive.”

“The story we are trying to tell here is conservation,” says Knapp. “With this brand-new exhibit, we want to introduce guests to these two amazing species and help them understand their stories more and help save these animals in the wild.” 

The Indianapolis zoo is located downtown Indianapolis near White River State Park and Victory Field. If you are interested in planning your trip to the zoo, further information can be found here.