Where to see captive animals in the USA

TinoPup said:
GEORGIA

Zoos, Aquariums, Safaris, large Nature Centers, etc:
  • Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail / Zoo, Athens – Zoo – Rescued, unreleasable native species, including bear.
  • Chehaw Park & Zoo, Albany – Zoo – AZAptm – Former AZA zoo working to rejoin.
  • Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo, Dahlonega – Zoo – You can go *into* the tiger exhibit and feed them.
  • Flint RiverQuarium, Albany – Aquarium – AZAptm – Alligators, aviary. KultureCity.
  • Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta – Aquarium – AZA, WAZA, AMMPA, IMATA – Whale shark, multiple marine mammals. Smithsonian Affiliate. KultureCity.
  • Georgia Safari Conservation Park, Madison – Safari – Opening autumn 2023.
  • Haven Zoo, Lavonia – Rescue – Tours – Domestics, primates, serval.
  • Highland Hills Farm Adventure, Rutledge - ?? – Very little info on. Domestics, scimitar, tapir.
  • Iron P Homestead Zoo, Hogansville – Zoo.
  • Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari, Hartwell – Safari – Opened 2021.
  • Museum of Arts & Sciences, Macon – Museum – Lemurs, bats, herps, birds, fish. 70+ species.
  • Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, Locust Grove – Rescue.
  • North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park, Cleveland – Safari – Lots of meet and greet add ons, swim with otters and gators, etc. Formerly North Georgia Zoo & Farm, formerly Wildlife Wonders.
  • Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah – NC – Cougar, wolves, deer, herps, BOP, etc. Native species.
  • Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross – NC? – Bears, herps, etc. Train, swamp tours.
  • Pettit Creek Farms, Cartersville – Farm Park – Giraffe, zebras, mara, domestics. Tours.
  • Sam’s Path Petting Zoo, Hartwell – Traveling? – Monkeys, nilgai, zebra.
  • SeaQuest Stonecrest, Stonecrest – Aquarium, Petting Zoo – Stonecrest Mall. Sloth, porcupine, wallaby, otter, armadillo, etc.
  • Tidelands Nature Center, Jekyll Island – NC – Herps including alligators, aquarium.
  • Tiger Stripes, Quitman – Rescue – Tours – “Rescue”. Large carnivores, primates.
  • Tybee Island Marine Science Center, Tybee Island – Aquarium – Nearly done building much larger facility.
  • UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium, Savannah – Aquarium – 16 exhibits of native species, including alligator.
  • Wild Adventures, Valdosta – Theme Park, Zoo – Roller coasters, water park with zoo. Bears, lion and tiger, antelope, caracal, rhino, etc.
  • Wild Animal Safari, Pine Mountain – Safari – Drive yourself, ride on a bus, or rent a van. Absurd park policies. Sister park to Wild Animal Safari MO, Wild Animal Safari TX.
  • Wild Georgia Safari Park, Metter – Safari – Safari is on converted school bus.
  • Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, Lilburn – Zoo – Mostly native species.
  • Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta – Zoo – AZA, WAZA – Small train ride in kids zoo. KultureCity.

Smaller Nature Centers and places with a limited amount of species:
  • AWARE Wildlife Center, Stonecrest – Rescue – Tours – Rescue and rehab with ambassadors.
  • Center for Wildlife Education, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro – NC - BOP, herps, small mammals, etc. Also have The Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center.
  • Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery, Suches – Hatchery – USFWS – Brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, bog turtle. Appalachian trail.
  • Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell – NC – AAM – Live animals.
  • Dauset Trails Nature Center, Jackson – NC – Herps, domestics, groundhog.
  • Elachee Nature Science Center, Gainesville – NC – 25 native herp species, an owl.
  • Feathered Friends Forever, Harlem – Birds – Also Birds on the Brink Science Center.
  • Fernbank Museum, Atlanta – NH Museum – AAM – Live animals, including alligators.
  • Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island – Rehab – Open daily.
  • Go Fish Education Center, Perry – Aquarium, Hatchery – Education center about fishing, watersheds and rivers, live fish exhibits, etc. 200,000 gallon outdoor aquarium with 50+ native fish and herp species.
  • Grand Bay Wetland Education Center, Valdosta – NC – Native species.
  • Hand Me Down Zoo, Winder – Zoo – Had a bad fire early 2022, currently closed but rebuilding.
  • Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, Columbus – NC – Lots of native and exotic herps, some fish. Columbus State University.
  • Project Chimps, Morganton – Primate – Tours – GFAS – Various tours, including through airbnb. Have hiking trails where you can hear, but not see, the chimps, as well.
  • Rome-Floyd County ECO River Education Center, Rome – NC – Herps.
  • St. Catherine’s Island Foundation, Midway – Primate – Private.
  • Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery, Warm Springs – Hatchery – USFWS – Smallmouth bass, sicklefin redhorse, lake sturgeon, alligator gar, gulf coast striped bass, gopher tortoise, gopher frog, multiple freshwater mussel species.
Better places to see domestics:
  • Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center, Johns Creek – NC - Native and exotic herps, goats, domestic rabbits and ducks. Farm museum, heritage village.
  • Goats on the Roof, Tiger – Petting Zoo – Store with food trucks, lots of goats, a few kid rides.
  • Rock Ranch, The Rock – Farm Park – Lots of rides. Domestics.
  • Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain – Petting Zoo – Domestics.
Natural History Museums and other notable facilities without animals:
  • Georgia Museum of Natural History, Athens – NH Museum – University of Georgia.
  • Phinizy Center for Water Sciences, Augusta – NC – Not sure if they have live animals?

State Fish Hatcheries: hatcheries | Department Of Natural Resources Division
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Reynolds Nature Preserve and Bear Creek Nature Center near Atlanta.
 
IDAHO

Zoos, Aquariums, Safaris, large Nature Centers, etc:
  • Aquarium of Boise, Boise – Aquarium – Sharks and rays, a few herps, lorikeets.
  • Babby Farms, Caldwell – Petting Zoo – Seasonal – Non-profit. Mission is to give people with disabilities the change to interact with animals. Hand raise. Primates, otters, etc.
  • Big Red’s Barn Indoor Animal Experience & Education, Coeur d’Alene – Farm Park – ASCO, wallaby, sloth, domestics.
  • Earthfire Institute, Tetonia – Rescue – Tours – Very limited tours. Rescue canids, bears, pumas, natives.
  • East Idaho Aquarium, Idaho Falls – Aquarium, Petting Zoo – Small, mall-type aquarium with a few herps, budgie room, porcupines to pet.
  • Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, Idhao Falls – Zoo – AZA.
  • Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey, Boise – Birds – Museums For All.
  • Yellowstone Bear World, Rexburg – Safari – Seasonal – Bottle feed cubs. Have several rides for children – train, roller coaster, etc.
  • Zoo Boise, Boise – Zoo – AZA – Seasonal boat tours to see patas monkeys and vultures.
  • Zoo Idaho, Pocatello – Zoo – Native species.

Smaller Nature Centers and places with a limited amount of species:
  • Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, Orofino – Hatcher – USFWS – Steelhead trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon.
  • Hagerman National Fish Hatchery, Hagerman – Hatchery – Idaho Department of Fish and Game – Took over from USFWS in 2018. Steelhead trout, rainbow trout.
  • Kooskia National Fish Hatchery, Kooskia – Hatchery – USFWS – Chinook salmon, coho salmon.
  • MK Nature Center, Idaho Fish & Game, Boise – NC – Dioramas, a few ambassadors, glass windows to view into stream. AKA Morrison Knudsen Nature Center.

Better places to see domestics:
  • Cloverdale Reindeer, Cloverdale Funeral Home & Cemetery, Boise – Ungulate – Funeral home & cemetery that keeps a herd of reindeer.
  • McKee’s Feed Garden & Pet Center, Pocatello – Petting Zoo – Store with petting zoo. Mostly domestics, occasionally rescue a zebra or deer.
Natural History Museums and other notable facilities without animals:
  • Idaho Museum of Natural History, Pocatello – NH Museum – Small museum associated with Idaho State University.
  • Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History, Caldwell – NH Museum – College of Idaho.

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TinoPup said:
IDAHO

Zoos, Aquariums, Safaris, large Nature Centers, etc:
  • Aquarium of Boise, Boise – Aquarium – Sharks and rays, a few herps, lorikeets.
  • Babby Farms, Caldwell – Petting Zoo – Seasonal – Non-profit. Mission is to give people with disabilities the change to interact with animals. Hand raise. Primates, otters, etc.
  • Big Red’s Barn Indoor Animal Experience & Education, Coeur d’Alene – Farm Park – ASCO, wallaby, sloth, domestics.
  • Earthfire Institute, Tetonia – Rescue – Tours – Very limited tours. Rescue canids, bears, pumas, natives.
  • East Idaho Aquarium, Idaho Falls – Aquarium, Petting Zoo – Small, mall-type aquarium with a few herps, budgie room, porcupines to pet.
  • Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, Idhao Falls – Zoo – AZA.
  • Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey, Boise – Birds – Museums For All.
  • Yellowstone Bear World, Rexburg – Safari – Seasonal – Bottle feed cubs. Have several rides for children – train, roller coaster, etc.
  • Zoo Boise, Boise – Zoo – AZA – Seasonal boat tours to see patas monkeys and vultures.
  • Zoo Idaho, Pocatello – Zoo – Native species.

Smaller Nature Centers and places with a limited amount of species:
  • Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, Orofino – Hatcher – USFWS – Steelhead trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon.
  • Hagerman National Fish Hatchery, Hagerman – Hatchery – Idaho Department of Fish and Game – Took over from USFWS in 2018. Steelhead trout, rainbow trout.
  • Kooskia National Fish Hatchery, Kooskia – Hatchery – USFWS – Chinook salmon, coho salmon.
  • MK Nature Center, Idaho Fish & Game, Boise – NC – Dioramas, a few ambassadors, glass windows to view into stream. AKA Morrison Knudsen Nature Center.

Better places to see domestics:
  • Cloverdale Reindeer, Cloverdale Funeral Home & Cemetery, Boise – Ungulate – Funeral home & cemetery that keeps a herd of reindeer.
  • McKee’s Feed Garden & Pet Center, Pocatello – Petting Zoo – Store with petting zoo. Mostly domestics, occasionally rescue a zebra or deer.
Natural History Museums and other notable facilities without animals:
  • Idaho Museum of Natural History, Pocatello – NH Museum – Small museum associated with Idaho State University.
  • Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History, Caldwell – NH Museum – College of Idaho.

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Would Twin Falls Zoo in Twin Falls, ID make the list? They are opening in December.
Twin Falls Zoological Center top Zoo in Twin Falls, Idaho

It's pretty interesting seeing a low-population state like Idaho with quite a number of zoos. Of course I can't speak of the quality of these places, but still.
 
Last edited:
SusScrofa said:
Would Twin Falls Zoo in Twin Falls, ID make the list? They are opening in December.
Twin Falls Zoological Center top Zoo in Twin Falls, Idaho

It's pretty interesting seeing a low-population state like Idaho with quite a number of zoos. Of course I can't speak of the quality of these places, but still.
Click to expand...

They will, I hadn't looked in a few months and they hadn't opened anything last time I looked, they were still a traveling place.
 
ILLINOIS

Zoos, Aquariums, Safaris, large Nature Centers, etc:
  • Aikman Wildlife Adventure, Arcola – Safari – Drive yourself or ride wagon, UTV off-road vehicle. Museum of Prehistoric Life.
  • Brookfield Zoo / Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield – Zoo – AZA, WAZA, AMMPA, IMATA.
  • Browns Oakridge Zoo, Smithfield – CLOSED.
  • Cosley Zoo, Wheaton – Zoo – AZA – KultureCity.
  • Goebbert’s Farm, Pingree Grove – Farm Park – Owned by Timbavati/Shamba owners. Animals like giraffes, zebras are seasonally brought to property. Petting Zoo.
  • Henson Robinson Zoo, Springfield – Zoo – Train.
  • Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago – Zoo – AZA, WAZA, AAM – Very small train ride. Museums For All. KultureCity.
  • Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington – Zoo – AZA – KultureCity.
  • Niabi Zoo, Coal Valley – Zoo – Seasonal – ZAA – Train goes around much of the zoo.
  • Peoria Zoo, Peoria – Zoo – AZA – KultureCity.
  • Phillips Park Zoo, Aurora – Zoo – Small town zoo with native species.
  • Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo, Nashville – Petting Zoo – Seasonal – Domestics, kangaroos, deer.
  • Randall Oaks Zoo, West Dundee – Zoo – Seasonal – Mostly domestics, a few native species including bobcat.
  • River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook – NC – Lots of animals.
  • Santa’s Village Azoosment Park, East Dundee – Theme Park, Petting Zoo – Full theme park with reindeer, muntjac, mara, wallabies, etc.
  • Scovill Zoo, Decatur – Zoo – AZA – Train goes around half of the zoo, past cheetah and zebra yards.
  • Shedd Aquarium, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago – Aquarium – AZA, AAM, WAZA, IMATA – Multiple marine mammals. Smithsonian Affiliate. Museums For All.
  • Summerfield Zoo, Belvidere – Zoo – Seasonal – Hyenas, NARO, sloths, etc.
  • Treehouse Wildlife Center, Dow – Rescue, NC – Rescue and rehab with native species. BOP, bobcat, coyote, herps, etc.
  • Walnut Prairie Wildside, West Union – Zoo – Big cats, breeding cusimanse. Big target of ARA. No idea if they’re currently open or not.
  • Wildlife Discovery Center, Lake Forest – NC – Odd nature center that has ~85 species, including Orinoco and morelet’s crocs, komodo, sloth, other exotics and natives. Work with DWA, Gladys Porter. Part of AZA croc advisory group, IUCN croc specialist group.
  • Wildlife Prairie Park, Hanna City – Zoo, Lodge – Train does two loops, doesn’t really pass any animals. Multiple forms of lodging / camping. Native species.
Smaller Nature Centers and places with a limited amount of species:
  • Anita Purves Nature Center, Urbana – NC – Herps, screech owls.
  • Ballard Nature Center, Altamont – NC – A few herps.
  • Big Run Wolf Ranch, Lockport – Carnivore – Events – Open a few days a year.
  • Buffalo Rock State Park, Morris – Ungulate – Bison.
  • Burnham Park, Chicago – NC – Not sure if they have live animals or not?
  • Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford – NH Museum, live animals – Turtles, maybe fish?
  • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Marion – NC – No live animals?
  • Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Mattoon – NC – Live animals.
  • Godley Park District, Godley – Ungulate – Deer, domestics.
  • Homer Lake Interpretive Center, Homer – NC – A few herps.
  • Kennekuk County Park, Danville – NC – Aquarium, exhibits.
  • Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs – NC – Live animals.
  • Lords Park Zoo, Elgin – Petting Zoo – Seasonal – Deer, bison, and elk pens, domestics.
  • Lynn Deer Park, Quincy – Ungulate – Deer pens for multiple species. At the Illinois Veterans Home & All Wars Museum.
  • National Great Rivers Museum, Alton – Museum – A few live species, taxidermy specimens.
  • Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago – NH Museum, live animals – Herps, butterfly garden, a few birds and fish. Part of the Chicago Academy of Sciences. Museums For All.
  • Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton – NC – Live animals.
  • Prairie Grass Nature Museum, Round Lake – NC – Live animals.
  • Red Oak Nature Center, North Aurora – NC – Herps, fish.
  • Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur – NC – Herps.
  • Springbrook Nature Center, Itasca – NC – BOP, aquarium.
  • Stillman Nature Center, South Barrington – NC – BOP.
  • Sugar Grove Nature Center, Funk’s Grove – NC – Live animals.
  • Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest – NH Museum, live animals – Live animals. Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History.
  • Wildwood Nature Center, Park Ridge – NC – Herps, domestic small mammals.
  • Willowbrook Wildlife Center, Glen Ellyn – NC – Closed until new building opens in 2024. Rescue and rehab. Native species.
Better places to see domestics:
  • Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago – LH Museum – Domestics, working draft horses. 1890s farm. Timber Ridge Forest Preserve.
  • Lambs Farm Farmyard, Libertyville – Petting Zoo – Seasonal – Domestics, birds, small pet rescues.
  • Nolan’s Exotic Petting Zoo / Haypress Falls, Eldred – Petting Zoo, Traveling – Traveling petting zoo, people can visit the animals at Haypress Falls (manmade waterfall).
Natural History Museums and other notable facilities without animals:
  • Field Museum, Chicago – NH Museum – Live insects. Museums For All.
  • Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum, Lisle – NH Museum – AAM – Benedictine University.

State Fish Hatcheries - I Fish Illinois—Hatcheries
 
Last edited:
TinoPup said:
ILLINOIS

Zoos, Aquariums, Safaris, large Nature Centers, etc:
  • Aikman Wildlife Adventure, Arcola – Safari – Drive yourself or ride wagon, UTV off-road vehicle. Museum of Prehistoric Life.
  • Brookfield Zoo / Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield – Zoo – AZA, WAZA, AMMPA, IMATA.
  • Browns Oakridge Zoo, Smithfield – CLOSED.
  • Cosley Zoo, Wheaton – Zoo – AZA – KultureCity.
  • Goebbert’s Farm, Pingree Grove – Farm Park – Owned by Timbavati/Shamba owners. Animals like giraffes, zebras are seasonally brought to property. Petting Zoo.
  • Henson Robinson Zoo, Springfield – Zoo – Train.
  • Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago – Zoo – AZA, WAZA, AAM – Very small train ride. Museums For All. KultureCity.
  • Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington – Zoo – AZA – KultureCity.
  • Niabi Zoo, Coal Valley – Zoo – Seasonal – ZAA – Train goes around much of the zoo.
  • Peoria Zoo, Peoria – Zoo – AZA – KultureCity.
  • Phillips Park Zoo, Aurora – Zoo – Small town zoo with native species.
  • Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo, Nashville – Petting Zoo – Seasonal – Domestics, kangaroos, deer.
  • Randall Oaks Zoo, West Dundee – Zoo – Seasonal – Mostly domestics, a few native species including bobcat.
  • River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook – NC – Lots of animals.
  • Santa’s Village Azoosment Park, East Dundee – Theme Park, Petting Zoo – Full theme park with reindeer, muntjac, mara, wallabies, etc.
  • Scovill Zoo, Decatur – Zoo – AZA – Train goes around half of the zoo, past cheetah and zebra yards.
  • Shedd Aquarium, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago – Aquarium – AZA, AAM, WAZA, IMATA – Multiple marine mammals. Smithsonian Affiliate. Museums For All.
  • Summerfield Zoo, Belvidere – Zoo – Seasonal – Hyenas, NARO, sloths, etc.
  • Treehouse Wildlife Center, Dow – Rescue, NC – Rescue and rehab with native species. BOP, bobcat, coyote, herps, etc.
  • Walnut Prairie Wildside, West Union – Zoo – Big cats, breeding cusimanse. Big target of ARA. No idea if they’re currently open or not.
  • Wildlife Discovery Center, Lake Forest – NC – Odd nature center that has ~85 species, including Orinoco and morelet’s crocs, komodo, sloth, other exotics and natives. Work with DWA, Gladys Porter. Part of AZA croc advisory group, IUCN croc specialist group.
  • Wildlife Prairie Park, Hanna City – Zoo, Lodge – Train does two loops, doesn’t really pass any animals. Multiple forms of lodging / camping. Native species.
Smaller Nature Centers and places with a limited amount of species:
  • Anita Purves Nature Center, Urbana – NC – Herps, screech owls.
  • Ballard Nature Center, Altamont – NC – A few herps.
  • Big Run Wolf Ranch, Lockport – Carnivore – Events – Open a few days a year.
  • Buffalo Rock State Park, Morris – Ungulate – Bison.
  • Burnham Park, Chicago – NC – Not sure if they have live animals or not?
  • Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford – NH Museum, live animals – Turtles, maybe fish?
  • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Marion – NC – No live animals?
  • Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Mattoon – NC – Live animals.
  • Godley Park District, Godley – Ungulate – Deer, domestics.
  • Homer Lake Interpretive Center, Homer – NC – A few herps.
  • Kennekuk County Park, Danville – NC – Aquarium, exhibits.
  • Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs – NC – Live animals.
  • Lords Park Zoo, Elgin – Petting Zoo – Seasonal – Deer, bison, and elk pens, domestics.
  • Lynn Deer Park, Quincy – Ungulate – Deer pens for multiple species. At the Illinois Veterans Home & All Wars Museum.
  • National Great Rivers Museum, Alton – Museum – A few live species, taxidermy specimens.
  • Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago – NH Museum, live animals – Herps, butterfly garden, a few birds and fish. Part of the Chicago Academy of Sciences. Museums For All.
  • Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton – NC – Live animals.
  • Prairie Grass Nature Museum, Round Lake – NC – Live animals.
  • Red Oak Nature Center, North Aurora – NC – Herps, fish.
  • Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur – NC – Herps.
  • Springbrook Nature Center, Itasca – NC – BOP, aquarium.
  • Stillman Nature Center, South Barrington – NC – BOP.
  • Sugar Grove Nature Center, Funk’s Grove – NC – Live animals.
  • Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest – NH Museum, live animals – Live animals. Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History.
  • Wildwood Nature Center, Park Ridge – NC – Herps, domestic small mammals.
  • Willowbrook Wildlife Center, Glen Ellyn – NC – Closed until new building opens in 2024. Rescue and rehab. Native species.
Better places to see domestics:
  • Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago – LH Museum – Domestics, working draft horses. 1890s farm. Timber Ridge Forest Preserve.
  • Lambs Farm Farmyard, Libertyville – Petting Zoo – Seasonal – Domestics, birds, small pet rescues.
  • Nolan’s Exotic Petting Zoo / Haypress Falls, Eldred – Petting Zoo, Traveling – Traveling petting zoo, people can visit the animals at Haypress Falls (manmade waterfall).
Natural History Museums and other notable facilities without animals:
  • Field Museum, Chicago – NH Museum – Live insects. Museums For All.
  • Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum, Lisle – NH Museum – AAM – Benedictine University.

State Fish Hatcheries - I Fish Illinois—Hatcheries
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Nolan’s Exotic Petting Zoo seems to have some wild animals like zebra and wallaby as well, based on website photos.

A couple of additions to your list

Hoo Haven (Durand, IL) - Private tour rehab center that keeps BOPs and I think some mammals as well.

Settler's Pond Shelter (Beecher) - rescue center keeping exotics like kangaroos and primates. Has had animal welfare issues.
 
Critter Camp Exotic Animal Sanctuary German Valley
The Grove Glenview
Peoria Riverfront Museum
 
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INDIANA

Zoos, Aquariums, Safaris, large Nature Centers, etc:
  • Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, Albion – Rescue – Seasonal – GFAS, BCSA – Felids, bears, primates, birds.
  • Columbian Park Zoo, Lafayette – Zoo – Seasonal – Small zoo.
  • Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park – Shipshewana – Safari – Seasonal – Drive through or ride on group wagon.
  • Exotic Feline Rescue Center, Center Point – Carnivore – All felids.
  • Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Fort Wayne – Zoo – Seasonal – AZA, WAZA – Train, skyfari, boat ride around Australia area. KultureCity.
  • Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis – Zoo, Aquarium – AZA, WAZA – Train, skyfari, roller coaster, dolphin show.
  • Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, Evansville – Zoo – AZA – Tram, paddle boats. KultureCity.
  • Potawatomi Zoo, South Bend – Zoo – Seasonal – AZA – Train. KultureCity.
  • Red Wolf Sanctuary, Rising Sun – Carnivore – Tours – No red wolves! Gray wolf, coyote, bobcat, foxes, black bear, BOP.
  • Washington Park Zoo, Michigan City – Zoo – Seasonal – ZAA – Small Zoo.
  • Wildlife in Need, Charlestown – CLOSED (Tim Stark).
  • Wilstem Wildlife Park, Paoli – Safari, Lodge – Have free contact with elephants. Horseback riding. Cabins. USDA violations.
  • Zoo’Opolis Exotic Petting World, Zoo’Opolis Bird Park, Nashville – CLOSED?

Smaller Nature Centers and places with a limited amount of species:
  • Atlantis Aquatic Gardens, Terre Haute – Store, Zoo – Aquatic store that has a small zoo with serval, herps, other small mammals, birds.
  • Buffalo Trace Park, Palmyra – Petting Zoo – Domestics, deer.
  • Cool Creek Park Nature Center, Carmel – NC – Mostly herps.
  • Eagle Creek Park Earth Discovery Center, Indianapolis – NC – Herps, fish.
  • Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center, Indianapolis – Birds – BOP.
  • Gas City Park, Gas City – Petting Zoo – Domestics, deer.
  • Hobson Adventure Farm, Rockville – Farm Park – Seasonal – Porcupine, fox, herps, domestics.
  • Joseph Moore Museum, Richmond – NH Museum, live animals – AAM – Herps. Earlham College.
  • Kirkendall Nature Center, Kokomo – NC – Herps, fish.
  • Luhr County Park Nature Center, La Porte – NC – Live animals.
  • Ouabache State Park, Bluffton – Ungulate – Bison.
  • Paynetown State Recreation Area Activity Center, Bloomington – NC – Herps.
  • Pokagon Interpretive Center, Angola – NC – Herps.
  • Potato Creek State Park Nature Center, North Liberty – NC – Herps.
  • Salamonie Interpretive and Nature Center, Andrews – NC – BOP.
  • Wild Winds Buffalo Preserves, Fremont – Ungulate, Lodge – Bison farm tours year round. Lodge.
  • Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue, Brookville – Carnivore – Observation deck is free, cost to go in with packs.
  • Wolf Park, Battle Ground – Carnivore – Tours – Wolves, bison.
  • Zao Island, Valparaiso – Theme Park, Herps – Alligators. Mini golf, go karts, laser tag, arcade.
Better places to see domestics:
  • Fair Oaks Farms, Fair Oaks – Museum, Petting Zoo – Ag museums, domestics.
  • Squire Boone Caverns, Mauckport – Petting Zoo, Cave – Domestics in petting zoo. Cave tours.
  • Sunset Hill Farm County Park, Valparaiso – Petting Zoo – Domestics.
  • TPA Park, Frankfort – Petting Zoo, Birds – Domestics petting zoo, aviary with pheasants, etc.
Natural History Museums and other notable facilities without animals:
  • Sheets Wildlife Museum, Huntington – NH Museum – Small taxidermy museum with trophies.

State Fish Hatcheries: Cikana State Fish Hatchery from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish & Wildlife
 
TinoPup said:
INDIANA

Zoos, Aquariums, Safaris, large Nature Centers, etc:
  • Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, Albion – Rescue – Seasonal – GFAS, BCSA – Felids, bears, primates, birds.
  • Columbian Park Zoo, Lafayette – Zoo – Seasonal – Small zoo.
  • Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park – Shipshewana – Safari – Seasonal – Drive through or ride on group wagon.
  • Exotic Feline Rescue Center, Center Point – Carnivore – All felids.
  • Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Fort Wayne – Zoo – Seasonal – AZA, WAZA – Train, skyfari, boat ride around Australia area. KultureCity.
  • Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis – Zoo, Aquarium – AZA, WAZA – Train, skyfari, roller coaster, dolphin show.
  • Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, Evansville – Zoo – AZA – Tram, paddle boats. KultureCity.
  • Potawatomi Zoo, South Bend – Zoo – Seasonal – AZA – Train. KultureCity.
  • Red Wolf Sanctuary, Rising Sun – Carnivore – Tours – No red wolves! Gray wolf, coyote, bobcat, foxes, black bear, BOP.
  • Washington Park Zoo, Michigan City – Zoo – Seasonal – ZAA – Small Zoo.
  • Wildlife in Need, Charlestown – CLOSED (Tim Stark).
  • Wilstem Wildlife Park, Paoli – Safari, Lodge – Have free contact with elephants. Horseback riding. Cabins. USDA violations.
  • Zoo’Opolis Exotic Petting World, Zoo’Opolis Bird Park, Nashville – CLOSED?

Smaller Nature Centers and places with a limited amount of species:
  • Atlantis Aquatic Gardens, Terre Haute – Store, Zoo – Aquatic store that has a small zoo with serval, herps, other small mammals, birds.
  • Buffalo Trace Park, Palmyra – Petting Zoo – Domestics, deer.
  • Cool Creek Park Nature Center, Carmel – NC – Mostly herps.
  • Eagle Creek Park Earth Discovery Center, Indianapolis – NC – Herps, fish.
  • Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center, Indianapolis – Birds – BOP.
  • Gas City Park, Gas City – Petting Zoo – Domestics, deer.
  • Hobson Adventure Farm, Rockville – Farm Park – Seasonal – Porcupine, fox, herps, domestics.
  • Joseph Moore Museum, Richmond – NH Museum, live animals – AAM – Herps. Earlham College.
  • Kirkendall Nature Center, Kokomo – NC – Herps, fish.
  • Luhr County Park Nature Center, La Porte – NC – Live animals.
  • Ouabache State Park, Bluffton – Ungulate – Bison.
  • Paynetown State Recreation Area Activity Center, Bloomington – NC – Herps.
  • Pokagon Interpretive Center, Angola – NC – Herps.
  • Potato Creek State Park Nature Center, North Liberty – NC – Herps.
  • Salamonie Interpretive and Nature Center, Andrews – NC – BOP.
  • Wild Winds Buffalo Preserves, Fremont – Ungulate, Lodge – Bison farm tours year round. Lodge.
  • Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue, Brookville – Carnivore – Observation deck is free, cost to go in with packs.
  • Wolf Park, Battle Ground – Carnivore – Tours – Wolves, bison.
  • Zao Island, Valparaiso – Theme Park, Herps – Alligators. Mini golf, go karts, laser tag, arcade.
Better places to see domestics:
  • Fair Oaks Farms, Fair Oaks – Museum, Petting Zoo – Ag museums, domestics.
  • Squire Boone Caverns, Mauckport – Petting Zoo, Cave – Domestics in petting zoo. Cave tours.
  • Sunset Hill Farm County Park, Valparaiso – Petting Zoo – Domestics.
  • TPA Park, Frankfort – Petting Zoo, Birds – Domestics petting zoo, aviary with pheasants, etc.
Natural History Museums and other notable facilities without animals:
  • Sheets Wildlife Museum, Huntington – NH Museum – Small taxidermy museum with trophies.

State Fish Hatcheries: Cikana State Fish Hatchery from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish & Wildlife
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From photos online, TPA Park apparently also has lemurs, deer and different parrots in addition to domestics.

Other facilities I found when looking at the state:

Indiana Raptor Center (Nashville) - has raptors that can be seen on private tour, including demonstrations.

Humane Indiana Wildlife Education Center (Valparaiso) - appears to have birds and other local animals. I think its open to public, but not 100% certain.
 
Coelacanth18 said:
Fun fact: the site this zoo opened on used to be an Amish theme park. It was an interesting place: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/rockome-gardens-amish-themepark
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Yes, the area is still 'Amish country'. Having visited myself, the zoo is alright, notable for being the only 'safari park' in Illinois. They were growing rapidly when they first opened but aren't as much anymore, which is probably typical of new roadside zoos. The owners have an interesting story as well, including 'seeing a vision of a zoo in a dream' and the like...
 
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