Potter Park Zoological Gardens - Lansing, Michigan - zoo and garden covering over 60 acres

In 1915, J.W. and Sarah Potter donated nearly 60 acres of land to the city of Lansing for a new park. They added another 27 acres in 1917 and got their first animals in 1920. The zoo began to grow with the addition of lions, monkeys, and other animals, and they added an aviary in 1949. Over the years, more and more visitors have come to the Potter Park Zoological Gardens every year, and they've added more animal species to their ever-growing collection.

A number of the exhibits at the Potter Park Zoological Gardens are in large houses and other indoor enclosures, so guests can visit the zoo even during inclement weather. The Bird and Reptile House is especially popular, with emerald tree snakes, gila monsters, owls, boas, macaws, and a number of other animals. The zoo's Bird and Reptile House is home to a pair of Bali Mynah birds, one of the most rare animals in the world. Researchers believe that there are just a few dozen of these birds still in existence, so zoos like this one are attempting to breed these birds and bring them back from the edge of extinction.

The Feline and Primate Building is found nearby. The structure was originally built in 1930, and it housed the zoo's lions. In 1989, it was expanded and renovated to hold both big cats and primates. Some of the species found in this facility include Amer (Siberian) tigers, snow leopards, lemurs, lions, tamarins, and mandrills.

There are outdoor exhibits at the Potter Park Zoological Gardens as well. In Wolf Woods, visitors can see the endangered eastern timber wolf while also learning about conservation efforts. The Duck Pond area is home to geese, swans, pelicans, ducks, and deer. One of the main attractions for children is The Barnyard, which has a petting zoo and other interactive exhibits. Some of the species of animals represented here include pygmy goats, burros, ponies, toy China pigs, tortoises, and yaks. Nearby, there's the Backyard Gardens, which has bald eagles, butterflies, and a number of other animals near a pond and among several plant species. Other animals found at the zoo include emus, llamas, camels, red pandas, otters, kangaroos, king cultures, meerkats, ostriches, and spider monkeys.

The Potter Park Zoological Gardens also sponsors a number of education programs for both adults and children. They have tours of the zoo with a staff member for just a small fee, summer camps for kids of all ages, all day sessions, overnights at the zoo, and more. There are also outreach programs, where zoo members take some smaller animals to the classroom, and guests can rent out sections of the zoo for birthday parties and other events.

The zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the months of April through October. Winter hours, from November 1 to March 31, are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and some animals may not be available for viewing during the cold weather. Admission costs $2 to $10, depending on age, with discounts for Ingham County residents. During the months of November through February, the zoo is open to the public for free, unless there is a special event like the Wonderland of Lights. To learn more about this zoo, guests can call 517-483-4222.