{{Use American English|date=July 2025}} {{recentism|date=February 2014}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox zoo |zoo_name = Peoria Zoo |logo = Peoria Zoo logo.png |logo_caption = Peoria Zoo logo |logo_width =125px |image =Peoria Zoo 20241016 0037.jpg |image_caption =Peoria Zoo entrance, 2024 |location = Peoria, Illinois |date_opened = 1955 <ref name="zoo_history"/> |date_closed = |coordinates = {{Coord|40.715477|-89.574194|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} |area = {{convert|14|acre|1}} <ref name="africa_opens"/> |num_species = >100 <ref name="zoo_animals"/> |num_animals = 232 <ref name="hello_to_africa"/> |largest_tank_vol = |total_tank_vol = |annual_visitors = |members = AZA<ref name="aza_list"/> |exhibits = |publictransit = {{Bus icon}} CityLink |website = {{URL|https://www.peoriazoo.org/}} }}
The '''Peoria Zoo''' (formerly '''Glen Oak Zoo''') is a zoo located in Peoria, Illinois, in the United States. The zoo is owned and operated by the Peoria Park District and is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.<ref name="zoo_general"/>
The Peoria Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1976.<ref name="zoo_history"/>
==History==
Glen Oak Zoo was founded in the late 1800s.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.peoriazoo.org/plan-your-visit/history/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Peoria Zoo |language=en-US}}</ref> A herd of elk was donated to the Peoria Park District.<ref name=":0" /> Glen Oak Zoo's dedication took place in 1897.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Illinois' Oldest Park District Celebrates Century of Service |url=https://www.lib.niu.edu/1994/ip940316.html |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=www.lib.niu.edu}}</ref>
In 1955, the zoo sought to expand its offerings. Marlin Perkins, Director of the St. Louis Zoo and star of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom gave advice.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harvey |first=Judy |date=2019-07-18 |title=Visitors don’t take Peoria Zoo for granted - Chronicle Media |url=https://chronicleillinois.com/news/peoria-county-news/visitors-dont-take-peoria-zoo-for-granted/,%20https://chronicleillinois.com/news/peoria-county-news/visitors-dont-take-peoria-zoo-for-granted/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=chronicleillinois.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The Tropics building was constructed in 1955.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Schopp |first=Collin |date=2024-04-10 |title=Peoria Zoo prepares for re-accreditation inspection |url=https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2024-04-10/peoria-zoo-prepares-for-re-accreditation-inspection |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=WCBU Peoria |language=en}}</ref>
Friends of Glen Oak Zoo was formed in 1970.<ref name=":0" />
In 1997, the Peoria Zoological Society was formed.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Peoria Zoological Society |url=https://www.peoriazoo.org/peoria-zoological-society/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Peoria Zoo |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2009, the zoo opened the new Africa exhibit, nearly doubling its size.<ref name="africa_opens" /><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2009-06-04 |title=Peoria Zoo says hello to Africa |url=https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2009/06/04/peoria-zoo-says-hello-to/48508946007/ |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=Canton Repository |language=en-US}}</ref> At the same time it changed its name to "Peoria Zoo."
June 2024 marked the retirement of director Yvonne Strode, who served as the zoo's director since 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Avery |first=Christina |date=2024-11-05 |title=Year of transition: Here's a look at recent changes and the future of the Peoria Zoo |url=https://eu.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2024/11/05/peoria-zoo-moves-beyond-complicated-past/75789977007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106095615/https://eu.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2024/11/05/peoria-zoo-moves-beyond-complicated-past/75789977007/ |archive-date=2024-11-06 |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Journal Star |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Brumfield |first=Rebecca |date=2024-06-10 |title=CI Hero: Peoria Zoo director retires following decades of devotion |url=https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/community/ci-heroes/ci-hero-peoria-zoo-director-retires-following-decades-of-devotion/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007075712/https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/community/ci-heroes/ci-hero-peoria-zoo-director-retires-following-decades-of-devotion/ |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=2025-10-15 |work=CIProud.com |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> Max Lakes is the current director.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cutinello |first=Camryn |date=2024-06-14 |title=Max Lakes named new director of the Peoria Zoo |url=https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2024-06-14/max-lakes-named-new-director-of-the-peoria-zoo |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=WCBU Peoria |language=en}}</ref>
==Exhibits==
=== Africa === The Africa exhibit opened in 2009 after more than a decade of planning and two and a half years of construction. In this exhibit, the visitors walk around the main area on a boardwalk, and can see across the entire expanse of the enclosure. The main area is divided into two sections, the northern section containing giraffes and gazelles, and the southern section being home to zebras and rhinos. Lions have their own enclosure, as do the mandrills. red river hogs and colobus monkeys share a home, and the African crested porcupines and Aldabra giant tortoise also live together.<ref name="hello_to_africa" /><ref name="zoo_africa_map" />
The zoo's adult female Amur (Siberian) tiger, Kyra, mother of four cubs (two males—whose conservation plan called for them to eventually be relocated to other zoos—and two females), died suddenly on the evening of Sunday, August 18, 2013, of what preliminary was believed to be a serious acute infection that turned septic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hilyard |first=Scott |date=2013-08-19 |title=Peoria Zoo tiger Kyra dies after brief illness |url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2013/08/19/peoria-zoo-tiger-kyra-dies/42010631007/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-08-28 |title=Peoria Zoo tiger dies of fungal infection |url=https://www.wcbu.org/peoria-public-radio-news/2013-08-28/peoria-zoo-tiger-dies-of-fungal-infection |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=WCBU Peoria |language=en}}</ref> Kyra's mate Vaska, the male tiger, died in December 2016 at age 16.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Kaergard |first=Chris |date=2016-12-14 |title=Peoria Zoo's male Amur tiger Vaska dies at age 16 |url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2016/12/14/peoria-zoo-s-male-amur/24253257007/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Peoria Journal Star |language=en-US}}</ref> Their two female cubs, Nikita and Sasha, still live at Peoria Zoo.<ref name=":6" /> Their two male cubs, Maxim and Luka, moved to the Indianapolis Zoo.<ref name=":6" />
On November 3, 2023, the zoo announced its 18-year-old male lion Arthur had been humanely euthanized due to lymphoma.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Lisitza |first=Sean |date=2023-11-03 |title=Peoria Zoo announces death of its lion, Arthur |url=https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/peoria-zoo-announces-death-of-its-lion-arthur/ |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=CIProud |language=en-US}}</ref> Arthur was born on September 9, 2005, and moved to Peoria Zoo on November 16, 2008, where he lived with his mate Lizzy.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Bullock |first=JJ |date=2023-11-03 |title=Peoria Zoo 'icon' euthanized at 18 years old |url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2023/11/03/peoria-zoos-arthur-the-lion-euthanized-at-18-years-old/71436585007/ |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=Peoria Journal Star |language=en-US}}</ref> Arthur and Lizzy were the original lions at the Africa exhibit.<ref name=":3" /> The pair had four cubs in December 2015, who were moved to other zoos as part of the Species Survival Plan.<ref name=":2" /> Female offpsring Nia, Zuri, and Kali moved to Audubon Zoo in New Orleans in March 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McHugh |first=Kristin |date=2019-03-14 |title=Three Peoria Zoo Lions Move to New Orleans |url=https://www.wcbu.org/peoria-public-radio-news/2019-03-14/three-peoria-zoo-lions-move-to-new-orleans |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=WCBU Peoria |language=en}}</ref>
On May 1, 2024, the zoo's male giraffe, Taji, was humanely euthanized after a broken foot.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Godby |first=Sam |date=2024-05-01 |title=Peoria Zoo mourns loss of male Giraffe |url=https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/peoria-zoo-mourns-loss-of-taji-the-giraffe/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=CIProud.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The male giraffe was one of the original animals at the Africa exhibit in July 2007. He weighed over 2,300 pounds and lived to be almost 17 years old, surpassing the median life expectancy in captivity of 13.4 years.<ref name=":4" /> Taji and his mate Vivian had two offspring, Finley in 2016 who lives at Lincoln Park Zoo, and Zara in 2018 who was transferred to Detroit Zoo.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Koonce |first=Tanya |date=2016-07-29 |title=The Stork Visits The Peoria Zoo |url=https://www.wcbu.org/peoria-public-radio-news/2016-07-28/the-stork-visits-the-peoria-zoo |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=WCBU Peoria |language=en}}</ref> In May 2025, a one-year-old giraffe named Fitzniklas (Fitz for short) was transferred from Memphis Zoo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huslig |first=Christopher |date=2025-05-14 |title=Peoria Zoo welcomes its newest spotted friend to the herd |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/peoria-zoo-welcomes-newest-spotted-190753261.html |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=WMBD Peoria via Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref>
On March 3, 2025, the zoo acquired a juvenile Grevy’s zebra (born July 3, 2020) from White Oak Conservation Center in Florida.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Avery |first=Christina |date=2025-06-25 |title=The Peoria Zoo has a new zebra. It wants you to help name it |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/peoria-zoo-zebra-wants-help-171410786.html |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Journal Star via Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref>
A small animal building houses smaller animals such as the zebra mouse, Zambian mole-rats, pancake tortoises, dung beetles, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, African rock pythons, Madagascar tree boas, and Taveta golden weavers.<ref name="visit_africa"/><ref name="zoo_africa"/>
=== Australia Walkabout === An exhibit that opened in 2012, home to a walkthrough exhibit for Bennett's wallabies and Parma wallabies, black swans and Emus and an aviary for Budgerigars.<ref>{{Cite web |last=HILYARD |first=SCOTT |title=Australia Walk-About exhibit opens at Peoria Zoo |url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/entertainment/local/2012/08/14/australia-walk-about-exhibit-opens/42367872007/ |access-date=2022-12-02 |website=Peoria Journal Star |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Asian Trail === The smallest exhibit in the zoo, with three exhibits for Siberian tigers, Sichuan takins, and Reeves's Muntjacs.
=== Tropics Building === Due to feedback from the Association of Zoo and Aquariums, the zoo is planning an estimated $5 million renovation of this facility.<ref name=":5" /> More animals would have outdoor enclosures, such as Butch, the zoo's 50 year-old spider monkey.<ref name=":5" /> The Tropics building used to house lions, tigers and jaguars, but they have moved to outdoor enclosures.<ref name=":5" />
The Tropics Building houses many species, including: greater spear-nosed bat, western hognose snake, Dumeril's ground boa, Mexican beaded lizard, desert blond tarantula, green tree python, New Caledonian giant gecko, Burmese python, red-footed tortoise, Standing's day gecko, cotton-top tamarin, Hoffman's two-toed sloth, mongoose lemur, northern tree shrew, ring-tailed lemur, cardinal tetra, firehead tetra, southern three-banded armadillo, and black-handed spider monkey.
=== Conservation Center === The Conservation Center is a building for endangered species, mostly reptiles and amphibians such as: alligator snapping turtle, Colorado River toad, green and black poison dart frog, prehensile-tailed skink, Panamanian golden frog, Chinese alligator, and spotted turtle.
=== Contact Barn === The Contact Barn is home to domestic donkeys, Nigerian dwarf goats, and koi.
==Other facilities==
=== Glen Oak Pavilion === The Glen Oak Pavilion building was designed by local architects William Reeves and John Baille.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=List of Historic Resources |url=https://peoriaparks.org/about/historic-preservation/historic-resources/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Peoria Park District}}</ref> Construction was completed in 1896 for a total cost of about $25,000.<ref name=":1" /> The Victorian-style structure formerly served as a public shelter, an ice cream parlor and a dance hall. The Pavilion served as the Park District's first multipurpose building.<ref name=":1" /> Since 2015 it has been the home of the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who We Are |url=https://peoriaplayhouse.org/who-we-are/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum |language=en-US}}</ref> thumb|The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum, 2024
=== Zambezi River Lodge === The Zambezi River Lodge overlooks the Africa exhibit. The facility provides concessions and is also available for receptions and conferences.<ref name="zoo_lodge"/>
{{Commons category|Peoria Zoo}}
==References== {{Reflist |refs= <ref name="zoo_general">{{cite web|url=http://www.peoriazoo.org/generalinfo.html |title=General Info |work=peoriazoo.org |publisher=Peoria Zoo |accessdate=24 July 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="zoo_history">{{cite web|url=http://www.peoriazoo.org/history.html |title=Our History |work=peoriazoo.org |publisher=Peoria Zoo |accessdate=24 July 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="zoo_animals">{{cite web|url=http://www.peoriazoo.org/animal.html |title=Our Animals |work=peoriazoo.org |publisher=Peoria Zoo |accessdate=24 July 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="zoo_africa">{{cite web|url=http://www.peoriazoo.org/africa.html |title=Africa |work=peoriazoo.org |publisher=Peoria Zoo |accessdate=24 July 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="zoo_lodge">{{cite web |url=http://www.peoriazoo.org/zambeziriverlodge.html |title=Zambezi River Lodge |work=peoriazoo.org |publisher=Peoria Zoo |accessdate=24 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412141750/http://www.peoriazoo.org/zambeziriverlodge.html |archive-date=12 April 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="zoo_africa_map">{{cite web |url=http://www.peoriazoo.org/PDFs/AFRICA!%20MAP.pdf |title=Africa Map |work=peoriazoo.org |publisher=Peoria Zoo |accessdate=24 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101231018/http://peoriazoo.org/PDFs/AFRICA!%20MAP.pdf |archive-date=1 January 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="aza_list">{{cite web|url=http://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list/ |title=List of Accredited Zoos and Aquariums |work=aza.org |publisher=Association of Zoos and Aquariums |accessdate=24 July 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="africa_opens">{{cite web |url=http://www.connecttristates.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=309081 |title=Peoria Zoo finishes expansion project and is ready to open |last=Associated Press |work=connecttristates.com |publisher=ConnectTriStates.com |date=5 June 2009 |accessdate=24 July 2010 |archive-date=5 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005211412/http://www.connecttristates.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=309081 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="hello_to_africa">{{cite web|url=http://www.pjstar.com/entertainment/x795247949/Say-hello-to-Africa |title=Say Hello to Africa |last=Hatch |first=Danielle |work=pjstar.com |publisher=Peoria Journal Star |date=3 June 2009 |accessdate=24 July 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="visit_africa">{{cite web|url=http://www.peoriamagazines.com/as/2009/may-jun/visit-africa |title=Visit Africa without Leaving Peoria |last=Beard |first=Sienna |work=peoriamagazines.com |publisher=Peoria magazine |date=May–June 2009 |accessdate=24 July 2010}}</ref> }}
==External links== * {{official website|http://www.peoriazoo.org/}}
{{Zoos of Illinois}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Zoos in Illinois Category:Peoria, Illinois Category:Tourist attractions in Peoria, Illinois Category:Protected areas of Peoria County, Illinois Category:Culture of Peoria, Illinois Category:1955 establishments in Illinois