What Indianapolis Zoo does

The Indianapolis Zoo, operated by the Indianapolis Zoological Society, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit zoological park located at 1200 W. Washington Street in Indianapolis's White River State Park, founded in 1964 and opened at its current site in 1988. It is the largest privately operated nonprofit zoo in the United States and does not receive any direct annual tax-supported revenue. The zoo is concurrently accredited as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), accredited as a museum by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), and holds memberships in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its core animal-welfare infrastructure includes the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center (one of the largest orangutan groups in any American zoo), the Penny & Jock Fortune International Chimpanzee Complex (home to 21 chimpanzees connected by a 1,325-foot elevated trail), the Ascension St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion, and the integrated 3.3-acre White River Gardens featuring the 5,000 sq ft Hilbert Conservatory.

The zoo monetizes through a diversified revenue stack: tiered daily admission ($13-$26 adults, $13-$17 children depending on season), annual memberships ranging from $185 (Individual Basic) to $1,350+ (Nussbaum Society), premium 'Zoo-More' animal encounters ($20-$190 per participant including the August 2025-launched Dolphin Poolside Adventure), on-site F&B across five venues, rides and animal feeding experiences ($4 flamingo/stingray feeds), equipment rentals, parking, private events and catering, and charitable donations/grants including the Zoobilation black-tie fundraiser (one of the largest single-day fundraisers in the country). Distribution combines direct-to-consumer (online tickets, gate walk-ups), sales-led group sales for schools/corporate groups of 10+, and partnerships (Visit Indy, AAA Hoosier membership presenting sponsorship, Primrose, Central Indiana Honda Dealers, Kroger, ITS Logistics, Corteva, Ascension St. Vincent, Citizens Energy). The Indianapolis Prize (world's leading animal conservation award) and the Global Center for Species Survival (partnering IUCN, AZA, and 80+ conservation organizations) anchor its nonprofit mission and brand positioning.

The organization is governed by a board of trustees and led by Executive Vice President & COO John Gullion, with functional VPs across Veterinary Services (Dr. Jeff Proudfoot), Conservation & Education (Dr. Nico de Bruyn), Life Sciences, Infrastructure & Construction, External Relations, IT, and HR. Volunteer infrastructure (1,000+ volunteers, 45,000+ hours/year), the Zoo Teen program, and a two-year paid Curatorial Internship Program form the talent pipeline. The zoo has achieved KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certification and operates across all customer segments from individual families and schools to corporate sponsors and donor societies, with multiple ancillary marketing channels including a major summer concert series (Animals and All That Jazz) and seasonal events (Christmas at the Zoo, ZooBoo, xZooberance).

Name

Indianapolis Zoo

Legal name

Indianapolis Zoological Society

Website

https://indianapoliszoo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Indianapolis Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit zoological park in Indianapolis and the largest privately operated nonprofit zoo in the United States, offering wildlife exhibits, premium animal encounters, memberships, education programs, and global species-survival conservation initiatives to families, schools, donors, and corporate partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoo & Aquarium Parks (Ticketed Wildlife Attractions) (THAJAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Parks, Gardens & Botanical Attractions (THAJACAH), Wildlife Interpretation & Education Centers (Visitor Centers, Museums) (THAAAFAG)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation
• Zoological park
• Animal education programs
• Aquarium exhibits
• Botanical gardens

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: General admission tickets for daily zoo visits with tiered pricing based on season and day of week
2. Annual Memberships: Recurring membership revenue from Individual, Family, and Grandparent membership tiers with free admission and parking benefits
3. Food and Beverage: On-site dining at Café on the Commons, Pavilion Café, Crossing Café, Westside Café, and Flights of Fancy Snack Bar with focus on seasonal, fresh, local ingredients
4. Rides and Animal Feed Experiences: Revenue from Endangered Species Carousel, White River Junction Train, and animal feeding experiences including giraffe, flamingo, kangaroo, lorikeet, and ray feeds
5. Equipment Rentals: Wheelchair, electric cart, stroller and wagon rentals at the Visitor Services Center
6. Premium Animal Experiences: Paid animal adventure programs including Dolphin Meet & Greet, Elephant Bathing, Rhino Adventure, Sloth Adventure, and the new Dolphin Poolside Adventure
7. Special Events: Major annual events including Christmas at the Zoo, ZooBoo, xZooberance, and Animals and All That Jazz concert series
8. Parking: Daily parking fees: $10 for non-members, free for members; $20 for large vehicles
9. Donations and Grants: Charitable contributions from donors, membership donations, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and endowment gifts
10. Private Events and Catering: Weddings, receptions, corporate events, and private photography sessions at zoo facilities

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Indianapolis Zoo operates as a nonprofit zoological park providing general admission access to animal exhibits across biomes (Oceans, Plains, Forests, Deserts), specialized centers including the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center and the International Chimpanzee Complex, and the 3.3-acre White River Gardens botanical attraction. It sells annual memberships, premium animal encounter experiences (Dolphin Meet & Greet, Elephant Bathing, Rhino Adventure, Sloth Adventure), rides, educational programs for schools and youth, and seasonal special events such as ZooBoo, Christmas at the Zoo, and Zoobilation.

Product overview

The Indianapolis Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit zoological park offering a unified portfolio of visitor experiences centered on animal conservation and education. Core offerings include general zoo admission with access to diverse biome exhibits (Oceans, Plains, Forests, Deserts), specialized animal centers (Penny & Jock Fortune International Chimpanzee Complex, Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center), and White River Gardens botanical attraction. The zoo's product portfolio extends through tiered Membership Program passes (Individual through Donor Club levels), premium add-on Zoo-More Animal Adventures experiences (Dolphin Meet & Greet, Elephant Bathing, Rhino Adventure, Sloth Adventure), interactive Rides (White River Junction Train, Endangered Species Carousel) and Animal Feed Experiences, educational Youth & Family Programs including Zoo Camp and Zoo Teen volunteer opportunities, and seasonal Special Events (Animals and All That Jazz concert series, ZooBoo, Christmas at the Zoo, Zoobilation gala). The zoo also operates a two-year Curatorial Internship Program and participates in conservation initiatives through the Global Center for Species Survival and the prestigious Indianapolis Prize. All offerings support the zoo's nonprofit conservation mission as one of the largest privately-operated zoos in the United States without direct government funding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• White River Gardens: A 3.3-acre landmark attraction that is part of the Zoo's guest entry experience, featuring the Hilbert Conservatory and DeHaan Tiergarten.
• Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center
• Penny & Jock Fortune International Chimpanzee Complex
• Global Center for Species Survival

Products and services

• Annual Membership Program Annual pass program providing free admission, parking, and exclusive member events with multiple tiers including Individual Basic ($185), Family Basic ($235), Grandparent Basic ($235), and Donor Circles ranging from $400 to $1,350+ annually.
• Dolphin Meet & Greet Premium behind-the-scenes dolphin interaction at $20 per participant with reserved seating and brief encounter to hold a dolphin's pectoral flippers. Requires participants be at least 6 years old and 3 feet 6 inches tall.
• Elephant Bathing Guided behind-the-scenes elephant care experience where participants help scrub down an African elephant. $68 for members and $75 for non-members, not including zoo admission.
• Rhino Adventure Behind-the-scenes experience spending time with southern white rhinoceroses in their exercise yard with keeper education about their care.
• Sloth Adventure Encounter experience meeting one of the Zoo's two-toed sloths with opportunity to feed the sloth. $54 for members and $60 for non-members.
• Dolphin Poolside Adventure Behind-the-scenes dolphin training experience with opportunities to feed, touch, and interact with a dolphin. $171 for members and $190 for non-members per person, not including zoo admission. Registration opens August 16-September 6, 2025, then limited availability through January 2026.
• Zoo-More Experiences (Animal Adventures) Portfolio of premium animal encounter experiences including Dolphin Meet & Greet, Elephant Bathing, Elephant Care Adventure, Rhino Adventure, Sloth Adventure, Giant Tortoise Meet & Greet, and Penguin Adventure. Priced from $20-$190 per participant.
• Penny & Jock Fortune International Chimpanzee Complex Three-center chimpanzee habitat featuring computerized cognitive research touch panel stations and connected by a 1,325-foot elevated Chimpanzee Trail. Home to 21 chimpanzees across five distinct areas.
• Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center Award-winning orangutan facility housing one of the largest groups of orangutans in any American zoo, designed to stimulate physical, social, and intellectual abilities of critically endangered apes while serving as a vital education, research, and conservation center.
• White River Gardens 3.3-acre botanical garden featuring the Hilbert Conservatory (5,000 sq ft tropical oasis), DeHaan Tiergarten outdoor gardens, art installations, and over 20,000 honey bees, featuring 16,000+ plants including native and exotic species. Integrated into the Zoo's main guest entry experience.
• Rides (White River Junction Train and Endangered Species Carousel) Train ride offering 10-minute narrated tours of behind-the-scenes zoo operations including veterinary hospital, commissary, and maintenance. Carousel features hand-carved endangered species animals. Both presented by ITS Logistics.
• Animal Feed Experiences Interactive animal feeding experiences including giraffe, flamingo, kangaroo, budgie/lorikeet, and stingray feeds. Prices from $4 per ticket. Presented by Kroger.
• Animals and All That Jazz Concert Series Summer concert series held every Thursday from June 18-July 30 at 5:30pm at Bicentennial Pavilion featuring various musical artists.
• Zoo Camp Summer day camp programs for children ages 6-13 featuring hands-on animal experiences, zoo exploration, and educational activities. Includes early registration and member discounts.
• Curatorial Internship Program Full-time two-year paid internship providing aspiring zoo professionals with hands-on experience in animal care, conservation, and zoo management. Addresses the growing need for curators in the field.
• Zoo Babies Program Program showcasing new animal arrivals at the Zoo including recent births of Southern Rockhopper Penguin, Orangutan, Southern White Rhinoceros, and African Elephant. Sponsored by Primrose Schools.
• Special Events (ZooBoo, Christmas at the Zoo, Zoobilation, xZooberance) Annual special events including ZooBoo (Halloween celebration), Christmas at the Zoo (winter holiday lights event), Zoobilation (black-tie fundraising gala), and xZooberance (spring sensory-friendly event).
• Private Events and Catering Private venue rental service for weddings, receptions, corporate events, and private photography sessions at zoo facilities.
• Indianapolis Prize Prestigious conservation award recognizing individuals for outstanding achievements in wildlife conservation. Recognized as the world's leading animal conservation award.
• Global Center for Species Survival (GCSS) Conservation initiative partnering with IUCN and AZA to support species survival planning and conservation efforts by bringing together over 80 conservation organizations to maximize impact on species survival worldwide. Located within the Hulman Riverhouse facility.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 280,000 plastic bottles eliminated from landfill through aluminum container program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• AAA HoosierflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Indianapolis Zoo Membership Program. AAA members receive exclusive membership benefits and discounts at the zoo.
• Primrose SchoolscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors Zoo Babies program, nursing stations, stroller rentals, and baby changing stations at the zoo.
• Central Indiana Honda DealerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Penny & Jock Fortune International Chimpanzee Complex.
• Indiana Farm Bureau InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Indianapolis Zoo map.
• KrogercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Animal Feeds at the zoo including giraffe, flamingo, kangaroo, and lorikeet feeding experiences.
• ITS LogisticscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Endangered Species Carousel and White River Junction Train rides.
• AES IndianacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Electric Vehicle Charging Program with charging stations in the zoo's parking lot for guest use.
• Ascension St. VincentcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNaming sponsor of the Dolphin Pavilion hosting dolphin presentations and the nursing station inside.
• Visit IndycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides $2 off general admission discounts for out-of-town visitors attending Indianapolis conferences.
• Red Gold, Blue Bunny, Fischer FarmsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Indiana food partners providing ingredients for zoo dining facilities.
• Kaman's Art Shoppes, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial art concessionaire providing face painting, caricatures, glitter tattoos, and photography kiosks throughout the zoo.
• Citizens Energy GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Kangaroo Crossing exhibit.
• Corteva AgrisciencecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the ZooBoo Halloween event.
• Global Center for Species Survival (GCSS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with IUCN and AZA bringing together over 80 conservation organizations to maximize impact on species survival worldwide.
• Children's Museum of IndianapolisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily Fun Adventure Package partner offering combined tickets to the zoo and museum with hotel stays.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: Major Midwestern non-profit zoo and botanical garden with similar size, AZA accreditation, and mix of animal encounters, gardens, and events. Closest regional peer in scale and operating model.
• Denver Zoo: Major non-profit zoo with comparable membership tiers, animal encounters, conservation focus, and educational programming. Similar operational scale and revenue mix.
• Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Omaha): Large non-profit zoo combining aquarium, zoo, and botanical components similar to the Indianapolis Zoo's multi-accredited offering. Among the largest privately operated zoos in the US.
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Large Ohio-based non-profit zoo and aquarium with comparable family entertainment, education programs, and animal encounter offerings. Strong regional competitor for Midwestern visitation.
• Saint Louis Zoo: Major non-profit zoo with similar operating model (admissions, memberships, donations), AZA accreditation, and broad animal collection. Comparable in scale and Midwestern positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Houston Zoo: Large non-profit zoo with comparable membership tiers, animal encounters, education programs, and conservation focus. Similar scale and operational model.
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Larger, internationally recognized zoo and conservation organization with similar AZA accreditation, conservation leadership, and premium animal experiences. A scale and brand benchmark.
• Smithsonian's National Zoo: Federally funded zoo with conservation research, education, and premium animal experiences. Comparable scope of programs and accreditation, but funded through federal appropriations rather than self-generated revenue.
• Bronx Zoo (WCS): One of the largest zoos in the US operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Operates as part of a broader conservation enterprise with comparable membership, education, and conservation programs.

Regional players

• Brookfield Zoo (Chicago Zoological Society): Major non-profit zoo in the Chicago metro with similar animal encounter, education, and event offerings. Competes for the same Midwest family and school-group demand.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IndianapolisZoo
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/IndianapolisZoo
• Facebookfacebook.com/IndianapolisZoo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/indianapoliszoo
• Instagraminstagram.com/indianapoliszoo

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Indianapolis Zoo