Complete List of Illinois Zoos for the 2025 Season

Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois, is a renowned zoological park known for its innovative animal habitats and immersive visitor experiences. In 2025, the zoo features the new James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests, a three-acre, $66-million addition that stands as one of the largest and most immersive primate habitats in the United States[3][4][5]. This expansive complex includes four distinct outdoor rainforest...

Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, Illinois is a community-focused zoo that exclusively features native animals in domestic environments, offering visitors close-up experiences with animals such as horses, goats, cows, and a variety of small birds and critters[4]. The zoo emphasizes education and conservation, aiming to foster connections and empathy with local wildlife while teaching the community about animal conservation efforts[4]. Visitors can enjoy...

The Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield, Illinois is open daily in 2025 and offers a family-friendly experience with a variety of animals and engaging events for visitors of all ages[2][4]. Key features include special events like Zoo Lights during the holiday season, providing festive evening experiences, and educational programs suitable for families, school groups, and special occasions[3][4]. While specific notable animal species...

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, is a free, 49-acre urban zoo open every day of the year, offering visitors access to nearly 200 unique species from around the world, including eastern black rhinoceroses, red pandas, and the rare Jamaican iguana[2][4]. The zoo features state-of-the-art animal exhibits and lush gardens with over 850 plant species, providing an oasis for both animals...

Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois, celebrated its 134th birthday in 2025 and remains an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring high standards of animal care and visitor experience[2][5]. Located at 1020 S Morris Ave, the zoo offers a variety of visitor experiences, including customizable after-hours events, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs for children and families[2][1]. The...

The zoo grounds of Niabi Zoo cover 40 acres, and an additional 200 acres is set aside for native flora and fauna preservation. The zoo is home to over 900 animals representing more than 160 species. Approximately 250,000 visitors a year make Niabi Zoo one of the largest attractions in the Quad Cities. The zoo grounds also offers a playground,...

How much do rhinos eat in a day? Where do giraffes sleep?  All this and more will be answered the moment you visit Peoria Zoo.Our behind the scenes tour will take you into areas the public doesn’t normally get to see, you can learn more about the animals and how we care for them.

Peoria Zoo at Glen Oak Park was designed by a legendary Landscape Architect Oscar F. DuBuis and dedicated in 1896. Glen Oak Park is the former home of the District’s Administrative and Recreation Offices. In February of 2014, these offices moved to the Noble Center in Lakeview Park.

It is our mission at the Phillips Park Zoo to provide a safe environment where students and visitors can gain a better understanding of the animal world and its environment through recreation and education, as well as providing professional care for the animals housed at the zoo, while promoting a positive image of the zoo and surrounding park, enhancing the...

Nestled along the shores of Lake Decatur, Scovill Zoo is home to more than 500 animals spanning six continents. Animal lovers of all ages can visit South African cheetahs, an Australian wallaby, and golden lion tamarins from Brazil, to name just a few.  Originally called Scovill Farm, the zoo was built by Park District staff in 1966 and opened to the public...

Serpent Safari is a unique indoor reptile zoo showcasing the world’s rarest collection of large and exotic repiles featuring the world’s largest snake (380 lbs), Nile crocodile, rare albino alligator, 150 year old alligator snapping turtle, 325 lb. green Anaconda & lots more!

Shedd connects people to the living world. We engage and inspire, entertain and inform. We are a vital teaching and learning resource, conservation leader, neighborhood partner and global collaborator. We are passionate about our animals, their habitats and the planet we share.