Special Events

Zoopolis 500
presented by the American Dairy Association
May 22
On the Wednesday before the Indianapolis 500 there's no better place to be than the Indianapolis Zoo! The Zoopolis 500 presented by our friends at the American Dairy Association includes tons of family-friendly activities, but the stars of the show are our radiated tortoises, who race to the finish line to be the first to reach the coveted fruit platter! The fun kicks off with a parade featuring the stars of the Indy Racing League, and ends with fun activities and photo ops for the whole family! Help us celebrate Indiana's favorite month at this years Zoopolis 500!

Naturally Inspired Art Show
presented by The Great Frame Up of Indianapolis
June 1-Aug. 28
See the works of a penguin Picasso, a walrus Warhol, an elephant Escher and many others during Naturally Inspired Art Show presented by The Great Frame Up of Indianapolis. We invited 15 juried artists along with some artistically inclined animals to create works of art during our Paint Out event in April. The beautiful end results will be on display in the Schaefer Rotunda at White River Gardens throughout the summer before hitting the auction block.

Butterfly Kaleidoscope presented by Citizens Energy Group
Open through Labor Day
The butterflies are back! The Hilbert Conservatory has been transformed into a tropical paradise to bring you butterflies in a way that you've never experienced before! Butterfly Kaleidoscope presented by Citizens Energy Group features 40 beautiful species and dazzling jewel-toned mobiles that will truly take your breath away. Be a part of the Zoo's newest exhibit, open through Labor Day.