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55-509: The institution is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums . It was the first in the U.S. to receive triple accreditation as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. The zoo is a leader in animal conservation and research, recognized for its biennial Indianapolis Prize and as home to

110-624: A 34 percent rise in attendance. Under Crowther's leadership, numerous capital projects were undertaken and the Indianapolis Prize was established. A $ 10 million renovation of the Dolphin Pavilion opened in May 2005, including an underwater dolphin viewing dome and new programming. The following season, a $ 400,000 renovation of the Deserts Dome was completed. The zoo invested nearly $ 10 million in

165-436: A 90-foot (27 m)-tall viewing atrium. The Myrta Pulliam Hutan Trail, a series of cableways and platforms, allows the orangutans to travel throughout the zoo at their leisure. The exhibit opened Memorial Day weekend 2014. In October 2019, the zoo acquired two parcels for a combined 28.2 acres (11.4 ha) south of Washington Street. One parcel, consisting of 12.2 acres (4.9 ha) of the former General Motors plant site,

220-668: A conference in September, one of the largest zoo and aquarium professionals' events in the US. AZA also manages the citizen science program FrogWatch USA . In the United States, any public animal exhibit must be licensed and inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture , United States Environmental Protection Agency , Drug Enforcement Administration , Occupational Safety and Health Administration , and others. Depending on

275-544: A handful in eleven other countries. In October 1924 the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums was formed as an affiliate of the American Institute of Park Executives. In 1966, the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums became a professional branch affiliate of the newly formed National Recreation and Park Association , which absorbed the American Institute of Park Executives. In

330-407: A place to see animals, but also an institution of conservation and education. That same year, White River State Park was announced as the new site of the zoo. The groundbreaking at the new downtown location was held in September 1985. The old zoo closed in 1987. The current zoo at White River State Park opened on June 11, 1988, with a size of 64 acres (26 ha). Jeffrey Bonner began his tenure as

385-558: A private plane on its way to Columbus, Ohio . All four men were instrumental in the park's development. A memorial honoring their memory was placed in the park near the Old Washington Street Bridge. In December 2020, officials announced that the park's footprint would expand by 10 acres (4.0 ha) as part of a $ 100 million public-private partnership between the State of Indiana, City of Indianapolis, and Elanco to redevelop

440-407: A redesigned Oceans building, which debuted in 2007. In September 2012, the zoo broke ground on the $ 21.5 million Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, serving as both an exhibit and research hub to assist with orangutan conservation. The project was partially funded by a $ 2 million donation from the family foundation of Dean and Barbara White. The exhibit houses nine orangutans and features

495-404: A token collection and, under the direction of a professional staff, provides its collection with appropriate care and exhibits them in an aesthetic manner to the public on a regularly scheduled basis. They shall further be defined as having as their primary business the exhibition, conservation and preservation of the earth's fauna in an educational and scientific manner." To achieve accreditation,

550-408: A zoo must pass an application and inspection process and meet or exceed AZA's standards for animal health and welfare, fundraising, zoo staffing, and involvement in global conservation efforts. Inspection is performed by three experts (typically one veterinarian, one expert in animal care, and one expert in zoo management and operations) and then reviewed by a panel of twelve experts before accreditation

605-710: Is awarded. This accreditation process is repeated once every five years. AZA estimates that there are approximately 2,800 animal exhibits operating under USDA license as of 2019; fewer than 10% are accredited. Certification is possible for facilities that hold animals, but are not regularly open to the public. AZA's Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program prioritizes collaboration between zoos and aquariums to support highly vulnerable species. SAFE builds on existing recovery plans to implement strategic conservation and public engagement activities. In 2017, AZA member zoos and aquariums invested $ 15.6 million towards SAFE program species. The SAFE program signature species include

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660-582: Is credited as the first holiday lights display at a U.S. zoo, having begun in 1967. The Indianapolis Zoo has a multifaceted approach in its conservation and research efforts. The zoo participates in the Species Survival Plans (SSPs) and conservation programs of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums , the national zoo membership organization of the U.S. Under the auspices of the Polly H. Hix Institute for Conservation and Research, an initiative that supports

715-470: Is included as part of the zoo. The world's first successful artificial insemination of an African elephant occurred at the zoo in 2000. Michael Crowther was appointed president and chief executive officer of the zoo in June 2002. During his tenure, the zoo experienced a nearly 240 percent increase in annual revenue, a 700 percent increase in the value of its endowment, a 27 percent increase in total assets, and

770-462: Is organized around the concept of biomes , or areas of the planet with similar climates, plants, and animals. Animals at the Indianapolis Zoo are clustered in groups with similar habitats, which define each biome. The "‡" symbol denotes animals that are part of the zoo's captive breeding program , as recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums ' Species Survival Plan . As of June 2022,

825-455: The African lion , African species of vultures , Asian elephant , Atlantic Acropora coral, black-footed ferret , black rhinoceros , cheetah , eastern indigo snake , giraffe , gorilla , sea turtles , orangutan , radiated tortoise , red wolf , sharks , and sting rays , vaquita , western pond turtle , and whooping crane . There were more than 20 species or taxonomic groups included in

880-531: The American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums , is an American 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1924 and dedicated to the advancement of zoos and public aquariums in the areas of conservation , education, science, and recreation. AZA is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland , and accredits zoos. There were 238 accredited facilities as of 2019, primarily in the US, and also

935-534: The Global Center for Species Survival through its partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature . In 2020, the zoo housed more than 1,400 animals of 235 species while the adjoining White River Gardens contained more than 50,000 plants of nearly 3,000 species, respectively. The Indianapolis Zoo is a significant economic driver in the city and among its most visited attractions. In 2021,

990-579: The Indianapolis Zoo , the NCAA Hall of Champions , Victory Field , Everwise Amphitheater, and White River Gardens . The park and accompanying Indianapolis Canal Walk comprise one of seven designated cultural districts . Initial plans for the park were conceived by civic leaders in the late 1970s to capitalize on the city's amateur sports economic development strategy. Bipartisan support from state legislators and seed money from corporate partners led to

1045-621: The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. , Azy was a participant in the Smithsonian Institution 's Orangutan Language Project, providing researchers and the public insight into great ape language . Dr. Robert Shumaker, current president and chief executive officer of the Indianapolis Zoo, has worked with Azy in cognitive learning since 1984. Association of Zoos and Aquariums The Association of Zoos and Aquariums ( AZA ), originally

1100-536: The 1830s as a way to ship goods through the state of Indiana , but the project, as governed by the Indiana Mammoth Internal Improvement Act , went bankrupt and the Indianapolis section of the canal was the only section that was ever dug. Although the canal was never used for its intended purpose, recent restoration and redevelopment have allowed the area to function as a cultural center within

1155-461: The AZA community's research. To be a member, a facility must either be accredited or certified. Accredited facilities maintain a professional staff and appropriate animal care, and are open to the public on a predictable basis. The following list is from 2013. Pier 39 Pier 3, Inner Harbor Pier 59 Certified facilities maintain a professional staff and appropriate animal care, but are not open to

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1210-630: The Deserts biome contains the following: Deserts Dome Size, Speed & Venom: Extreme Snakes As of June 2022, Flights of Fancy contains the following: Budgie and Lorikeet Aviaries Flamingo Pool Other animals As of June 2022, the Forests biome contains the following: Alligators & Crocodiles: The Fight to Survive International Chimpanzee Complex Kangaroo Crossing Magnificent Macaws Other animals Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center Tiger Forest As of June 2022,

1265-497: The Endangered Species Act. In 2017, member institutions reported participating in field conservation projects benefiting over 860 species in 128 countries. AZA zoos and aquariums spent $ 25 million on research and published 170 books, book chapters, journal articles, conference proceeding papers, posters and theses or dissertations. Animal care, health and welfare, followed by species and habitat conservation, describe 68% of

1320-608: The Endangered Species Carousel ( carousel ); Kōmbo Family Coaster ( roller coaster ); Skyline ( gondola lift ); and the White River Junction Train ( train ride ). Since 1986, Zoobilation has served as the Indianapolis Zoo's annual black tie fundraiser. The outdoor event takes place each June on the zoo grounds, featuring live music and food and beverages from area restaurants. The 2010 event drew about 4,500 attendees and raised more than $ 1 million to support

1375-502: The Indianapolis Zoo died from an outbreak of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV3 strain). Mainly associated with Asian elephants , the EEHV outbreak was a rare instance of the virus infecting elephants of the African species, drawing national interest from researchers. In February 2020, the Indianapolis Zoo hosted a conference convening veterinarians, scientists, and zookeepers from across

1430-645: The Oceans biome contains the following: Aquaria Ascension St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion Penguin Hall Sea Lion & Seal Sharing One World: Long-Tailed Macaques Walrus Complex As of June 2022, the Plains biome contains the following: The Indianapolis Zoo offers several seasonal amusement rides, animal feedings, rotating exhibits, and presentations for zoo visitors. As of June 2022, general admission costs cover seven "featured attractions" at

1485-684: The Society's current and future research and conservation programs, the zoo conducts research projects both in situ and ex situ on selected species. The Indianapolis Zoo also participates in three conservation and research foundations: the International Elephant Foundation (IEF), the International Iguana Foundation (IIF), and the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). The Hix Institute also supports

1540-774: The Tarangire Elephant Project in Tanzania to protect migration corridors between Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area . The zoo has a second partnership with the IUCN – The World Conservation Union, a conservation network. The Indianapolis Zoo, in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation , is supporting the IUCN's project documenting the known effects of climate change on wildlife habitats. In March 2019, two female African elephants at

1595-497: The U.S. to learn from the case and advance research to benefit conservation efforts. The biennial Indianapolis Prize was established in 2004 to recognize conservationists who have made substantial contributions toward the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. Recipients are awarded the Lilly Medal and US$ 250,000. Azy, a male orangutan , has resided at the Indianapolis Zoo since 2010. Born on December 14, 1977, at

1650-612: The US and eleven other countries: Canada , Mexico , Bermuda , The Bahamas , the Dominican Republic , Colombia , Argentina , Spain , Hong Kong , Singapore , and South Korea . Approximately 800,000 animals representing 6,000 species are in the care of AZA-accredited facilities, including 1,000 threatened or endangered species. The association also facilitates both species survival plans and population management plans, which serve to sustainably manage genetically diverse captive populations of various animal species. AZA holds

1705-595: The White River was completed in 1916 as part of the National Road . In 1984, construction began on the realignment of Washington Street to the south to make way for the zoo's development. The bridge was preserved and renovated in the 1990s to carry non-motorized traffic between downtown and the zoo's east entrance at White River Gardens . Limited in number and species, Indianapolis's earliest captive animals were located in small exhibits at various city parks. Brookside Park

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1760-742: The animals in 1916 and the zoo was officially closed in 1917. In 1944, Lowell Nussbaum , columnist for the Indianapolis Times , and later the Indianapolis Star , began to advocate for a zoo through his column "Inside Indianapolis", which inspired the incorporation of the Indianapolis Zoological Society in October 1944. Soon after, members outlined plans for the zoo. Group members were adamant that "the zoo will rely on admissions, in-park sales, contributions, and memberships to support

1815-752: The animals they exhibit, the activities of zoos are regulated by laws including the Endangered Species Act , the Animal Welfare Act , the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and others. Additionally, zoos in North America may choose to pursue accreditation by AZA. The American association has developed a definition for zoological gardens and aquariums as part of its accreditation standards: "A permanent cultural institution which owns and maintains captive wild animals that represent more than

1870-526: The building, but because it stood on the proposed site for the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and the Indiana State Museum , the park commissioners voted on at 2:00 pm on August 14, 1985, to raze the school. The demolition began two hours later, and the demolition crew later said that they had been instructed to work through the night to remove as much of the school building by

1925-473: The city. In 1980, architect César Pelli 's Indiana Tower was proposed as the park's focal point; however, the 750-foot (229 m) observation tower was never constructed due to funding concerns and public criticism of the tower's design. Since, several proposed attractions have been considered, including an Indiana African American History Museum, seasonal ice skating rink, tethered balloon ride, amusement park, and public beach. From 1983 until 1994,

1980-515: The fall of 1971, the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums membership voted to become an independent association. On January 19, 1972, it was chartered as the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums with its executive office located in Wheeling, West Virginia , within the Oglebay Park Good Zoo . In 1994, the shorter name American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA)

2035-569: The improper asbestos removal and agreed to preserve the front façade with its terracotta design work for use in the new state museum. Although some wanted the façade to be placed on the exterior of the museum, it was ultimately decided to erect it inside the Grand Hall, where it serves as the entrance to the education center. On September 11, 1992, a plane carrying four prominent community leaders—park executive director Robert V. Welch , Frank McKinney , John Weliever, and Michael Carroll—collided with

2090-455: The largest in the zoo's history. The campaign will finance capital projects, including the construction of a $ 5 million entry plaza and welcome center and a $ 13 million home for the Global Center for Species Survival. Construction began in September 2021 and is projected to conclude in May 2023. A $ 25 million International Chimpanzee Complex is planned to open in May 2024. The Indianapolis Zoo

2145-510: The neighboring General Motors site to the south. The new parkland will hug the west riverbank and incorporate a portion of the former plant's preserved crane bay, designed by industrial architect Albert Kahn . White River State Park is owned by the State of Indiana under the auspices of the White River State Park Development Commission, a quasi-governmental board composed of ten commissioners. The commission

2200-402: The next morning. The Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana obtained an injunction to stop the demolition, citing the presence of asbestos . Sidney Weedman, the commission's executive director, explained that the commissioners feared that groups wanting to preserve the school would tie the issue up in court for several years, preventing progress on the park. The commission was fined $ 2,000 for

2255-474: The organization of a quasi-governmental commission to oversee the park's planning and operations. Construction began in the 1980s with the acquisition and clearing of blighted industrial properties and the realignment of Washington Street for redevelopment. Restoration of this area began in the late 1980s when public attention fell on the Indiana Central Canal . The canal was originally engineered in

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2310-680: The park co-sponsored the White River Park State Games alongside the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sport. The games were intended to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage Hoosier athletes to participate in sports. A number of existing buildings on the site of the park were demolished. Among them was the Oscar McCulloch School Number 5, which was built at the corner of Washington and California streets in 1920. The park commission had earlier agreed to repurpose

2365-478: The parking lot from West Washington Street , which forms the zoo's southern boundary. Parking is free for zoo members and $ 10 for non-members. The zoo is accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists, or other non-motorists via the White River Trail which runs between its namesake river and the zoo's property. Public transportation serves the facility via IndyGo 's Route 8. The former Washington Street Bridge spanning

2420-460: The program as of 2019. The association has a computerized database called the Annual Report on Conservation and Science . This helps track AZA research projects worldwide. AZA member zoos and aquariums contribute $ 220 million to conservation projects each year. They participate in 115 reintroduction programs, including more than 40 programs for species listed as threatened or endangered under

2475-416: The public on a predictable basis. White River State Park White River State Park is an urban park in downtown Indianapolis , Indiana . Situated along the eastern and western banks of its namesake White River , the park covers 267 acres (108 ha). The park is home to numerous attractions, including the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art , the Indiana State Museum ,

2530-414: The zoo became one of few in the country to employ a full-time education staff. By the 20th anniversary of the zoo, its animal collection had doubled in size and it was determined that the zoo needed a new location where it could continue to expand. In 1982, international zoo, aquarium, and wildlife authorities gathered to set goals for establishing the new zoo. It was determined that a zoo should not only be

2585-593: The zoo employed 700 people and welcomed 1.2 million guests, contributing nearly $ 60 million annually to the city's economy. The Indianapolis Zoo is situated within White River State Park , about 1 mi (1.6 km) west of Monument Circle on the eastern edge of the Near Westside neighborhood area. The White River hugs the zoo's northern and eastern boundaries, physically separating the facility from downtown Indianapolis . Visitors arriving by car access

2640-488: The zoo". However, it would not be until 20 years later, in 1964, that the zoo would open to the public. The Indianapolis Zoo opened as Washington Park Children's Zoo on April 18, 1964, at Washington Park on East 30th Street. In its first year, the new attraction drew more than 270,000 visitors. The zoo originally featured an Asian elephant, penguins, kangaroos, foxes, raccoons, camels, bison, deer, lambs, tortoises, llamas, prairie dogs, pygmy goats, and buffalo exhibits. In 1965,

2695-446: The zoo's animal care and conservation efforts. The Indianapolis Zoo hosts popular holiday events throughout the year, notably ZooBoo and Christmas at the Zoo. Held annually each October, the Indianapolis Zoo is decorated in recognition of Halloween; ZooBoo encourages guests to wear costumes for trick-or-treating and special programming. Christmas at the Zoo, held from November through December,

2750-512: The zoo's president and chief executive officer in January 1993. After the construction of the Waters building and the Dolphin Pavilion, the zoo earned AZA accreditation as an aquarium as well as a zoo. In 1996, the Indianapolis Zoo became the first institution to be triple-accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. White River Gardens was considered a separate facility from 1999 to 2006, but now

2805-401: The zoo, including zookeeper-led presentations highlighting the zoo's dolphins, macaws ( Magnificent Macaws ), and African elephants ( Tembo Camp ); Shark/Ray Touch Pool; Kangaroo Crossing; Alligators & Crocodiles: The Fight to Survive; and Race A Cheetah. Tickets purchased at additional cost permit visitors to feed flamingos, budgerigars, lorikeets, or giraffes; and enjoy four rides, including

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2860-852: Was adopted. In early 2018, AZA acquired the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance to help grow public awareness about the purchase and sale of illegal wildlife products in the United States. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums reported 195 million visitors to its 236 accredited member facilities in 2017. The organization is active in institution accreditation , animal care initiatives, education and conservation programs, collaborative research and advocacy. AZA serves as an accrediting body for zoos and aquariums and ensures accredited facilities meet higher standards of animal care than required by law. Institutions are evaluated every five years in order to ensure standards are met and to maintain accreditation. As of 2019 AZA had 238 accredited facilities in

2915-422: Was appointed president in 2016 and assumed the role of chief executive officer in January 2020, following Crowther's retirement. Since 2020, the zoo has debuted three exhibitions: Elephant Tembo Camp (2020), Alligators & Crocodiles: The Fight to Survive (2021), and Kangaroo Crossing (2022), with a total investment of nearly $ 4.8 million. In December 2022, officials announced a $ 53 million fundraising campaign,

2970-550: Was donated to the zoo by Indianapolis-based developer Ambrose Property Group, while the second parcel—consisting of 16 acres (6.5 ha) of undeveloped land—was purchased from Ambrose for $ 3 million. Upon the announcement, zoo officials said the first parcel would "almost immediately" be used as an overflow parking lot. Further, a zoo spokesperson said the existing 13-acre (5.3 ha) surface parking lot would "likely be converted into new exhibits and other zoo programming," though years of planning were anticipated. Dr. Robert Shumaker

3025-494: Was home to a collection of birds, including cockatoos, parrots, and macaws. Garfield Park contained a bear and several monkeys. Riverside Park exhibited a pair of sea lions. By 1906, the Indianapolis Parks Department consolidated the various exhibits into a single site at Riverside. The zoological garden's demise came amid wartime conservation efforts as the U.S. entered World War I . The park board began selling

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