Peoria Zoo

Visitors will have an opportunity to hear how the keepers are able to safely get close to our giraffe.  Learn why husbandry training is an important part of daily giraffe care.  Public viewing of this presentation will be from the “Giraffe Observation Deck” located on the boardwalk in Africa! Look for our “ASK A KEEPER” banners at each location just prior to each presentation.

Learn about the zoo’s reintroduction efforts for the Illinois ENDANGERED Alligator Snapping Turtle at the Conservation Center building. *Look for our  “ASK A KEEPER” banners at each location just prior to each presentation.

Attend a presentation highlighting the benefits and challenges of exhibiting multiple species in one exhibit.  Presentations will be held in front of the Red river hog / Colobus monkey exhibit located in Africa! Look for our “ASK A KEEPER” banners at each location just prior to each presentation.

We’ll be talkin’ about Takins at this Ask a Keeper presentation. Takins are large muscular hoofed animals with impressive horns and are thought to be a national treasure in China. This is your opportunity to learn what makes them so special! Presentation will be held in front of the Takin exhibit on the Asian Trail. Look for our “ASK A KEEPER” banners at each location just prior to each presentation.

Attend a presentation featuring the zoo’s primates. Learn about our BEEP (Behavioral Enrichment and Enhancement Program) program meant to improve environments and animal care based on natural behaviors and instincts . Presentations will be held near the Spider Monkey exhibit located in the Tropics Building. Look for our “ASK A KEEPER” banners at each location just prior to each presentation.

Twice daily starting Memorial Day, visitors will have the unique opportunity to feed the Giraffe at the Giraffe Overlook Station on top of the boardwalk. During those days, we will offer the encounters at noon and 2pm.

Memorial Day thru Labor Day, visitors will have the unique opportunity to walk into the Budgie Aviary and experience the lively and colorful Budgies  all around them.  Budgie Seed Sticks are available for just $2.00 and allow visitors to feed the birds from you hand. Budgie Encounters may be subject to change or cancellation.  These amazing creatures are wild animals and we can not guarantee that they will land on your stick or stick to our schedule.