Miller Park Zoo is located on 1020 S. Morris Ave. in Bloomington, Illinois. Miller Park Zoo offers many activities and exhibits for people of all ages. Some of the highlights include: sun bears, reindeer, Sumatran tiger, sea lions, river otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoise, bald eagles, Pallas cats, Amur leopard, gibbons, and red wolves. The Zoo features many large indoor and outdoor exhibits such as a Tropical America Rainforest, ZooLab, Katthoefer Animal Building, Wallaby WalkAbout, Children's Zoo, and Animals of Asia. The Miller Park Zoo is a great place for children and adults alike.
http://www.cityblm.org/parks/Miller-Park-Zoo/about-the-zoo.htm
History
The zoo began when a lion cub from the circus found itself on a farm in 1900. The lion was name ''Big Jim'' and was transported to Bloomington and was raised there until it eventually died in 1912. After the death of Big Jim, the Koetthoefer Animal Building was developed for construction in 1913 and eventually was opened to the public in 1914. The zoo later saw its first true expansion with the addition of a Woodland Wing in 1960. At some point the wing once held two sea lions. The mid- 1970's had the Woodland Wing become the Tropical Rainforest Exhibit. These changes allowed sea lion/otter pools to be constructed. The zoo's sized more than doubled with the opening of many exhibits and attractions from 1992- 2004.
Hours
It is open everyday (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Directions
Going south on Veteran's Parkway, take the Main Street exit and turn right onto Main Street. Turn left onto Wood Street. Remain on Wood Street for several blocks. Miller Park will be on the left
Admissions
Admission Rates: Youth (ages 3-12) $3.50, Adult (ages 13-59) $5.00, Senior Citizens (ages 60 and up) $3.50, Children (under 3) FREE
Feeding Times (Free with admission)
Sea Lions and River Otters ~ 10:30 am & 3:00 pm Tiger, Leopard, Gibbons and Bears ~ 4:00 pm Budgie Bird feeding ~ 11:00 am & 3:30 pm ($2.00 fee)
One of the most popular exhibits is the feeding of the Budgie Birds. Budgie birds (Budgerigar birds) are also known as the common pet parakeet. For a low $2 fee, guests receive a cup of bird seed, go into a room with lots of the Budgie birds and they will fly up onto your arm, shoulder and almost anywhere else they can land and eat the seed.
Programs and Classes
Volunteering Opportunities
http://www.cityblm.org/parks/Miller-Park-Zoo/volunteer-opportunities.htm
