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GENERAL INFORMATION
Zoo History
 In its
38 year history,
the Louisville Zoo has dedicated itself to the pursuits of education,
conservation, scientific study and recreation. Accredited by the
American Zoological Association (AZA) in 1980, the
"State Zoo of Kentucky" currently exhibits over 1,300 animals in
naturalistic and mixed animal settings representing both geographical
areas and biomes or habitats. These include: the ISLANDS, the African
Veldt, Asian Plains, North and South American Panorama, Aquatics and the
Australian Outback. The HerpAquarium features 100 species of reptiles,
amphibians and fish from around the world exhibited amidst ecologically
balanced habitats. And the new 4-acre Gorilla Forest Exhibit
features Pygmy hippos and Western lowland gorillas.
Of special note are the Zoo's achievements in the areas of animal
husbandry, conservation and scientific study for which it has drawn
international recognition. In 1988, the Louisville Zoo was the proud
recipient of the prestigious Edward H. Bean Award for its long-term
Woolly Monkey Propagation Program. Other accomplishments include the
first successful transfer of an embryo from an exotic equine into a
domestic horse.
The Zoo's commitment to working with endangered species, specifically
with Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, speaks of its dedication to
conservation efforts. It is also one of six institutions in the world to
house a captive breeding population of Black-footed ferrets, North
America's most endangered mammal.
 The Louisville Zoo is also distinguishing itself in the area of
education. The innovative
MetaZoo Education Center was the first facility of
its kind to serve both as a public exhibit and a living classroom. Open
year-round, the MetaZoo's many programs led by degreed instructors and
trained personnel are developed to serve the needs of individuals,
teachers and students of all ages. And in keeping with the advances of
technology, the MetaZoo has begun offering classes via tele-conferencing
or distance learning as it is called, to students who live so far from
the Zoo that actual visits become impractical.
To keep in step with its unprecedented growth, the Louisville Zoo has
embarked on a Master Development Plan which highlights proposals for
future expansion and renovation. This ongoing development will enable
the Zoo to continue to provide quality visitor services while
maintaining the best possible environment for its animal collection.
The next major exhibit on the horizon is
Glacier Run.
Glacier Run will be a truly unique
experience where one can visit the animals, talk to the keepers about
conservation and become temporarily immersed in life on the tundra. The
exhibit will recreate the natural habitat for some of the Zoo’s most
popular residents including polar bears, seals and sea lions. The
addition of sea otters and bird species like the Steller’s sea eagles
and magpies will add to the feeling of being surrounded by wildlife. The
town of Glacier Run will include a schoolhouse, climatology lab and
general store. A spacious amphitheatre will make viewing the seal and
sea lion enrichment demonstrations more enjoyable. |
