Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden announced record-breaking annual attendance for 2025.
In 2025, we welcomed 229,278 guests.
The record-breaking year reflects increased community engagement, successful seasonal programming, and continued investment in guest experience, animal care, and conservation efforts.
“This has been an extraordinary year for the Zoo,” said Erik Beck, Executive Director of Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. “Record attendance demonstrates the strong connection our community has with the Zoo and the value it places on accessible family experiences, education, and conservation while driving tourism and economic impact for the tri-state.”
Attendance growth was driven in part by the launch of Wild Summer Lights, a new evening lantern festival that ran from mid-August through the first weekend in October. Presented by Liberty Federal Credit Union, the event sold 50,000 tickets and drew strong crowds during traditionally slower late-summer and early-fall months.
Wild Summer Lights was produced in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. through a revenue-sharing model that generated $230,000 in net proceeds for the Evansville Zoological Society, the Zoo’s nonprofit support organization.
The Zoo also saw strong participation throughout the year at established and returning events, including Orchid Escape, Bloomin’ Zoo Plant Sale, Party for the Planet, Zoo Brew, Boo at the Zoo, and Breakfast with Santa, which continue to attract families, adults, and community partners.
Educational programming remained a key driver of engagement, with Camp Zoofari Summer Camp and Spring and Fall Break Camps once again proving popular with families seeking hands-on learning experiences for children.
Additional highlights from 2025 include:
- Record-breaking overall attendance of 229,278 guests
- Continued growth in Zoo membership program
- Strong performance of seasonal and special events
- Expanded partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and corporate supporters
- Continued progress on the Zoo’s long-term Master Plan
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden continues to serve as an economic driver for the region by supporting jobs, tourism, and local businesses.
“We are building momentum,” Beck said. “As we look ahead, we remain focused on enhancing animal habitats, expanding educational opportunities and creating meaningful experiences that serve both our guests and our conservation mission.”
About Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden:
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is open seven days a week, 365 days per year, 9am – 4pm.
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is located on 45 acres on Evansville’s west side. They’re accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, dedicated to conservation, education, and recreation. The Zoo is home to hundreds of animals and botanical species and serves guests of all ages throughout the year.
The Zoo’s mission is to cultivate connections between people and nature that inspire action for our planet.
The Evansville Zoological Society is the nonprofit partner of Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. The organization supports the Zoo through fundraising, memberships, special events and philanthropic initiatives that help advance animal care, conservation, education programs and future exhibit development.
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