May 2023

Who's Who at the Zoo!



Hi! My name is Julia Benzel, and I am so excited to be the new Zoo Education Manager! Animal care and conservation education are my passions. I began volunteering as a JZK at Miller Park Zoo in sixth grade. As I aged through the program, presented informal programming, and assisted the Zookeepers with animal care. I began working as an MPZ Seasonal Educator after graduating high school.

Guest Photos

Have a great photo from your trip to Miller Park Zoo? Share them with us at photos@MPZoologicalSociety.org.



We love seeing Miller Park Zoo through your eyes!

What's Happening

Society Partnership

In March 1887 when the James Miller family sold 43 acres of land to the City of Bloomington for $17,000 the property was intended to be used as a park. The city paid $12,000 of the purchase price while those living on the city’s southwest side were called upon by subscription to donate the other $5,000. This property consisted of a partially wooded area with slightly rolling topography. There was no zoo.

When the zoo opened in 1891, expenses for care and feeding of animals were paid by the city and donations from citizens. 



Endangered Species Day and Chalk Art Contest!

Endangered Species Day at the Zoo

May 20th 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM 

This is the last installment of our month-long Party for the Planet celebration.



Join us as our own Zookeepers give talks about Miller Park Zoo’s effort to save endangered species.

Learn about the animals we are specifically helping with by playing a scavenger hunt. There will be a small prize for all completed forms.



South America Update

We are excited to be seeing the progress on the South America exhibit. The Zoo and contractors have completed the punch list. Now we are able to make finishing touches for the animals. Miller Park Zoos newest family members have arrived safely by transport last week. The anteater and pudu are currently in quarantine and upon completion they will move to their new habitats.



Earth Day Photo Contest

Calling all visitors to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums! AZA's 2023 Visitor Photo Contest opened on Earth Day, April 22, in conjunction with Party for the Planet. Submit by June 9th.

There are five categories that you can submit your photo under:

• Zoo Visit
• Aquarium Visit
• Silly Animals (at an AZA-accredited facility)
• Native Wildlife and Plants
• Indirect Volunteering: creating habitats, clean-ups, etc. (at/with an AZA-accredited facility)

Animal Zoodoption

Thank you to our recent Animal ZOOdoptions! Whether you received one as gift or adopted an animal for yourself, the symbolic act of a ZOOdoption helps provide care and support for your favorite animals at Miller Park Zoo!

Melle Hany- North American River Otter



ZOOdoptions make a great gift and help support the daily care of over 140 animals at Miller Park Zoo.

CHECK OUT THE ZOO'S WISHLIST



Purchase an item through our Amazon Wishlist to have it sent directly to the Zoo or purchase something on your own and drop it off in the Zootique. Please include a gift receipt so we can thank you!

Be sure to set Miller Park Zoological Society as a your favorite charity in your Amazon Smile account! A portion of every purchase made through Amazon Smile will come directly to the zoo.

The Miller Park Zoological Society communicates via email periodically with Miller Park Zoo news and event information. You have received this communication because you provided us with your email address at a Miller Park Zoo event, membership application, or via our website. You can tailor your email preferences from us using the Update Profile button below or unsubscribe entirely.