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Peoria Zoo
From Africa to Australia
The zoo is cleverly divided into distinct "trails" that transport you around the globe. Africa! is the zoo’s "next-level" exhibit. Walking along the elevated boardwalk, you get a panoramic view of the African savanna. It’s home to lions, rhinos, zebras, and giraffes. The way the barriers are hidden makes it feel like the animals are roaming together on the plains of the Zambezi River. The Australia Walkabout is one of the most interactive spots! You can actually walk through the enclosure with wallabies and emus. Asian Trail is where you’ll find the beautiful Amur tigers and the unique Sichuan takins (which look a bit like a mix between a goat and an antelope).
The Tropics and Conservation
The historic Tropics Building (built in 1955) is a circular glass marvel that houses the zoo's primates and reptiles. The Conservation Center focuses on the "little guys" that are often endangered. We learned that the Peoria Zoo is a major leader in the recovery of the Alligator Snapping Turtle, working with the Illinois DNR to reintroduce these "living dinosaurs" into southern Illinois rivers.
Keeper Chats and Feedings
The zoo is very big on "connections." If you were there during a Keeper Chat, you got to see the bond between the staff and animals like the mandrills or the lions. And of course, the Giraffe Feeding at the overlook station is the ultimate photo op there’s nothing quite like a 17-foot giraffe using its long, purple tongue to take a biscuit right from your hand!
The Peoria Zoo proves that you don't need a thousand acres to have a world-class wildlife experience. It’s easy to navigate, packed with high-quality habitats, and remains a perfect "short and sweet" family outing.
