Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden

What Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden does

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is a 45-acre nonprofit zoological park in Evansville, Indiana, founded in 1928 as Indiana's First Zoo and approaching its centennial in 2028. The organization operates a permanent collection of approximately 140 animal species across multiple habitat exhibits including Amazonia (a climate-controlled South American rainforest opened in 2008), the African Rift, African Panorama, Asia, Children's Enchanted Forest, Discovery Center, and Kley Memorial Building, supplemented by seasonal rides and animal encounters (giraffe and penguin feedings, carousel, tram, paddleboats) accessed via a token-based pricing system.

The zoo's revenue model combines transactional gate admissions (adults $11, children $10 during summer rates; children under 2 free), annual membership subscriptions including a subsidized Community Membership Program, on-site food service (Rainforest Grill) and gift shop sales, private venue rentals (birthdays, weddings, corporate events, picnics), and structured educational programming for schools, scouts, day camps, and outreach visits. Charitable donations flow through the affiliated Evansville Zoological Society 501(c)(3). A diversified signature events calendar—Wild Summer Lights, Zoo Brew, Boo at the Zoo, Vintage Vines, Orchid Escape, Party for the Planet, Bloomin' Zoo Plant Sale—drives incremental attendance and fundraising, supported by corporate sponsors including Old National Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Heritage Federal Credit Union, Bayer, Meijer, and local media partners.

The technology stack is modest and outsourced: the website is built on Squarespace, ticketing and donations run on Blackbaud, and marketing relies on Google Analytics, Google Ads, remarketing, and Tag Manager. The organization is not venture-backed and operates without disclosed external funding. It participates in multiple Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plans (jaguars, Greater One-Horned rhinos, Puerto Rican crested toads) and conservation partnerships (International Crane Foundation, Denver Zoo, Baton Rouge Zoo, Tulsa Zoo), and is actively pursuing AZA accreditation as a strategic objective. Conservation milestones include the world's first naturally bred captive Eastern hellbender in 2020 and ongoing SSP transfers coordinated across nearly 20 AZA-accredited institutions.

Name

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden

Legal name

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden

Website

https://meskerparkzoo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1928

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is a 45-acre nonprofit zoological park in Evansville, Indiana, founded in 1928, housing approximately 140 species and serving regional families, school groups, and corporate clients through admissions, memberships, events, and educational programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Zoological Park and Botanic Garden Services

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Parks, Gardens & Botanical Attractions (THAJACAH), Educational & Edutainment Parks (Science/Discovery/Children’s Parks) (THAJAEAG)

Keywords

• Zoological park operations
• Wildlife conservation programs
• Environmental education services
• Botanic garden exhibits
• Animal encounter experiences

Headquarters

HQ city

Evansville

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, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. General Admission Tickets: Paid gate admissions for adults ($11) and children ages 3-12 ($10), with children 2 and under admitted free. Zoo open 365 days per year, 9am–4pm. Revenue collected via on-site sales and online ticketing platform.
2. Memberships: Zoo membership program offering free regular admission, discounted event tickets, and other member benefits. Sold directly via website. Community Membership Program also available.
3. On-site Food & Retail: Rainforest Grill food service (9am–4pm) and gift shop (9am–5pm) operating on zoo grounds generate ancillary revenue from visitors.
4. Special Events & Private Rentals: Revenue from paid special events including Zoo Brew (21+ adult event with tastings, excursions), Wild Summer Lights (lantern event, ticketed), Boo at the Zoo (family Halloween event), Vintage Vines (black-tie gala with table/ticket sales), corporate event rentals, birthday party packages, and weddings.
5. Donations: Charitable donations from individuals and organizations supporting zoo operations and conservation efforts. Donation requests from nonprofits are also facilitated. Zoo Brew proceeds support the Evansville Zoological Society 501(c)(3).
6. Educational Programs & Group Reservations: Revenue from structured educational experiences for school groups, scout programs, day camps, outreach programs, and family programs. Group reservations and youth program bookings generate fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden operates a 45-acre zoological park housing approximately 140 animal species across themed exhibits (Amazonia, African Rift, African Panorama, Asia, Children's Enchanted Forest, Discovery Center). The core offering is on-site visitor access through paid general admission and annual memberships, supplemented by signature ticketed events (Wild Summer Lights, Zoo Brew, Boo at the Zoo, Vintage Vines), animal encounters, rides, private venue rentals, and structured educational programs for schools and youth groups.

Product overview

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is a 45-acre zoological park in Evansville, Indiana, founded in 1928, housing approximately 140 species. The organization operates on a multi-revenue model combining admission-based access with membership subscriptions, private event rentals, and charitable donations. Core visitor experiences include self-guided zoo exploration with permanent habitat exhibits (Amazonia rainforest, African Rift, African Panorama, Asia, Children's Enchanted Forest, Discovery Center, North America, South America), animal encounters and rides (giraffe feeding, penguin feeding, carousel, tram, paddleboats), and educational programming (day camps, school programs, outreach, volunteer docent/ZooTeen opportunities). The zoo generates additional revenue through private event venue services (birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, picnics) and an annual special events calendar featuring Wild Summer Lights, Zoo Brew, Boo at the Zoo, and Vintage Vines. Conservation initiatives include AZA Species Survival Plan participation for jaguars, Puerto Rican crested toads, Greater One-Horned rhinos, and an Eastern hellbender breeding and release program. The organization is affiliated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is pursuing formal AZA accreditation as a strategic goal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• General Admission Tickets
• Zoo Membership
• Community Membership Program
• Day Camps
• Youth, School and Scout Programs
• Family Programs
• Outreach Programs
• Animal Encounters
• Wild Summer Lights
• Zoo Brew
• Boo at the Zoo (BATZ)
• BATZ Sensory Spooktacular
• Vintage Vines
• Party for the Planet
• Bloomin' Zoo Plant Sale
• Member Appreciation Night
• Birthday Parties
• Weddings at the Zoo
• Corporate Events
• Family-Friendly Picnics
• Gift Shop
• Rainforest Grill
• Zoo Tram
• Engelbrecht Carousel
• Paddleboats
• Eastern Hellbender Conservation Program
• Puerto Rican Crested Toad Conservation
• Whooping Crane Conservation Program

Quantifiable outcome

• First naturally bred captive Eastern hellbender in the world hatched at Mesker Park Zoo in 2020
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Denver ZoocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 October 2024Denver Zoo provided Bandhu, a male Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (GOH), transferred to Mesker Park Zoo in October 2024 as part of the AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP) program. Mesker Park Zoo keepers and a veterinarian traveled to Denver in advance to spend time with Bandhu and his care team, exchanging knowledge to ensure smooth transition. This transfer was recommended by AZA to ensure a sustainable GOH rhino population in AZA-accredited zoos.
• Baton Rouge ZoocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Baton Rouge Zoo is the birthplace of Reba, a young female jaguar (born October 2024) who was transferred to Mesker Park Zoo in June 2026 as part of the AZA Jaguar SSP cooperative population management program. This placement supports genetic diversity and conservation of near-threatened jaguars.
• Tulsa ZoominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTulsa Zoo had a rhino transport crate available in the required timeline, which was loaned to Mesker Park Zoo for Bandhu the rhino's relocation from Denver Zoo to Evansville. This enabled the zoo to avoid building a custom crate and facilitated the rhino's transfer.
• MedVet CincinnatiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedVet Cincinnati provided veterinary oncology expertise for Beliza the jaguar's cancer treatment. A veterinary oncologist advised on treatment options including oral medication, which has successfully kept Beliza's tumors from growing since her diagnosis in 2019.
• International Crane FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational Crane Foundation is a key conservation partner contributing guest-authored content on Whooping Crane conservation for the zoo's blog. The foundation leads the Eastern Migratory Population Whooping Crane conservation program and works with zoos to support crane recovery efforts. Indiana wetlands serve as critical migration habitat for this population.
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAZA is the primary accrediting and cooperative management body for the zoo. Mesker Park Zoo participates in multiple AZA Species Survival Plans (SSPs) including for jaguars, Greater One-Horned Rhinos, and Puerto Rican crested toads (the first-ever SSP for amphibians, established 1984). AZA institutions across the country collaborate on endangered species breeding and reintroduction programs.
• Heritage Federal Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHeritage Federal Credit Union is the presenting sponsor of Zoo Brew 2026, contributing to the adult fundraising event. They were recognized at the event alongside other partners and vendors.
• Old National BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOld National Bank is the presenting sponsor of Boo at the Zoo (BATZ), the zoo's annual Halloween family event. The bank is recognized as a key supporter of this signature event.
• Fifth Third BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFifth Third Bank co-hosts the Vintage Vines black-tie gala at the zoo, a 7th annual fundraising event featuring gourmet dinner, wine, and live auction. Proceeds support the zoo's mission and conservation efforts.
• 14 NewsminorGTM or Marketing Partner14 News is a local media partner supporting Zoo Brew and provides the Penguin Cam, a live camera feed of the penguin habitat allowing online visitor engagement with the penguins.
• BayerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBayer is listed as a sponsor of Boo at the Zoo 2026, contributing to the zoo's largest Halloween family event.
• MeijerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMeijer is listed as a sponsor of Boo at the Zoo 2026.
• WIKY (Radio Station)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerWIKY is listed as a sponsor of Boo at the Zoo 2026, providing local radio marketing support for the event.
• YMCAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYMCA is listed as a sponsor of Boo at the Zoo 2026, supporting the family Halloween event.
• WorldArtsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWorldArts is listed as a sponsor of Boo at the Zoo 2026.
• Greater Evansville Orchid SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Greater Evansville Orchid Society collaborates with zoo staff on the annual Orchid Escape botanical show, contributing expertise and orchid specimens for the event held in Amazonia each February–March.
• Local Master GardenersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Master Gardeners partner with zoo horticulture staff to prepare Amazonia and plants for the annual Orchid Escape show, contributing to the setup and design of one of the most unique flower demonstrations in the region.
• Leisure Distributors - Big Green EggminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBig Green Egg by Leisure Distributors partnered with Zoo Brew 2026 for cooking demonstrations during the event and is listed as a partner supporting the event.
• Townsquare MediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTownsquare Media is listed as a partner of Zoo Brew 2026, providing media promotion for the adult fundraising event.
• Indiana Donor NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndiana Donor Network is listed as a partner of Zoo Brew 2026, supporting the fundraising event.
• Equipment DepotminorOthersEquipment Depot assisted in moving the 10,000-pound crate and rhino (Bandhu) from the trailer bed to the offload site upon arrival at the zoo in October 2024.
• Evansville Zoological SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Evansville Zoological Society is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the zoo's mission, conservation efforts, and educational programming. Zoo Brew proceeds directly support the Society's mission. The Society organizes fundraising events and donor engagement for the zoo.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: Municipal zoo and botanical garden in St. Paul, Minnesota with comparable 45-acre-style footprint, free or low-cost admission, volunteer-driven operations, and combination of animal and plant collections. Most analogous in funding structure and scale.
• Indianapolis Zoo: Indiana's flagship accredited zoo and aquarium, operating conservation programs and signature events in the same state. Most logical state-level peer given shared geography and audience overlap.
• Blank Park Zoo: Mid-sized accredited zoo in Des Moines, Iowa with comparable mission, scale, and educational programming focus. Directly comparable in regional zoo positioning and visitor profile.
• Miller Park Zoo: Smaller municipal zoo in Bloomington, Illinois with similar Midwest regional positioning, modest size, and focus on education and family programming. Comparable as a small-city zoo operating with limited staff.
• Scovill Zoo: Mid-sized municipal zoo in Decatur, Illinois operating with similar modest scale, education focus, and Midwest regional zoo profile. Comparable in operating size and programming mix.
• Reid Park Zoo: Municipal zoo in Tucson, Arizona of similar modest scale with focus on education, conservation, and family programming. Comparable as a mid-size regional zoo with similar operating model.
• Louisville Zoo: AZA-accredited regional zoo in Louisville, Kentucky serving a comparable Midwest metro market with similar size, family-focused programming, and educational mission. Most directly comparable in scope and visitor base.
• Nashville Zoo at Grassmere: Mid-size AZA-accredited zoo serving a regional market with similar mix of permanent exhibits, special events, education programs, and conservation initiatives. Comparable scale and operating model.

Broad incumbents

• St. Louis Zoo: Free-admission, municipally supported AZA-accredited zoo with strong conservation, education, and event programming. Comparable Midwestern regional zoo with similar mission scope though very different funding model.
• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: Larger and more nationally prominent AZA-accredited zoo in the same tri-state region with botanical garden component, SSP participation, and event programming. Direct regional competitor for visitor attention and donor dollars, though significantly larger in scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/meskerparkzoo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/meskerparkzoo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden