Evansville Living staffers recently were reacquainted with Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden on the opening night of Wild Summer Lights, a glowy display of Chinese lanterns.
We were reminded that the zoo is a bit of a workout — hydrate, wear comfortable shoes, and leave proud of your steps count. Additions such as the Kinney Family Penguins of Patagonia exhibit in 2021 and Budgie Walkabout in 2019 have brought newness to a property that’s three years away from its centennial.
It’s a place that cares deeply about conservation and animals. That is evidenced by the longstanding care of Friday, a female Bactrian camel who sadly was euthanized in August, nearly a year after receiving a lifesaving plasma transfusion that zoo veterinarian Sam Bradley described to Evansville Business.
The 45-acre zoo includes spots to admire nature’s beauty, such as the Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association’s Family Garden. Lake Victoria is the zoo’s centerpiece and is open for paddleboat rides. And in February, 9,603 guests dodged winter’s chill inside the 75-degree Amazonia’s four-week Orchid Escape annual exhibit.
Mesker is taxpayer-owned; according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, 26 percent of its accredited member institutions meet that definition. It needs substantial private support to thrive — some comes from 7,700 current members, and adults can volunteer their time as docents for guests.
