Media Releases

Photo of Sumatran tiger Leela in 2023

The Louisville Zoo Earns Prestigious Accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) (Media Release)

The Louisville Zoo is proud to announce that it has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), reaffirming its commitment to the highest standards of animal care, conservation and education. The accreditation was awarded during AZA’s Mid-Year Meeting held in Memphis, TN., where the Louisville Zoo was among the 28 facilities to receive this prestigious recognition. Find Out More

Louisville Zoo’s Popular “Happy Hour” Events Return (Media Release)

Get ready to experience the Louisville Zoo like never before. The Zoo’s popular “Hump Day Happy Hour” is returning this spring and summer, offering unique after-hours experiences exclusively for guests aged 21 and over. With special animal encounters, delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to unwind mid-week Find Out More

Party for the Planet powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Logo features vector image of the Earth.

Louisville Zoo Hosts Party for the Planet: A Month-Long Celebration of Earth (Media Release)

The Louisville Zoo announces the return of its annual celebration, Party for the Planet: A Month-Long Celebration of the Earth powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Throughout April, the Zoo will host a series of weekend activities and discounted admission opportunities to celebrate the wonder of our planet and promote the need to protect it. Find Out More

Louisville Zoo Preparing Mikki and Punch for Retirement at The Elephant Sanctuary (Media Release)

The Louisville Zoo is initiating preparations to relocate African elephant Mikki and Asian elephant Punch to The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), The Elephant Sanctuary is the nation’s largest natural habitat elephant refuge of over 3,000 acres. Louisville Zoo anticipates the transition will occur sometime in the spring of 2025. Find Out More

photo - polar bear, bo, who is going to meet Qannik, to be her friend

Star Polar Bear Qannik Finally Gets Her “Bo!” (Media Release)

After years of discussions with various agencies and organizations, the Louisville Zoo is excited to announce that ever-popular and wild-born, rescued polar bear Qannik can finally join the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) cooperative breeding program thanks to crucial assistance delivered by Senator Rand Paul and his team. Her breeding mate will be Borealis (“Bo”). Find Out More

photo of giraffe

Louisville Zoo Nominated in USA TODAY’s “10Best Readers’ Choice” List for Best U.S. Zoo and Exhibit (Media Release)

The Louisville Zoo is proud to have been nominated for two awards as part of USA Today’s “10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.” The Zoo is nominated as Best Zoo in the United States and the Glacier Run exhibit as the best zoo exhibit in the United States. Voting has begun and continues through Monday, March 4 at 11:59 a.m. EST. The rules allow the public to vote online for one nominee per category, per day. Guests can vote at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/. Find Out More

Qannik the polar bear with barrel

Qannik Turns 13! (MEDIA RELEASE)

The Louisville Zoo’s iconic wild-born rescued polar bear Qannik enters her “teens” this month. The Zoo will honor her landmark 13th birthday on January 20 at 11:15 a.m. with enrichment that will be themed for another icon – Taylor Swift! Find Out More