Scovill Zoo

Scovill Zoo is a 15-acre facility in Decatur housing about 400 animals from 96 species across six continents, including cheetahs, wolves, and zebras. The grounds are organized into different sections that showcase various habitats and animal groups.

The facility was established in 1967 after Guy Norman and Rose Scovill donated the land and the Kiwanis Club provided funding. Since then, it has grown into an important center for education about animal care and conservation.

The Environmental Education Center displays photographs of wildlife in their natural habitats across multiple continents. Visitors can spend time viewing these images and learning how animals live in different parts of the world.

The Z.O. & O. Express Train offers a convenient way to explore the grounds and view animals from different areas. The train crosses a bridge overlooking the lake and makes several stops at the enclosures.

A portion of admission fees goes directly to international conservation projects like the De Wildt Cheetah Conservation Centre in South Africa. This connects visitor spending directly to protection efforts for endangered species worldwide.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1967

Address: 71 S Country Club Rd, Decatur, IL 62521, USA

Phone: +12174217435

Website: http://decatur-parks.org/zoo

GPS coordinates: 39.82890,-88.90670

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:11