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Mesker Park Zoo
1545 Mesker Park Dr, Evansville, IN 47720, United States
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Fa
Review №1

Very nice zoo. Definitely feels tourist. And I grew up here. Definitely improved over the years.

Me
Review №2

Had a great time at the zoo! Everyone was respectful of the rules. So many of the animals were out, it was exciting.

Sh
Review №3

It was really nice to come back home and go to the Evansville Mesker Park Zoo. The staff was friendly and aimed on keeping everyone safe. The animals were well taken care of and pretty relaxed. The red panda and jaguar were CUTE and BEAUTIFUL (respectively). They offer free sunblock and have a lovely carousel. They also offer single and double strollers for rent (VERY cheap). All in all, I was very impressed. I was informed about a grandparents seasonal pass and plan on taking advantage very soon!

Br
Review №4

I can see why they give a discount for winter months. Hardly any animals out, most cages and habitats were empty. Most things were blocked off due to covid. Was not worth the time or money to go right now. My kiddos were very disappointed.

Li
Review №5

The animals do not look very happy, the tiger walked around wailing in misery the entire time we were there. The inside exhibits stink like nothing I’ve ever smelled before, like the animal feces is not cleaned up, ever. (We’ve been to plenty of zoos, the inside exhibits have never smelled that awful) We were adjusting our masks inside one of the exhibits, trying to breathe from the awful smell, and the rudest employee came up to us, glared and pointed at her mask and then followed us around, like she was waiting to start a fight..... the only reason i didn’t give them one star is because it was such a beautiful day and we enjoyed the scenery of the outside part.

Ju
Review №6

Nice Zoo, friendly staff. Its laid out in a large circle so you cant miss anything. Though if you dont bring your own drinks be prepared to pay up at the vending machines and definitely at the cafe. Other than that, its a great way to spend the day.

Ti
Review №7

It was fun but they did have things closed off not sure if it was due to covid but would have been better if they were open but it was fun hopefully if I go next time when Im in town they will have more things open

Jo
Review №8

My daughter and I love Mesker Park Zoo. Everyone was wearing masks and respecting social distancing. An excellent place for very small children to get out for a bit. Many parents were out with their stollers.

To
Review №9

Its a lot of fun. Absolutely loved the Amazonia part! The Komodo Dragon was amazing. Loved seeing all of the monkeys. The Rhino is gorgeous. The waterfalls were beautiful. The plants, flowers and trees were pretty. The goats were entertaining. The employees were polite. The place was clean. Looking forward to the penguin exhibit opening in 2021.

t
Review №10

Me & hubby went. We used the mobile chairs. We had a great time. The workers were great. We had few issues approaching hills and getting through some doors. Overall we were all smiles.

Ca
Review №11

Were from Illinois so we visit the FREE St. Louis Zoo often. Once you have been to the St. Louis zoo, no other zoo you go to can compare. The price to get in was not bad. But I would not pay to go back there. It is an okay place to take young kids to let them run around and play. The animals all look miserable. They have super tiny habitats/enclosures for a lot of the animals. The animals are not in very good shape... This place broke our hearts seeing the condition of the animals. We definitely will not be back. One employee was carrying around the tail of the giraffe that had been bitten off by a zebra(they keep giraffes and zebras enclosed together, even though they obviously do not get along). She informed us this poor giraffe will not grow its tail back. Overall, our one year old and two year old had fun running around, but they would only enjoy it a couple more years. The place is just depressing. One other thing, the parrots were definitely stressed out. Pictured below are of them. You can see bones and inside ones rib cage. The other one was eating one of its feathers. This place is just sad.

Kr
Review №12

We had the best time, perfect weather and the animals were very active

sh
Review №13

This is the perfect place to get excersize and relax. I am also very impressed with the new bird enclosure, one landed in my sons hair and walked up my arm, it made me laugh so hard I had happy tears, the joy we get from going here is priceless

Sa
Review №14

Clean and animals are well kept. Staff was friendly and helpful. I wish there was more variety of animals, but Im sure that would improve with more community support.

Ma
Review №15

Its a small zoo but reasonably priced. The staff was super friendly especially in the dining area. Shirley did great and was good with the kids. Exhibits for the most part were well maintained. Only complaint is the wait time trying to get tickets. The one line extended out into the parking lot where people had to move due to incoming vehicles.

ti
Review №16

Smaller zoo thats good for part of a day trip to Evansville. Small enough that you can walk the paths and see everything but it not take up your full day. Very clean and kid friendly. There are several kids areas separate from the main zoo attractions for getting extra energy out or just helping them learn about conservation. They have a giraffe encounter most days at 11am and 2pm that are very easy to make part of your trip and only cost 2 of the zoos currency that can be bought anywhere in the park before hand. Its a really cool thing to do for kids or adults. Part of the year they even have paddle boats and a carousel.

Ma
Review №17

Great time, had everything set up for boo at the zoo. Basically felt like a private trip through. Cant wait for the Humboldt penguins!

Ra
Review №18

We love Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens. They just reopened after covid quarantine and not everything is open, but it was good to be able to go. We support them with an annual zoo membership and Penguins are coming in 2021!!!

DA
Review №19

We went during COVID, so naturally some of the exhibits and activities were closed off. But for the most part it was a great experience.Please know that reservations must be made before arrival.

Sp
Review №20

Not the greatest care for the animals, but other than that its cute and small and if youre trying to teach your kids about animals its a great place to interact with them just dont choose this if youre an animal rights person.

Jo
Review №21

We had a great half day trip to the zoo. We were in town visiting family and had half a day to kill. We are zoo members where we live and that got us 50% off to come here.My kids loved the zoo. Really cool animals we dont see at home. Rhino is my favorite, you get really close too! Plenty of shade to keep the sun off you was super nice. Some big hills though, but its good exercise.It is a half day to see it all, but we loved what we saw in that time.

Mi
Review №22

I was very surprised at how many animals are in this zoo, the kiddos loved it! With COVID they have you walk a one way loop around the park, but if youre there to see everything like us we didnt mind one bit. We even got to see the zoo keeper feed the kamodo dragon, and he came out and talked with our kids. Overall a very good experience!

Za
Review №23

Everyone always has bad stuff to say about our zoo, but I absolutely love it. For the size of Evansville, this zoo is perfect. In recent years, interest in the zoo has risen, and theyve brought in more animals. The new Budgie exhibit is amazing, and I see great things happening in this zoos future.

Sa
Review №24

Decided to take the kids today since we would mainly be outside, and Corona sucks. Had an amazing time with the kids, and even though there were a few things we couldnt do, we all had a blast. I appreciate the effort of everyone who works and volunteers at our zoo and Im very glad we renewed our membership!

Je
Review №25

We went last week and had a great time! There are some different pathways to the exhibits but it didn’t impact our visit. I think all of the animals have really been flourishing with the smaller crowds.

Ab
Review №26

I love you zoos. I’ve been to the one i’m Indianapolis and St. Louis. $10 a ticket should make enough money for renovations. Every animal was depressed and most of the turtles (which they had a surplus of) weren’t even moving and looked dead. Most of the animals had no companions and just walked aimlessly alone. The enclosures are TOO SMALL for 75% of the animals. This was the trashiest zoo ive ever been too. Looks handmade because it’s falling apart.

Pa
Review №27

Beautiful day for the zoo. My teenage daughter and I really enjoyed seeing the jaguar and other animals in Amazonia. Enjoyed the Carousel ride, but we wished the tram had been operating.

St
Review №28

It was a gorgeous day. More animals than the last time I was there. But, several exhibits were marked incorrectly, and the zoo was dirty. They could have taken the opportunity while they were closed to do some much needed painting and cleaning. And making everyone move in the same direction just caused more bottlenecks than if they would have let us walk on our own. Too much micromanaging. The gift shop was closed, the cafe was closed. You needed a reservation to get in.Be imaginative, dont follow the crowd mentality, but alas, the zoo in its effort to be politically correct, botched a perfect day.

Li
Review №29

One of the better medium/small size zoos I have been too. Worth the trip!

Em
Review №30

Always love going here. And I gotta say, I kinda like the covid-19 one way directions! No more wondering where to go first, just follow the arrows!

Ju
Review №31

We enjoy going to the zoo. Great atmosphere. Friendly and informative staff.

Sa
Review №32

Friendly zoo staff, reasonable admittance price, and a fair amount of animals to see even in the winter. Peacocks roam around which is fun especially if they’re ruffling their feathers. The amazon enclosure has free flying birds and lots of plants, so that was my favorite part. The other enclosures were mostly fair sized for the animals. The tiger has a very small space to roam though, which was a bit sad to see.

Mi
Review №33

Love all the animals so much... So much better then people!!! And heres my big bad lion...lmal

Lu
Review №34

Great local zoo with plenty to see for the size of Evansville. Great prices too

Al
Review №35

The zoo was super nice and clean and had many interactive aspects to it. Plenty of shade was provided by the beautiful trees above. I fed a freaking giraffe and I do not care how old you are... Its freaking awesome to feed a freaking giraffe. We also fed some birds, but they werent just any birds. They were beautiful and colorful little creatures and there were like HUNDREDS of them. (Picture shown) definitely a great place to go with kids, adults, or just whoever. There were also peacocks roaming around which was cool to. Not expensive to get in either. OH! And you can take these awesome boat rides. #Magical #NatureIsAwesome

sh
Review №36

Small which is great if you have small kid, cant walk as far as a bigger, ectI like that it doesnt take all day....get in get out.... unless your the type that wants to spend a full day at the zoo. Not me I got other things to do. Its always well kept and staff if friendly and helpful.The only thing I dont like is I dont see the paddle boat going. Maybe I go before Memorial day and after labor day so they are closed...not sure.

Sh
Review №37

They dont have enough animals for the price. No elephant, a few monkeys, I didnt see a lion and they had wolves before but didnt see any this time. Its just not what it was several yrs ago.

Ma
Review №38

Would be a nice little zoo if there wasnt a pandemic on. Not enough space, definitely got crowded by other people even though all the expected choke points are blocked off. Some of the habitats were small, didnt seem to give the animals much space.

Su
Review №39

Nice zoo. Animals are up close. Ill be going back soon.

Ol
Review №40

Seein different animals and gettin alot of walkin exercise they have the best burgers but they are $7.00

Li
Review №41

Pretty cheap considering how much they offer! The tokens are a bit of a rip off but we kept them as souvenirs for the kids! Super cool to feed the giraffes. Some of the animal confines seem too small but all the animals looked happy and healthy!

Co
Review №42

Have done an amazing job with helping keep social distance! Good job Mesker Park Zoo

Pa
Review №43

Very cold lol but the experience was awesome.

Te
Review №44

We became zoo members at Mesker this year, and have not regretted it at all. Over the summer, we went every other weekend and always had a great time. From riding the carousel, to feeding the budgies, to seeing our favorite animals do new things, it is never boring. Yesterday evening was our first time participating in Boo at the Zoo, and my husband and I had just as much fun as our 7 year old and 1 year old! The decorations were great and there was something cool to see or do at every turn. This zoo had made so many improvements over the year and seems to do its part in educating the masses on the importance of conservation and respecting our planets and its creatures.

Br
Review №45

Good size zoo for a small city. I liked the one way path as it made sure we saw all the animals and didnt miss anything.

Jo
Review №46

This is an AMAZING Zoo!! It is also a great place to take a walk and get some exercise!!

St
Review №47

My family and I LOVE the zoo. We try to go several times a year. We all have a favorite animal of course that we must see and we enjoy how inviting and clean Mesker stays even when they are building new habitats and structures. I would recommend this zoo all day everyday.

Fa
Review №48

Loved this zoo. First time I was able to take my son to a zoo n he had a great time

Ge
Review №49

We went the other day and the animals were all so active! We were able to see every single animal and all were out and doing something. Highly recommend it

Ta
Review №50

Very clean park and admission price isnt bad at all

Ma
Review №51

I had a good time. There are a few hills but not too bad. There were quite a few empty enclosures but I loved the animals that I did get to see. I think some of the enclosures need to be updated and expanded a bit like the tiger exhibit for example. I loved the giraffes even though I got scolded for touching one. Maybe because I didnt pay to feed them? If people are not supposed to touch them when they stick their heads out maybe they should put in a second fence. It is a decent zoo but I wouldnt plan a big trip just to see it. We were just passing through. The older people with me remember the Monkey Ship and are glad they havent taken it down.

KJ
Review №52

I don’t go very often, but when I do, I usually leave happy and sad at the same time. I hate seeing animals caged up, but it’s such a magical experience to see so many animals from around the world! As a photographer, I love photographing them.There Amazonia exhibit is the best, but it needs an update again. The whole zoo needs a face lift...Contribute now and help save our zoo!*Photos are mine and copyright protected.

Ke
Review №53

It is a nice little zoo, but no especially exciting exhibits. There is plenty of parking. The grounds are fairly hilly, so you will get a nice little work out. Good for a family outing.

Sa
Review №54

Wonderful day. Saw many animals

Ar
Review №55

This particular visit was really more of a 3 star visit, but I gave it a 4 because I’ve previously had better experiences here and I think COVID is taking a toll. It’s very hilly so I would not recommend going on a hot day unless the tram is running or you don’t mind a good sweat. They have opened back up since COVID and have marked off the path in a way that you kind of have to walk the whole zoo in a particular direction, which may be nice or not depending on your perspective. No indoor exhibits were open, nor was the gift shop or children’s area, which was a bummer, but is on par with other zoos at this time. Several of the outdoor animals were not on display (not sure if they were being treated or sleeping or what) which was also disappointing since we were already missing out on the indoor animals. Weeds/plants were overgrown in some areas, not sure if this is due to reduced income or if it’s typical as prior to this visit I haven’t been in years. They’ve recently enclosed the carousel in a building which looked nice. And I remember the indoor exhibits being nice when I had come before. The giraffes come up pretty close to you which is cool. Overall a nice smaller city zoo during normal circumstances, hopefully people will continue to support them so they can maintain the animals and facilities for when they fully reopen.

TO
Review №56

This place is the most awesome spot in Evansville. We have quite an attraction, lots of animals and super friendly staff. For a Zoo in a small City this is 5 stars all day long!!

Re
Review №57

Great place to go to get out of the house. Took us (a group of 3-2 adults and 1 Toddler) roughly 2 hours to get through the parts of the zoo offered-there is limited exhibits/animals due to COVID but enough open to enjoy some of the main parts. The staff was EXTREMELY friendly and helpful the entire time. Everyone wore masks and practiced extra cleanliness practice. Unfortunately they didnt have the Merry Go Round open or offer the Tram (we needed the extra exercise anyway lol). Overall happy with my experience here and will be going back.Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time due to COVID and review their site for any additional information or changes prior to your visit!

Er
Review №58

We really enjoyed this zoo, especially for its small size. The only thing I didnt like was that some of the enclosures were extremely small.Get ready for walking as its very hilly, though I did not take off for that.Well be back!

Jo
Review №59

A really great value for the cost. Theres a lot more to see then you would expect considering the size of the zoo. I really enjoyed my visit to the zoo and may come back in the future but the only thing I would say people may want to consider is the amount of walking youll do up and down hills at Mesker Park Zoo. I enjoyed it and felt good about the number of steps I put in at the zoo but I know many people dont like exhausting themselves like that.

Ch
Review №60

Mesker Park Zoo is a treasure to the city of Evansville. We are lucky to have a venue lile this in our town. We are members and after 2-3 visite weve paid for it full. Along with all the great animals and beautiful plants its also great exercise walking around the whole park.

Cr
Review №61

We took all these prickly pears, I had growing, to the zoo to donate to the tortoises. The people at the zoo were nice in return and allowed us a free entry. It was right before Halloween, they had the place decorated nicely. We really enjoyed our visit. I just hope the tortoises enjoyed the pears as much as we enjoyed our treat. We truely enjoyed our visit and plan on returning next summer.

ja
Review №62

Always luv visiting the zoo! The new birds r sooo cute!

To
Review №63

Fun boo at the zoo, disappointed theyre werent more animals, but understand that its seasonal. Thanks!

Jo
Review №64

Fun lots of exercise grandchildren had an awesome time and not bad on wallet either.

Ke
Review №65

This is a great zoo! My kids enjoyed all of the animals, especially the Rhino. It is laid out well and can be walked through, with small children, in about 2 hours. The prices are fair and reasonable. The employees should smile a little more since they work in such a happy place.

Ma
Review №66

Its ok. Would have been better if everything was open but it still was a good experience

Cr
Review №67

I love everything about the place. Its great exercise, educational and they do a variety of promo days. Amazonia alone is worth a visit.

D
Review №68

A lot was closed but still was able to see a lot of critters. Cages seemed a little small.

Je
Review №69

We have a family membership here. Always clean and staff are always polite.

Aa
Review №70

Being from Evansville, I have always driven by Mesker Park Zoo, but I somehow have never went inside. A boss of mine suggested getting the family membership so I could go to the zoo with my daughter anytime, and this ended up being one of the best purchases I have ever made. The zoo is amazing. One of our favorite parts is Amazonia, and this is an easy place to visit during the winter because it is right by the entrance and it is nice and warm. I highly suggest becoming a member and going to this amazing Evansville staple. I wish I would have sooner.

Ja
Review №71

Very clean, nice open walking paths to the animals. Decent selection of exhibits for a smaller zoo.

Sh
Review №72

My daughter (23 months) loved it!

Sa
Review №73

Super nice and relaxing, followed covid procedures, very knowledgeable staff. Penguins coming soon!!

Da
Review №74

Nice little zoo making the best of things during covid BS

Ez
Review №75

Excellent.We recommend this place.. friendly staff.

Bo
Review №76

Had a very good day at the zoo.even some of the exhibits werent open but still always fun and a good time seeing BELIZA & CUSTALL

Ja
Review №77

Great place to spend the afternoon with the family. Zoo is constantly being updated so never know what new things you may come across. There is food and drinks available plenty of vending machines and places to sit and take a break. They even have cotton candy machines. It is one of the oldest and largest zoos in Indiana.

J.
Review №78

The zoo is a fun place to spend a day! Loved feeding the giraffes!

Vi
Review №79

The Amazon area and feeding the giraffe were our favorites! The tiger seemed lonely and very bored. He reminded me of why Im not the biggest fan of zoos in general. All in all, it was a great walk and the zoo is kept clean. The staff we encountered were friendly, with the exception of 1 near the giraffe/zebra exhibit.

Lo
Review №80

Bought a membership for me and my family and probably visited there 3 times a week...my lil girl is 2yrs old and she loves the playground and the lil misters they have scattered around the zoo. Not to mention its great exercise.

HS
Review №81

If you have a family get a membership, it is well worth it. It is affordable education and entertainment.

Jo
Review №82

Very clean, and well taken care of zoo!

To
Review №83

Mesker zoo has a lot to offer for its size. It is hilly and beautiful and has been around a long time. There are a lot of good exhibits. The newest attraction they have is Amazonia. It is a rain forest that you get to be a part of. It is multi level and warm year round. They do very good on their flower displays and have many types of orchids. They have a tram and paddle boats and a brand new carosel. You can help feed the girraffes every day. They also have a petting zoo. We are members there. It is a great value. We make it a routine to go many times all year instead of packing it all in one day.

Jr
Review №84

Love this zoo. They have a painting rhino. Small, up close personal zoo. Only downside is lots of large hills. Very good for small kids.

La
Review №85

Due to Covid some of the exhibits were closed

Es
Review №86

Excellent winter rates. Some older facilities but many new. Good interaction for children. Tunnels and climbing equipment.

Su
Review №87

Had a wonderful time, but be prepared to do some walking

Ho
Review №88

Due to covid not everything was open, but the kids had a great time and thats all that matters.

Ch
Review №89

Nothing special, nothing for kids. Barely any animals. No tram, no splash pads or feeding animals etc. Nothing hands on for kids. Just a lot of walking to aee minamal animals.

Sh
Review №90

Our family really like going to the zoo to see all there animals new ones

Mi
Review №91

Awesome zoo. Definitely will get a great workout.

Ca
Review №92

I have been frequenting this zoo my entire life. I didnt grow up here, but my grandma lived right down the road, so we always visited when we were in town.Now that Im an adult and live here, I have an annual membership and use it as much as I can. living about an hour away. Its a smaller zoo, but the animals are always well looked after and the staff very friendly. Also, the zoo is always making changes and improvements, so I look forward to what is coming in the future.Im currently going through chemo, and just walking around (when I have the strength- those hills!) and watching the animals always makes me feel so much better.

Sp
Review №93

Decent variety of animals. No lion, bear,elephant

Mi
Review №94

This zoo is very clean. Be ready to walk up and down hills. The animals are grouped based on where they are found in the world. There is a new carousel coming soon. The Amazon exhibit is very nice. Before you leave check out the gift shop.

Ja
Review №95

It is great for a small town zoo.

K
Review №96

Mesker Park zoo is a lovely zoo, for just about anyone. They offer a trolley service throughout exhibits, giraffe feedings at 11:00 & 2:00, and many extra activities for kiddos. Impressed by vast enclosures for large amount of animals. Enjoyed the day.

La
Review №97

The animals were much more animated. The Rhinos were amazing!! Feeding the giraffes is my favorite!

As
Review №98

Its not a huge zoo but it is very nice, clean, and well-maintained. Its also a botanical garden. There are play areas, activties, and shows for kids. We loved feeding the giraffes! A nice place to spend a day with the family.

Ty
Review №99

Nice little zoo! We were there in late winter/early spring so the crowds were extremely light. We did miss out on a few things due to our timing - no bumper boats and no paddle boats - but everything else seemed to be running. You get extremely close to the animals - between the leopard, giraffes, the petting zoo, and the chubby unicorns (rhinos)- see pics, closer than any other zoo Ive been to. The Amazon Rainforest building is awesome - make it your finale! Loved it!

Je
Review №100

Lots of hills but animals were very close and enjoy us being there

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.3 Rating
  • Address:1545 Mesker Park Dr, Evansville, IN 47720, United States
  • Site:http://www.meskerparkzoo.com/
  • Phone:+1 812-435-6143
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
  • Botanical garden
  • Park
  • Zoo
Working hours
  • Monday:9am–4pm
  • Tuesday:9am–4pm
  • Wednesday:9am–4pm
  • Thursday:9am–4pm
  • Friday:9am–4pm
  • Saturday:9am–4pm
  • Sunday:9am–4pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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