this zoo is really nice. u can get right up close to everything. the male lion comes up and paws at the glass 4 inches from you. the giraffes are at eye level. great zoo.
Kids and adults enjoy a lovely experience at this gem of a zoo. The animals are well cared for, healthy and happy in spacious exhibits.Take your family or experience a good visit on your own with multiple animals.
For a city this size, this is a great zoo. The animals can roam freely in fairly large fenced areas and there is a wide variety of animals. There is a small inside food court available for a hotdog, warm pretzel, etc. Great for couples and families.
The zoo has really grown in the past couple of years. If you are comparing it to St. Louis Zoo or someplace, then no it's not that impressive and it is expensive if you are used to free zoos. But as a stand-alone zoo, not being compared to others, it is quite nice for a city the size of Peoria. The grounds are clean, all the basic 'zoo' animals and a few 'barnyard' type animals are well represented. The new Africa exhibit is nice, beautiful giraffes and a lion that often comes right up to the glass and opens his mouth as if to take you as prey - I have a pix of him trying to devour me! It's a nice day out for a couple or family. Buy the yearly pass if you live in the area and go often.
I enjoy going to zoos. Peorias zoo isn't extravagant but it's not an animal shanty town either! There's plenty to see and do. The animal feedings are great learning times. We had great fun at Hall Zoo Ween too!
I definitely recommend this to local people. It is small, but has many updates including safari. Kids will love the monkeys and snakes. Peacocks, rhinos, and many other interesting attractions
I have visited a lot of zoos and this one is one of my least favorite. It just doesn't have a lot to offer and since I don't live locally there isn't much reason for me to return...but it was a free day so it was "well worth the money!"
In the Peoria area, there are few attractions that I would give five stars to, but this is one of them. A couple of months ago we took my sons Cub Scout Pact to the Peoria Zoo and what a great time. from the moment we arrived all I could hear was "wow, look at that", "oh how cool", the scouts were just amazed at all the stuff to look at and although this zoo is smaller then say the larger city zoo, the quality of its features certainly make up for its size. This is a great place for family or groups to have a "Fantastic" day.
I enjoy going to the zoo. Always buy a yearly grandparents pass. It is close and I like taking my grandkids there. About an hour and you've seen everything, but love the new Africa section. Have been going to this zoo for over 50 years . When you buy a pass it will get you in some zoos for 1/2 price or free. Have used it in Florida and omaha zoo.
I have been going to the Peoria Zoo since it was called the Glen Oak Zoo. Every year it just seems to get better and better. As others have pointed out, this is an amazing zoo experience for a city the size of Peoria. It may not be as extensive as the St Louis Zoo but for the ease of access and the surrounding park to visit, it is awesome. For years the Emu's have been my favorites but for the grandkids it has always been the big cats. The lions love to come out around noon on warm days but it is not unusual to see them sunning themselves on cooler days.If you are looking for a big city zoo experience without the crowds then the Peoria Zoo is defiantly a must see!!! Spring is coming, so I will see you there!