Home - Peoria Zoo

The Wild
is Waiting

Join the adventure with some of Earth's most incredible animals, right here in the River City!

New at the Zoo

Welcome, Azuca, Mantequilla, & Palomita!

Animal Spotlight

Welcome, Azuca, Mantequilla, & Palomita!

Say hello to Azuka, Mantequilla, and Palomita, the newest members of the Peoria Zoo family! These young Mexican spider monkeys are full of energy, curiosity, and playful spirit. Now viewable by the public, they are settling in and getting comfortable in their new surroundings while learning what it means to be part of a troop. Spider monkeys are known for their long limbs, expressive faces, and impressive climbing skills. As natural acrobats, they use their strong prehensile tails almost like a fifth limb, helping them swing and balance high above the ground. Guests will enjoy watching these three explore their habitat, practice their climbing techniques, and interact with one another as they grow. Their presence will also play an important role in the future of Darla, our black handed spider monkey, as the troop continues to develop over time. Be sure to stop by the spider monkey habitat during your next visit. You just might catch Azuca, Mantequilla, or Palomita mid swing, mid snack, or mid adventure as they discover their new world!

Giraffe Feeding
Care & Conservation

S.A.F.E Program & SSP

Our visitors, staff and volunteers are vital to achieving our mission. They will be treated with the utmost respect and we will strive to make their connection with the zoo as enriching as possible.

Animal Welfare

Conservation is our cause. The zoo is dedicated to the preservation of the natural world and the families of our animal residents in the wild. Our programs and practices will be based on achieving the maximum possible conservation potential.

AZA

Our animals are ambassadors for wildlife conservation. We will promote innovations in husbandry and acheive the highest standards of animal care.

Education

Only through caring, will people make the choices and changes needed to save our natural resources. Our education programs will promote the knowledge and connections that are the key to caring.

Join Our Mission

Our Mission: create connections that inspire an appreciation for and encourage actions to conserve the natural world. The Peoria Zoo will be recognized as a leader in raising public awareness and commitment to conservation.