image - archway entrance to the Islands exhibits, with park bench to sit on, moms pushing their strollers with kids in them, background is lots of tree, and bushes on a sunny summer day

Islands

Islands exhibits 

Experience the sights and sounds of the Award-Winning Islands!

Orangutan at the Louisville Zoo

See the Islands and their ecological treasures. The species that live on these islands, adapted through eons of isolation, are uniquely vulnerable to changes introduced by natural forces or humans because of inherent limited resources in a finite environment. A delicate balance between man and nature must be maintained for both to survive.

The Islands zone is home to the award-winning and world’s first multi-species rotational Islands exhibit which simulates the way these animals live in the wild.

Sumatran Tiger

Traveling through the Indonesian Village area of the Islands, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive Sumatran tiger, hang out with orangutans, sing with the siamangs, or chill with the Malayan tapirs or babirusas. Explore the indoor Islands Pavilion where you may encounter one of these species in one of their rotational exhibit spaces as well as meet rare species like the Victoria crowned pigeon.  Walk along the balmy bird trail with bali mynas and other colorful birds that may join you on the path. Cool off in the newly renovated penguin cliffs with the African penguins Steel your nerves in reptile area where you may encounter the very rare and very endangered Cuban crocodile.

On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the Louisville Zoo made the heartbreaking decision to humanely euthanize beloved orangutan Teak, following a multi-year battle with heart disease. He was 36 years old.

While our staff mourns the loss of any animal, we also recognize how profoundly Teak’s passing will impact our wider community. He was a very special member of our Zoo family. We’re grateful for everyone who has visited and enriched Teak’s time in Louisville.

Learn more about his amazing story!

An Islands adventure awaits! Whether you are trekking through the Islands Pavilion, outside enjoying the beachy settings of Penguin Cove with the little penguins or waving to the giant Aldabra tortoises lumbering near the stream, you will be immersed in the sounds, sights and culture of the islands.

 

Exhibit Features

Take a virtual walking tour with us!

Penguin Cove — Little Penguin Conservation Center

Experience the rocky coasts of Australia and the home of our charming little penguins, also known as blue or fairy penguins. These temperate weather loving penguins are sure to capture your heart as they splash and vocalize for their fans.

Meet the Orangutans

Learn more about these curious primates that spend their days climbing, swinging, and often engaging our guests in show and tell.

Zoo Art

The Islands Zone is full of original artisan creations from exotic locations like Indonesia and Bali. Look around and see how many artifacts you can spot.

Nearby and Notable

Conservation Corner

As part of our mission to “better the bond between people and our planet,” the Louisville Zoo is participating in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) project to conserve the little penguin in partnership with the Taronga Zoo, Sydney, the Zoo and Aquarium association of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific region, and the Government of Australia.

Did you know you support wildlife conservation just by visiting the Zoo? The Louisville Zoo supports critical wildlife conservation partners across the globe like Pan African Sanctuary Alliance. Learn about the palm oil crisis affecting wildlife like orangutans and what you can do to help.

Sustainable fishing helps species like our African penguins! Learn about Seafood Watch.