Columbian Park Zoo

Specialties

Columbian Park Zoo is home to over 190 animals representing nearly 90 different species. The zoo offers a variety of education programs throughout the year, inspiring an appreciation for the world’s wildlife.

Columbian Park Zoo is located in beautiful Columbian Park in Lafayette, Indiana. Admission to the zoo is free, but donations are accepted at the main gate.

History

Established in 1908.

Columbian Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Indiana dating back to 1908. The original animals housed at the zoo included foxes, skunks, pelicans, deer, lynx, prairie dogs, and a wolf.

In 1928, the main Animal House was constructed, which is still standing today. One of the first inhabitants of the Animal House was «Linco» the elephant, who was purchased from the Hagenbeck-​Wallace Circus in Peru, Indiana.

In 1976, Friends of Columbian Park Zoo was formed to advocate support and raise money for the zoo. This not-​for-​profit organization has been involved in countless projects over the years and put on many successful events each year including Zoo Run Run and Boo at the Zoo.

In the late 1990’s the City of Lafayette revealed a grand Master Plan for a new and improved Columbian Park Zoo. The zoo made history in 2004 by closing the zoo to the public and the beginning renovations to implement Phase I of the Master Plan.

Columbian Park Zoo reopened to the public on June 30, 2007.