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   FOUNDED IN 1928
Join us for the Orchid Escape preview party! Open 9AM - 4PM 365 Days A Year Blog

2012 Calendar Of Events

The Animal & Plant Conservation Work of Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden

Tuesday, January 17
6:30 p.m.
Browning Events Room

The Zoo cares for two dozen species of endangered animals and several species of rare plants, but their work doesn't stop there. Discover our Zoo's role in national and international conservation! This talk is presented by Dr. Susan Lindsey, Animal Curator & Paul Bouseman, Horticulture Curator.

Chinese New Year
Year of the Dragon

January 28
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Enjoy an interactive education program as you discover the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Crafts, snacks, and a special animal program are included. Reservations required. Click here for more information.

Hedgehog Day

February 2

Will the hedgehog see his shadow this year? Find out this and more weather lore during the Zoo's twist on Groundhog's Day! 8 a.m.

Orchid Escape Preview Party

February 10  

Enjoy beautiful orchids displayed in AMAZONIA while you enjoy an array of South American hors d'oeuvres and tropical drinks. 7 p.m. -10 p.m
Purchase tickets now!

Orchid Escape

February 11 - March 10 

Escape to the tropics this winter. Hundreds of rare and unique South American orchids will be displayed throughout AMAZONIA. There is no additional fee for this special exhibition.
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Please click here for sponsorship information.

KinderHearts & Wild Hearts Programs

February 11

Best place to celebrate Valentine's Day with your family? The zoo of course! KinderHearts is for ages 3-5 and Wild Hearts is for ages 5 - 10. Click here for more information.

How and Why Zoos Train Animals

Tuesday, February 16
6:30 p.m.
Browning Events Room

Learn the fundamentals of animal training and watch video clips of zookeepers engaging in training activities. Learn why these tactics are so important and play the "Training Game" to help you put what you've learned into action. This talk is presented by Dr. Diana Barber, Education Curator.

 Or-Kid Event

February 25

Kids, ages 7-11, and their parents will take an educational tour of Orchid Escape in AMAZONIA, make a craft, pot a plant to take home, and enjoy an Or-Kid snack while learning about the intriguing orchid. Reservations required. Click here for more information.

Dora the Explorer and Diego Visit the Zoo!

March 17 & 18

Meet Dora the Explorer and Diego, live at the Zoo! Free with regular paid admission or membership. Don't forget your cameras! 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Destination: Discovery!

March 26 - 30

Enjoy a day at Mesker Park Zoo, the Evansville Museum, cMoe, Angel Mounds, and Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. Call (812) 435-6143 ext. 414 for reservations or click here for more information.

Earth Day at the Zoo

April 22

Celebrate Earth Day at the Zoo! Enjoy games, crafts, & lots of fun activities. Learn conservation tips from the Zoo & organizations from around the community. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Bloomin' Zoo
Preview Party

May 4

Enjoy the perks of Zoo membership by receiving the first opportunity to select plants going on sale at the Bloomin' Zoo Garden Festival. Sample delectable food prepared using herbs featured at the sale. 5 - 7:30 p.m.

  Bloomin' Zoo Garden Festival

May 5 & 6

This event is your opportunity to purchase unique and interesting plants, such as those used throughout Zoo grounds!
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mother's Day Special

May 13

Bring your mom to the Zoo on Mother's Day and she will receive free admission!

Plant Conservation Day

May 19

Find out just how important plants and their preservation are to our world. This event will also feature Sky Art, for the first time at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden!

Summer Camp Begins!

June 4

Celebrate Summer with the Zoo's Party Animals! Half day and full day camps are avaiable June 4 - July 27, 2012. Click here for registration material and more information.

Zoo Brew

June 9

Enjoy a fun evening of beer, wine, great food, & entertainment at this must-attend event. For those 21 and over only.
7-10 p.m.
Ticket will go on sale May 1.

Father's Day Special

June 17

Bring your father to the Zoo on Father's Day and he will receive free admission!

Stroller and Wagon Parade

July 4

Decorate a wagon or stroller and enter it in the Zoo’s 4th of July Wagon and Stroller Parade! Registration at 9:45 a.m. & parade begins at 10 a.m. Please call (812) 435-6143 ext. 409 with any questions.

Member Appreciation Evening

July 11

Enjoy an evening at the Zoo, complete with unique "members only" opportunities and entertainment! 5 - 8 p.m.

National Zookeeper Week

July 15-21

Take a moment to thank a zookeeper this week for all they do!

Family Fun Day

August 4

Play a variety of games, listen to keeper talks, and much more! Watch animals stay cool through ice enrichment and cool off yourself with special ice and water activities!

5K Run &
2 Mile Walk

September 8

Join us for the 4th Annual 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk to benefit the Evansville Zoological Society. Enjoy a scenic course around the Zoo! Walk begins at 7 a.m. and run begins at 7:30 a.m.

Pony Express Mustang & Classic Ford Club Car Show

September 15

See how many animal themed cars you can spot as you stroll through the Zoo. Vote for your favorite car! 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

American Communities Senior Walk

September 27

All seniors will receive free admission to the Zoo during this event to visit various health and wellness booths.

White Cane Day

September 29

Learn what it is like to be blind or visually impaired through activities and games. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Boo at the Zoo

October 19-21 & 26-28

Great Halloween fun for the entire family! Enjoy treat stations, games, crafts, the Tent of Terror, and more at this spooktacular event! 5 - 8 p.m.

Military Appreciation Day

November 11

Bring a veteran or active military personnel to the Zoo and they will receive FREE admission on this special day.

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus

December 1 & 2

Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Rainforest Grill. Children will receive a treat bag and enjoy making a special holiday craft. Guests will also enjoy up close & personal animal visits in AMAZONIA. Don't forget your camera!

 

New events and happenings may be added, so check back for updates!

 

Bob's Gym Walking Class at the Zoo
Every Wed. at 9 a.m. from April – October.


WALKING CLASS

 

 

   

 
Accredited By The Association Of Zoos And Aquariums

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, 1545 Mesker Park Drive, Evansville, Indiana 47720    (812) 435-6143