Indiana is a state that boasts a decent number of zoos. In the northern part of the state, you’ll find a few smaller zoos. However, in the central and southern parts you’ll find some larger zoos that compete well with the rest of the Midwest. This Indiana zoo comparison takes a look at the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Both are zoos that we’ve visited multiple times and enjoy very much.
Size: The Indianapolis Zoo has a lot of animals, but surprisingly not a large amount of land. Their Africa section is probably the most walking you’ll do in the entire zoo. Although small, this zoo does a tremendous job of utilizing their space. The exhibits come one after the other. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is split into 3 regions. Each one requires a bit of walking. The exhibits provide plenty of room for the animals and are far enough apart that they each maintain a unique feel. Advantage: Indianapolis Zoo
Shows
The Indianapolis Zoo has a very strong dolphin show. Also, they have a “Magnificent Macaws” show that is free and very worth while. The Fort Wayne Zoo has an Australian themed boat ride around their kangaroo exhibit. Advantage: Indianapolis Zoo
Indoor Exhibits: The Indianapolis Zoo has several very strong indoor exhibits. Upon entrance there is a touch tank for petting sharks. On top of that, their dolphin viewing area is amazing, giving you an underwater all-around view of the dolphins. There is a dessert building with meerkats, snakes, and others. Finally, the orangutan building is world-class. The Fort Wayne Zoo utilizes its outdoor areas more than indoor. The indoor exhibits include viewing opportunities in Asia section, and an aquarium and sting rays in Australia. Advantage: Indianapolis Zoo
Animal Interactions
Both zoos offer multiple opportunities to engage with the animals. The Indianapolis zoo offers a touch tank for sharks, bird feeding for budgies and lorikeets, and giraffe feedings. On top of that, new to 2019 is a flamingo feeding opportunity. We highly recommend that! On the other side, the Fort Wayne Zoo offers sting ray feedings, goat feedings, pony rides, and giraffe feedings. Advantage: Indianapolis Zoo
Habitats
The Indianapolis Zoo has several outstanding habitats. These include the dolphin building, the orangutan building, and multiple exhibits in their Africa section. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo boasts a large savanna area inclusive to many animals. These include zebras, ostriches, and wildebeests. The giraffes are in their own section of Africa with plenty of room. The Asia section of the zoo is on a boardwalk with monkeys all around. Australia is well-themed with a walk-about kangaroo area. Advantage: Fort Wayne Zoo
Wow Factor
The Indianapolis Zoo has a sea lion pool and their aquarium with touch tank upon entrance. In addition is a nearby walrus viewing. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has one of the larger Capuchin monkey exhibits that we’ve seen immediately for viewing. The African savanna is breathtaking upon first viewing as well. Advantage: Indianapolis Zoo
Kids Play area: The Indianapolis Zoo has a large kids play area and splash pad near their food vendors. On the other side, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo lacks a dedicated playground area, but does have multiple kid friendly areas across the zoo. This includes multiple musical opportunities in the Africa section. Advantage: Indianapolis Zoo
Price: The Indianapolis Zoo is $19.45 for adults and $14.70 for kids but changes based on day of week/month of the year. In contrast, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Advantage: Fort Wayne Zoo
Overall
As a result, the stats show an overwhelming 6-2 Indiana zoo comparison victory for the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis Zoo comes in at 6th on our rankings, with the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo at 15th. However, we would recommend visits to both of these zoos, as they’re really fun and worth the visit.
Thank you for reading our Indiana zoo comparison! Want to know what others think? Here’s a link to TripAdvisor’s top zoos in the state of Indiana.
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