Louisville Zoo

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