Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo located in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. In 1944 thoughts of the Indianapolis zoo first came to mind by a newspaper columnist named Lowell B. Nussbaum. He began to write his opinions of wanting a zoo through his column "Inside Indianapolis." It was his writing that inspired the Indianapolis people and in October 1944 the "Articles of Incorporation for the Indianapolis zoological society, INC" emerged. Soon the members of this group had outlined the future plans of their zoo, one thing that the group members were adamant about; "the zoo will rely on admissions, in- park sales, contributions and memberships to support the zoo." He first opened to the public in 1964. Its current home in White River State Park was opened in 1988 with a size of 64 acres (26 ha). The zoo hosts more than a million visitors each year and plays a role in worldwide conservation and research, including accomplishing the world’s first successful artificial insemination of an African elephant. The Indianapolis Zoo is the only institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Association of Museums as a zoo, an aquarium, and as a botanical garden. The zoo is a private non-profit organization, receiving no tax support and is supported entirely by membership fees, admissions, donations, sales, grants, and an annual fundraiser.

The Indianapolis Zoo's stated mission is "The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation."