Binder Park Zoo is currently closed to the public. The zoo will open for the 2020 season on April 16.
Zoo office hours
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday closed
Sunday closed
Contact us at info@binderparkzoo.org or 269-979-1351.
Animal welfare is a top priority at Binder Park Zoo. Please be aware that some animals like giraffe, require temperatures to be at least 55 degrees and sunny to be on exhibit. Other factors like rain and wind may also delay or prevent them from going on exhibit. Check for updates by calling the zoo office at 269 979-1351 between 10:00am-4:00pm. If call volume is high you may need to leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. Please understand that animals on or off exhibit can change as quickly as the weather!
General Zoo Admission Rates
Binder Park Zoo Members: FREE (Must show ID) | Military: 50% discount with ID | AAA Member: 10% discount with ID
We do not accept coupons from outside organizations, including Groupon.
DINING
Beulah’s Restaurant is located in the heart of the east zoo and opens daily 30 minutes after the zoo opens, and closes 30 minutes before the zoo closes.
Kalahari Kitchen is located in the African village plaza. Seasonal hours apply. Please check hours of operation at the admission gate.
The Brass Ring is located inside the Binda Conservation Carousel hall and features ice cream and other snacks and treats.
Food Carts are conveniently located throughout the zoo, each offering a variety of refreshments available to purchase.
SHOPPING
Safari Gift Shop is located at the zoo exit and is where you’ll find unique, affordable gifts and apparel for everyone.
Zawadi Traders is located in the African village plaza near the tram station. Explore a collection of genuine African and African- inspired goods for the perfect gift or souvenir.
Visit Binder Park Zoo on any Animal Play Day and witness first hand how our zookeepers keep the animals active and happy. Play Days are a perfect way to see how the animals receive enrichment and to learn more about the animals.
Times and animals are subject to change without notice. Check with the entrance for updates.
Training Day - April 25
Jiggly Gelatin Day - May 17
Branch out with the Animals - June 27
Watermelon Madness - July 4
Reptile Weekend - August 1 & 2
Chillin' on a Summer Day - August 15
Training Day - September 13
Carb Free Day - September 26
Harvest Day - October 24
Zookeeper Tails are a fun way to learn insider information about our animals from the people who know them best... zookeepers! These chats take place daily throughout the season; Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Saturday - Snow Leopard 11:00 am, Lions 12:00 pm & Savanna 1:pm
Sunday - Conservation Discovery Center 11:30 am & African Painted Dogs 1:00 pm
Monday - Red Panda 11:00 am & Wolves 1:00 pm
Tuesday - Snow Leopard 11:00 am & Dingoes 1:00 pm
Wednesday - Black Bears 11:00 am & Monkey Valley 1:00 pm
Thursday - Snow Leopard 11:00 am & Cheetah 1:00 pm
Friday - Aldabra Tortoise 11:00 am & Red-Capped Mangabey 1:00 pm
Each zoo animal has a unique story to tell and we want to share them with you! Join us every Thursday at 10:30 am to hear a story, try out a fun activity, and meet one of our zoo animals that you may not already know. You won’t want to miss us for Animal Story Time conveniently located inside the Miller Children’s Zoo!
*Inclement weather location is in the Conservation Discovery Center
*There is no fee or registration required for this program
*Content is designed for children aged 5 years and younger but all ages are welcome to attend
When we have chilly spring/fall weather, some of our temperature sensitive animals, like the giraffe, may be off exhibit when conditions are too cold and/or rainy. We will do our best to post animals off exhibit and any delays at the entrance to the zoo each day. Visitors can call zoo office for updates.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Picnic tables in the pavilions are available to guests on a first-come first-served basis. Pavilions are available for rental if you wish to reserve a space for your corporate picnic, family reunion, or other get-togethers. Picnicking is only allowed in the picnic areas located adjacent to the zoo parking lot. Coolers are not allowed inside the zoo.
Enjoy a trip to Battle Creek
Play Binder Park Golf Course & visit Binder Park Zoo
with packages through Marriot at http://marriott.com/btlcy
Giraffe Experience at Twiga Overlook
The opportunity to meet and hand-feed the giraffes in Wild Africa is a signature experience at Binder Park Zoo.
From the overlook deck, guests can meet these gentle giants face to face and option the thrill of hand-feeding snacks of lettuce to them.
Feed the giraffe experience – one lettuce snack*= $2, five lettuce snacks = $8*
* a lettuce snack is a single romaine lettuce serving that has been specially prepared by Animal Care commissary staff. Any other food is strictly prohibited.
Reclassified as a “vulnerable” species by the IUCN in 2016, giraffe have also been added to the SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) list by the Association of Zoo & Aquariums (AZA) to draw attention to their precarious situation in the wild. Proceeds from this experience help fund the care of the Binder Park Zoo giraffe herd.
Binder Park Zoo is a Weapons Free Zone.
No smoking allowed on zoo grounds (includes e-cigarettes).
Mobility Device Policy
Wheelchairs and other devices designed for persons with a mobility impairment (electric powered or manual) are permitted inside the park.
Devices other than a wheelchair or powerchair/scooter, if used for a mobility impairment only, may be allowed into the park upon final approval of zoo personnel. The following devices will not be permitted: unicycles, bicycles, golf carts, gas powered vehicles of any kind, including ATV’s, lawn mowers, go-carts, etc.
There is a maximum speed limit for all mobility devices of 5 miles per hour inside the park. For the safety of our guests, anyone who does not comply with the speed limit or is operating the device unsafely will be asked to leave the zoo.
Any wheelchair or scooter wider than 29 ½ inches will not be able to board the trams to Africa, the carousel, or the ZO&O Railroad. Ramps for all rides have a 600 lb maximum capacity.