Potawatomi zoo Reviews

We love this zoo and we think the ticket price is fair. I could not even begin to imagine the extensive operational budget which they endure. Just doing the quick math --- payroll, animal care and their food, upkeep of buildings and grounds --- it must be astronomical. Still, they keep the pricing reasonable and affordable. The reason why I did not give it a five star is because of two things: First, despite the fact that the zoo does not close until 5:00, the little walk up restaurant closed at 3:30 and the gift shop closed at 4:30. This greatly dissappointed our granddaughter. I would think that if the zoo is open until 5:00, all areas should remain open until then. We do pay an admittence fee so parts of it shouldn't shut down early. We got lucky with the merry-go-round. It was also shutting down early at 4:40 but the lady running it was nice enough to still allow our granddaughter to have the last ride of the day. All in all, it's a great little zoo but it just needs to serve it's customers a little better ----everything should remain open until closing time.

It was nice to have a place to go and see some lights, feed some animals and just get out. Everyone was wearing their mask, even outdoors, so we felt comfortable being there. If you read this review in the context of 2020, that last sentence will make much more sense!

One of the best zoo I have ever been to! The day i went I was so lucky that I was one of the few people that visited that day (as there was rain forecast, there weren't much crowd). I was so lucky to enjoy the park at peace. It was so peaceful and calm. I loved the Tiger enclosure and there were 4 Tigers which I didnt expect. The Kangaroo enclosure was so cool! This park did give me a memorable experience and hope it does for everyone else too!

Rainy day. Cheerful staff. Need more shelters for just in case of rain with babies.

Selection of animals is fair but understandable for small city. Nice zoo. Had a good time.

Enjoyed the day, not enough restrooms and resting benches.

Sad we can't feed the animals what allowed but still a fun time!

This zoo may be smaller than bigger more contemporary zoos in the state but the wildlife was more varied and had a lot more charm. Our family really enjoyed our afternoon visit.

Great little zoo with lots of happy animals and family fun. Would have been better if train was running. Also Otter Bar and Round Barn were closed. Lot of renovation happening so I'm sure next year will be better. Kids enjoyed the day.

I took my grandson to see what the animails were up to. There were animails that i never seen before and one bird that i would like to know what kind it is.
The zoo was packed but we had no troublle.

I guess its sufficient for the area. Of your from a bigger city you may get my experience...I felt so sorry for the amount of animals in such a small confined space. They try but even the oxen has escaped in the alley..

Absolutely the best day!!!! I can't wait for the construction to be done.

Company picnic at the zoo. Clean attractions. Kids loved it.

The zoo is beautiful, staff pretty friendly, but those animals need more space

The Zoo is well kept, slightly raining days or very cloudy are the best days to view the animals, who are more active under those conditions. The Zoo is continuing to upgrade the habitats and experience.

I wasn't expecting lions and zebras and snow leopards (and ostriches and kangaroos) in South Bend in November, just blocks from the neighborhood high school... but Potawatomi Zoo exceeded all expectations.

Great learning resources for children. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and is a great place for a picnic while visiting the zoo.

Not much to it. And the free wheelchairs aren't really wheelchairs, but are adult sized strollers, with broken wheels to boot.

Wonderful place for families or just for some "me" time. Staff is amazing!! The city's jem here!!

Lots of construction and no monkeys to see but a great cheap place!

We went for the first time a few weeks back. It's definitely smaller than some of the others in this area, but that was actually a bonus for the hot day we went. There's a nice playground and splash pad by it, so plan for that for some added fun! And on Monday there's a $$ discount

We have a family pass, and come here at least once a week.

Really glad we have this. Good zoo considering our population size.

I have know Idea of how fabous this zoo is but the price is great. What sold me is the park and play area. I love it my husband and I walk our dogs here wonderful environment, for all.

Went there with my ex one year.. Was ok.. Kinda a bad day to judge the zoo

I have been going to this zoo for 50 years. One of my favorite places on earth

Nice clean zoo, the people don't act like they care about their jobs, aren't friendly

Great zoo when you want a great afternoon adventure with the kids. Admission prices are reasonable, the zoo is clean, plenty of shade on hot days, and the kids love it!

Had a great time, only downside was the construction

Great zoo that s being fixed up to become even better.

Great clean park, friendly staff, updated exhibits. Great for a partial day activity.

The zoo is a small Zoo but very nice and well kept.

Great zoo! Affordable. Smaller, only takes a couple hours to go through. My kids absolutely loved it. Highly recommend.

Small zoo great for young kids. I like that I walk through it in a couple hours with my 2 and 4 year old.

Its was a nice small zoo prices werent all that high either

It was a nice zoo. A little on the smaller side but still it was enjoyable. The train was a little sad but otherwise it was a good time.

It's really great we have a local zoo and they have such a variety of animals. I feel concerned by the stress behaviours I saw in the red panda and some of the birds. Relatively big snakes are being kept in very small terrariums. And the chimps nap in an area surrounded by glass. The signs on the glass do not prevent human visitors from beating on the glass all day and disturbing them. Many animals need somewhere they can go to escape constant human nuisance behaviour.

Still under alot of construction very messy and dangerous for kids

It isn't an enormous zoo, just the right size to visit. Nice gift shop.

Half the animals aren't even out... Way too expensive...

We go every weekend, no matter the weather. The four young tiger sisters are endless fun. Especially nice is the early entrance on sat/sun during the summer for members

It's a nice small zoo with lots of shade. Continue to make more improvements to the zoo for the animals comfort:)

Very nice zoo for its size. Will definitely return in the future.

My favorite zoo for kids, lots of awesome animals, not too large or crowded

The zoo is constantly coming up with something new to make it more appealing. I've had a membership for a number of years now, and I'm always happy to go back. On nice days, sometimes I just go to walk for exercise and end up seeing something that makes my heart happy. :)

My husband loves the Zoo Brew, and the zoo is planning on an expansion/update soon, for which I am pretty excited!

I also appreciate the conservation efforts they do. Three Amur leopard cubs, which are very rare, were born this summer!

Great small zoo. Perfect for younger children and those of us who are out of shape.

It was cold so all of the animals weren't out but we enjoyed the zoo very much. We were pretty much 2 of a handful of people there that day.

Small zoo, but a fun laid back place w friendly staff!

It's beyond expectations though some exhibits are closed due to maintenance

Absolutely a fantastic zoo. Smaller but very clean and you can get pretty close to most animals.

Good selection of animals for a small zoo. Friendly staff!