Fort Wayne Zoo

Summer mode activated at the Fort Wayne Zoo ☀️ Late night vibes are back at the Zoo with Fun Fridays! Happening every Friday now through August 28, explore the Fort Wayne Zoo from 4-7pm for just $15. Each Fun Friday will feature a variety of special Keeper Chats to learn about some of your favorite animals.

Plan your adventure today at FWZoo.com!

The Fort Wayne Zoo is closed today, June 11, as we prepare for our annual Zoofari fundraising event! We will reopen for normal operation at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow - Friday, June 12.

Over the weekend, Mila’s animal care team noticed some swelling in her joints. Out of an abundance of caution, and in partnership with the AZA-accredited facility she is scheduled to move to, the decision was made to temporarily pause her transport plans to ensure she remains comfortable and well throughout this next step.

For now, Mila continues to be closely monitored by both her dedicated Animal Care Team and the Zoo’s Veterinary Team, who are working together to support her continued growth and well-being.

“As Mila grows, we’ve observed some intermittent swelling in her joints,” said Dr. Kami Alvarado, Director of Animal Health and Conservation at the Fort Wayne Zoo. “She is active, playful, and showing no signs of pain or lameness - just as we would hope to see in a young giraffe. However, we want to be certain that she is fully ready for the journey ahead. We’ll continue her training so she can comfortably participate in additional diagnostics, like radiographs, allowing us to assess her health on her terms and ensure she’s ready for a smooth transition to her new home when the time comes.”

Join us for Military Appreciation Weekend at the Fort Wayne Zoo on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14! To honor those who have served our country, the Fort Wayne Zoo will be offering free admission to active and retired military personnel, with the first three guests accompanying military members receiving free admission. Be ready to show your Military ID or proof of service at the front gate.

On Sunday, June 14, the Zoo will open early at 8:40 a.m. with a Military Appreciation Ceremony at 8:50 a.m. just inside the main entrance. The event will begin with a warm welcome from Zoo Director and CEO Rick Schuiteman, followed by a flag presentation by the National Guard Honor Guard, the Fort Wayne Police Honor Guard and a few of our local veterans from the VFW Post 857, as well as the heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem performed by Amelia Clark and Molly Resner.

The Fort Wayne Zoo also offers a military discount when renewing or purchasing a new membership, all you need to do is present a valid military ID at our Guest Services Building to receive $20 off your membership.

Thank you to Coca-Cola for supporting the Fort Wayne Zoo Membership military discount.

Late nights at the Fort Wayne Zoo ARE BACK with Fun Fridays! Happening on Fridays starting June 12 through August 28, enjoy extended admission hours from 4-7 p.m. with discounted admission of $15. Plan your adventure today at FWZoo.com!

The first Sunday of every month through October 4, 2026, at the Fort Wayne Zoo are Sensory-Friendly Sundays. These days are designed to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment while supporting guests who may benefit from a less stimulating environment.

On these designated Sundays, the Zoo will offer a modified atmosphere, including no music, reduced noise levels on rides, dimmer lights, and more. These accommodations will extend into our Glo Wild event on May 3, when guests will be able to experience the magic of the lantern festival in a calmer environment with reduced lantern movement, elimination of flashing lights wherever possible, and no music.

Knowing that sensory needs vary from guest to guest, while the Zoo has made thoughtful adjustments to create a more sensory-friendly environment, we recognize that individual triggers, including smells, may still be present. Guests with questions or specific needs are encouraged to visit fwzoo.com/accessibility or contact our team at 260-427-6800 or [email protected] to discuss their needs.

Cheers to our Run Wild sponsors for supporting this run-derful event. To everyone who ran, walked, and strolled the Fort Wayne Zoo, you made this event truly wild!

After spending the first 21 months of her life at the Fort Wayne Zoo, Mila will move to another facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) on Friday, June 12, as recommended by the AZA Reticulated Giraffe Species Survival Plan. Because of their towering height and large size, giraffes are typically transported as juveniles to provide the safest journey possible for people and animals alike. This move is a great representation of two facilities working together to protect an endangered species and provide excellent care.

Mila's last day on habitat will be Wednesday, June 10, so be sure to visit the Zoo to wish her farewell. Alongside all of you, we are excited to see Mila continue to grow and flourish!