Fort Wayne Zoo – A Premier Wildlife Destination in Northeast Indiana


Location & Regional Setting

The Fort Wayne Zoo is located at 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46808.

Fort Wayne is the second-largest city in Indiana and a regional hub in the northeastern part of the state.

The zoo sits within Franke Park and is easily accessible from surrounding communities such as New Haven, Auburn, Grabill, Huntertown, and the southwestern neighborhoods of Fort Wayne.


The city itself is also home to many cultural and natural attractions, including the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Science Central, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, and the History Center in Old City Hall.


Brief History & Evolution

The zoo’s beginnings go back to 1952, when 54 acres were added to Franke Park as a nature preserve.


By 1962, growing public interest led to the idea of creating a formal zoo. On July 3, 1965, the facility opened (originally as the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo) on 5.5 acres with 18 exhibits.


Over time, the zoo expanded with major additions including:

• the African Veldt (savanna landscape)

• the Australian Adventure exhibits

• the Indonesian Rainforest dome in 1994 and Orangutan Valley in 1995

• Tiger Forest in 1996

• The African Journey expansion in 2009


In 2025, the zoo officially rebranded from the “Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo” to simply the Fort Wayne Zoo.


Today, the zoo spans around 40 developed acres, is home to approximately 1,000 animals representing 200 species, and is operated by the Fort Wayne Zoological Society in cooperation with the city’s Parks & Recreation Department.


Uniquely, the zoo does not rely on tax funding for its daily operations but depends on admissions, memberships, and donations.


What to See & Do:

Visitors can enjoy themed zones and immersive exhibits, such as:


  • African Journey: Featuring giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, and lions, plus giraffe feeding experiences.


  • Central Zoo: Includes macaws, river otters, alligators, sloths, lemurs, and the Indiana Family Farm petting area.


  • Asian Trek: Showcases orangutans, tigers, clouded leopards, red pandas, reptiles, and birds in rainforest-inspired settings.


  • Coastal Cove: Highlights marine mammals like California sea lions and harbor seals.


  • Rides and attractions include the Z.O. & O. Railroad, Endangered Species Carousel, and animal feeding areas.


The zoo also supports more than 30 global conservation projects and participates in Species Survival Plan breeding programs.


Nearby Areas & Travel Context:

Franke Park: The zoo is set within this major green space on Fort Wayne’s northwest side.


Neighborhoods: Accessible from both southwestern and northwestern Fort Wayne.


Regional Access: The city’s central location makes the zoo an attractive destination for visitors from across northeastern Indiana.


Transportation: Conveniently located within the city and reachable by car or public routes.


Driving Directions:

From: Fort Wayne Zoo  3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

To: Tree Service Pro LLC   3421 Hoagland Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46807


  • Head south on Sherman Blvd toward E State Blvd.


  • Turn left onto E State Blvd.


  • Continue onto Coliseum Blvd E.


  • Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto N Anthony Blvd.


  • Continue on N Anthony Blvd, then turn right onto Hoagland Ave.


  • Follow Hoagland Ave to reach 3421 Hoagland Ave.


  • Always confirm with a GPS or maps app for real-time navigation.


Why Visit & How the Zoo Adds Value

The Fort Wayne Zoo is more than just a family attraction — it is a living classroom and a hub for wildlife conservation. From immersive habitats to educational experiences, it inspires both learning and fun for visitors of all ages. As one of the city’s top destinations, it draws guests from Fort Wayne and the surrounding towns, providing a meaningful connection to the natural world.


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