Protecting Endangered Wildlife At The Indianapolis Zoo, By Melody Schubert

Each visit to the Indianapolis Zoo is a unique experience as we discovered while visiting with our friends, Merle and Maura. We watched the baby Giraffe mingled with the family. We visited in the Spring, and there were several new additions to the Zoo this season, including adorable baby Lemurs and Baboons, who clung to their mothers.

Preserving Nature and Wildlife At The Indianapolis Zoo

Also in the Plains area of the Zoo, children tried to see if they could run as fast as a Cheetah in The Race for Survival exhibit, which helps protect these endangered cats. This exhibit is special because it is part of a partnership through a conservation education gift from The Tony Stewart Foundation. We loved the Cheetah exhibit because they are right there, up close so you can look into their eyes as their watching you.

Around the corner, the Lion's were keeping a close eye on the Cheetah's unlike the Kangaroo's, who seemed to enjoy lounging around without a care. Among the newest resident to move into the Indianapolis Zoo are a pair of Wart Hogs, who can run up to 30 miles per hour when they need to in the wild. In the wild, Wart Hogs are not favored by farmers because they get into their crops and are known to carry African swine fever.

You'll also find African Crested Porcupines next door, which are largest and heaviest of the African rodents. Until we visited the Indianapolis Zoo we never realized that the quills on these African Crested Porcupines can be as lone a 12 inches on their backs. These quills are not thrown as my people may think; instead they're more like fishhooks that once stuck in a predator are painful and difficult to remove. Crested Porcupines are also a menace to the farmers in the wild, although they are hunted for the meat, which is consider to be a delicacy.

The Bat exhibit features two of the largest bats; the flying fox and the straw-colored fruit bat. It is really interesting to see them because you can learn how Bats help our environment, and that there are many varieties, over 1,000 different species, large and small, around the world.

One of the places not to miss while at the Indianapolis Zoo is the Oceans exhibit where you can touch real sharks in the country's largest shark touch pool in the Firestone Gallery. Explore the zoo's underwater world that features a fascinating collection of fish and invertebrates.

Everyone will laugh as they watch the three species of penguins waddle about and dive into the pool that crosses under a special glass section in the floor. Our favorite friends to visit at the Indianapolis Zoo are the polar bear, California sea lions, harbor seals, and gray seals. Then, there are the giant Walruses who love the attention they receive from the crowds gather at the glass window. And, after visiting with the Walrus be sure to catch the Dolphin Adventure show and see the dolphins from below in the viewing dome.

Overnight Adventures At The Indianapolis Zoo

Did you know that the Indianapolis Zoo also gives you the opportunity to join one of their three overnight programs that include the Habitat Junction, Adaptation Station, or Conservation Connection? Or, ask about the Family Overnights that include participation in a variety of activities designed just for families including a craft, family game time, and a special after hours tour.

For the Brownie and Junior scouts in your family there is also a Bunk for a Badge program that allows them to earn a badge during the night's activities. And during the summer you can join the African Summer Safari's on which you can take a tour you through the Plains at night and go Behind the Scenes to the Zoo Commissary.

Those curious about animals can become a Nature Detective and discover the Zoo’s wildlife, and Gardens on a sensory walk, as well as take a night hike in the Desert Dome and learn about a variety of nature’s adaptations.

The Indianapolis Zoo, located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, is a non-profit Zoo, and their focus is on education and ensuring the survival of all wildlife. So on your visit you'll not only see these beautiful animals; you are also making a contribution to protecting them. And, your visit to the Indianapolis Zoo includes admission to the White River Gardens next door!

When visiting the White River State Park you'll enjoy everything from wildlife to America's Old West and Indian heritage. One way to take in all the sites at White River State Park is with the Park Pass that gives you access to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art, IMAX Theater, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field, Indianapolis Zoo, and the NCAA Hall of Champions.

All of these attractions feature engaging exhibits and special events everyone will enjoy for one low price. The current price for the Adult Park Pass is $42, and a Child Park Pass is $30, and with these passes you can enjoy one-time admission to each of the 6 attractions. If you call 1-800-665-9056 or stop by the Visitor’s Center in the heart of the White River State Park you can learn more about and order the Park Passes.

Plan Your Indiana Getaway

For all the news on events, special programs, and wildlife exhibits at the Indianapolis Zoo visit their website at http://www.indianapoliszoo.com/.

Visit the White River State Park website at http://inwhiteriver.wrsp.in.gov/ParkPass.aspx to find out about the Park Pass, special events, attractions, and upcoming concerts at The Lawn and in the Free Family Concert Series that takes place each summer.

To see what's new and exciting to do in Indy, as well as find attractions and restaurants, and other sites to see around the state of Indiana visit the Indianapolis Convention and Visitor's Bureau at www.visitindy.com, or visit Indianapolis Downtown Inc. at www.indydt.com . You'll find maps, learn about upcoming events, festive, sports, and much more.