2017 Season presented by Ford Motor Company

The Louisville Zoo staff is excited to announce new and returning attractions for the spring/summer season presented by Ford Motor Company. The season kicks off on Saturday, March 18 with extended Zoo hours through Labor Day. Guests can arrive 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. and stay to enjoy the Zoo until 6 p.m.

New this Spring: Butterflies and Pony Ride Attraction

Starting May 20, Zoo guests can experience over 600 native butterflies and moths sipping nectar from flowers in a 1000 sq. ft. outdoor flight house located across from the bongo exhibit. Butterfly species will include monarchs, swallowtails, painted ladies and dozens more over the course of the summer season. This limited time exhibit will be free with the Zoo admission and membership and will be open daily during regular Zoo hours through September 24, weather permitting. The spring butterfly experience will culminate with the tagging and release of 1000 monarch butterflies at Flutter Fest on September 23, brought to you by Idlewild Butterfly Farm. The release coincides with the annual migration of monarch butterflies.

Last year, guests were invited to experience a ride on a camel, sometimes referred to as “the ship of the desert.” New this year, guests can also enjoy pony rides at the Boma Petting Zoo. Both camel and pony rides are offered daily during regular hours beginning March 18, weather permitting. Rides will be $6 for non-members; $5 for members.

Wings of the World Bird Show Returns

Returning again for 2017, this “free flight” presentation weaves conservation messages with behaviors and personal stories about the animals. The show features Vicki the Andean condor as well as an African crowned crane, bateleur eagle, trumpeter hornbill, red-breasted cockatoo and Cassius the cassowary. The show is written and created by Joe Krathwohl, aka The Birdman®, produced by Birds n Beasts Inc. It is scheduled to start May 20 with multiple shows daily and is free with Zoo admission or membership.

Seasonal Favorites Opening March 18

The Zoo’s attractions including the Zoo train and conservation carousel will reopen March 18, weather permitting. Train tickets are $5 each; carousel tickets are $3 each; a Safari Ride Bracelet will be available and includes unlimited train and carousel rides for a one-day visit. Non-member visitors can also purchase one of two discount admission packages, the Adventure Ticket (includes admission plus unlimited train and carousel rides for the day) or the new Trek Ticket which also includes a ropes course ticket.

The Zoo Ropes Course also opens March 18 weather permitting and includes a smaller course for little ones. Guests can experience fun for the entire family on The Sky Trail with 18 challenging elements two stories off the ground and Sky Tykes™ for guests at least two years old and under 48 inches. The Sky Trail  course is $10 for non-members, $9 for Zoo members and $8 for groups of 15 or more and school groups. The Sky Tykes course $5 for non-members, $4 for Zoo members and $3 for groups of 15 or more and school groups. Ropes adventure courses presented by Great Clips.

With warmer weather, the Zoo’s Lorikeet Landing is open more frequently (temperatures must be 50 degrees or above). Enjoy a real nose-to-beak experience as you stroll through the aviary, surrounded by brilliantly colored, friendly birds that will eat nectar right out of your hand. Nectar may be purchased at the exhibit for $2 per cup.

Kaman’s Art Shoppes also open with our season on March 18 for photos, handimals hand art and the ever-popular face painting.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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