Columbian Park Zoo opening this weekend
LAFAYETTE, Ind. − As of 10 a.m. Saturday, the Columbian Park Zoo will be open for the 2023 season.
The zoo will operate under its spring hours, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 4:30 p.m. daily until May 27. Starting that date, daily hours will be extended to 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
According to a release from the zoo, admission fees will remain the same as they were last year. People ages three and up will be $2 while those two and under will be free. Member entry is also free.
“We are thrilled to open the gates for the 2023 season,” said Neil Dale, zoo director, in a release. “Our staff has been working hard to prepare the grounds for the Zoo’s opening day and there’s a lot to be excited about.”
Earlier this month, the zoo announced that it has welcomed seven new penguins to its collection and that all 10 of them are planned to be on exhibit this season. This will be the first time the penguins will be on exhibit since the cases of suspected avian malaria killed six of the previous penguins who lived at Columbian Park Zoo in 2021.
More: Seven new penguins have arrived at Columbian Park Zoo
“We are happy to report that all 10 African penguins are acclimating well to one another,” said Assistant Zoo Director Caitlin Laffery in a release. “We are looking forward to sharing them with the community this weekend.”
According to the zoo, a new, large viewing window has been added to the New Guinea Singing Dog exhibit for guests to enjoy.
“The new viewing window will enhance the visitor experience and is just one of many improvements to the zoo that the community can expect to see in the near future,” Dale said in the release.
Work is still ongoing on the previously announced upcoming primate exhibit, commissary building and eagle and otter exhibits' improvements.
More: Eagles, otters and penguins, oh my! Checking in with Columbian Park Zoo
The historic Columbian Park Express Train will be in use this season and is now included as a benefit with the CPZ Membership Program. Individual memberships will include two train ride tickets. Family and Grandparent Memberships will include four train ride tickets.
Pedal boats will be available to guests later this season once warmer temperatures are more consistent.
For more information about the zoo, please call 765-807-1540 or visit columbianparkzoo.org
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Columbian Park Zoo will open for the 2023 season on Saturday
