Peoria Zoo, Animal conservation facility in Peoria, Illinois.
Peoria Zoo is a public zoo in Peoria, Illinois, spread across roughly 14 acres (5.7 ha) of landscaped grounds. It houses animals from multiple regions of the world, including giraffes, rhinoceroses, spider monkeys, and a range of North American wildlife.
The zoo was founded in 1955 and has been managed by the Peoria Park District since its early years. In 1981, it received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, recognizing its standards of animal care.
The zoo takes its name from the nearby city and serves as a gathering place where people come to see animals and learn about wildlife. It reflects the community's commitment to understanding and protecting the natural world.
The zoo is open daily and best explored on foot, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. The paths are mostly accessible and manageable for visitors of all ages.
Since 2008, the zoo has worked with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to rehabilitate Alligator Snapping Turtles and release them back into local waterways. These turtles are considered a threatened species in Illinois, and the program has helped return multiple individuals to the wild.
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