SOUTH BEND — After a long winter, the Potawatomi Zoo officially opens for the season on Friday. 

Once the gates open at 10 a.m., visitors can experience nearly 500 animals on 23 acres, including many rare and endangered species.

“The animals miss visitors during the winter,” said Marcy Dean, the executive director. “Animals, like the Amur tigers and river otters love to interact with guest.”

This year, those who visit the zoo can look for some familiar faces in new places as zoo organizers continue to improve and add animal exhibits and amenities to the Potawatomi Zoo.

People can check out continuing daily zoo experiences where guests can interact with animal ambassadors and their caregivers, such as the African Serval, Red-tailed hawk, Three-banded armadillo, and more. Zoo experiences will also include various animal feedings and animal enrichment demonstrations with species like the African lions and American alligator.  Zoo experiences will change daily and a schedule can be found at its website: potawatomizoo.org. 

“This is an exciting time at the Potawatomi Zoo, filled with big plans and changes,” Dean said. “We can’t wait to see what the 2018 season has in store.”

The Potawatomi Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including holidays.  Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for children ages 3 to 14; $8 for seniors 62 and up; children 2 and under are admitted free of charge.  Potawatomi Zoological Society members are admitted free of charge.  Summer camp registration its now open.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Potawatomi Zoo exceeds the standards for zoos in animal care and quality of life, conservation and education programs. For more information, go to the potawatomizoo.org or call (574) 235-9800.