Michigan City Zoological Society

06/09/2026

📸 Some more pics of our 2026 Brew At The Zoo event this past weekend. Thank you again to everyone who helps make this event possible!

And an extra big thank you to our local breweries/wineries who came out and poured some deliciousness. 🍻🍷🐝
Burn 'Em Brewing
Misbeehavin' Meads
Shady Creek Winery
Shoreline Brewery
Trip Fermentations
Zorn Brew Works Co.

Can’t wait to see yall next year!!

🐻 Have some pics of the event 🤳 Tag our page!

06/09/2026

Thank you again to everyone who came out this past weekend and helped support our 2026 Brew At The Zoo event and the animals at the Washington Park Zoo 🐾

After a tumultuous week, Michigan City zookeepers describe a close relationship with the animals during the Zoological Society’s annual “Brew at the Zoo” event. ⤵️ Find a link to the story in the comments.

06/07/2026

What an incredible day! 🍻🦁

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, sponsored, volunteered, poured samples, and helped make 2026 Brew At The Zoo such a tremendous success! Events like this are only possible because of a community that believes in the importance of our zoo and the animals that call it home.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated Society Board members and volunteers who spent countless hours planning, organizing, setting up, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Your passion and commitment never go unnoticed.

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the amazing staff at the Washington Park Zoo and the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department. Caring for animals, maintaining the grounds, educating visitors, and supporting events like this is a year-round effort that requires dedication far beyond what most people see. Your hard work and partnership help make experiences like Brew at the Zoo possible.

Most importantly, every ticket purchased, every sample enjoyed, and every dollar raised helps support our mission of enhancing the zoo, supporting animal care, promoting conservation, and creating educational opportunities for our community.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us create another unforgettable Brew at the Zoo. We are grateful for this amazing community and look forward to seeing you again next year! ❤️🐾🍻

06/06/2026

🍻 Today’s the Day! 2026 Brew At The Zoo Is Here! 🦁🍺

If you’ve been waiting, now’s the time to grab your tickets! We only have a limited number left and while we may be able to sell a few at the door, why take the chance?

Your ticket includes FREE parking starting at 3 PM. Check your email from Eventbrite for your ParkMobile discount code and parking instructions.

With 20+ brew/, wine, mead, and beverage vendors, there’s truly something for everyone. We’re proud to showcase local favorites like Shoreline Brewery, Zorn Brew Works Co., Trip Fermentations, Burn 'Em Brewing, Shady Creek Winery, and Misbeehavin' Meads, alongside tried-and-true classics like Miller and PBR. 🍻🤘🏼

Unlimited samples, free hotdogs, live entertainment by Chicken Dolphin, and an unforgettable evening supporting the animals and programs of Washington Park Zoo. We can’t wait to see you there!

🎟 Get your tickets before they’re gone!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-brew-at-the-zoo-tickets-1986991665560?

06/06/2026

Getting ready for Brew At The Zoo today! 🍻

A few of our board members dropped off donuts and refreshments to the staff at the Washington Park Zoo this morning. 🍩

Their work doesn’t stop when the gates close. Caring for the animals is a 24/7 commitment, and their dedication, hard work, and willingness to go above and beyond help make events like Brew At The Zoo possible while ensuring exceptional care for the animals every day. We’re grateful for everything they do! ❤️🐾

06/06/2026

🍻 The taps start flowing at 5 PM, and the party keeps going all night!

While you’re enjoying Brew At The Zoo from 5 PM to 8 PM, make sure to swing by Stop Zero Beach Cantina and try their featured cocktail, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑱𝒖𝒊𝒄𝒆. Better yet, a portion of every Bear Juice sold will be donated back to the Society to help support the animals and programs at Washington Park Zoo.

Whether you’re heading to Brew, taking a break between samples, or looking for the official after-party spot once the zoo closes, Stop Zero has you covered.

Drink for a cause. Party with a purpose. See you tomorrow! 🐻🍹🍻

06/05/2026

𝙏𝑶𝙈𝑶𝙍𝑹𝙊𝑾 𝑰𝙎 𝙏𝑯𝙀 𝘽𝑰𝙂 𝘿𝑨𝙔!

And this will be your face when you realize you missed out on the funnest 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒 event at the Washington Park Zoo 😝

We’ve got live tunes from Chicken Dolphin 🐬 And over 20 vendors, including our local MC rockstars 👇🍻🍷

Burn 'Em Brewing
Shoreline Brewery
Misbeehavin' Meads
Zorn Brew Works Co.
Trip Fermentations
Shady Creek Winery

Tickets for our 2026 Brew At The Zoo are moving fast! 🐆
🎟️ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-brew-at-the-zoo-tickets-1986991665560

06/05/2026

STATEMENT FROM THE CITY OF MICHIGAN City On the Passing of Echo and the Events of June 3, 2026

Michigan City, Indiana — Yesterday, Washington Park Zoo lost one of its own. Echo, a 10-yearold female timberwolf who had called our zoo home her entire life, passed away overnight on June 2–3, 2026. Her passing has been deeply felt by our zookeeping staff, by our zoo family, and by the community that has watched her grow.

In the hours that followed Echo’s death, two of our dedicated employees were injured while responding to the situation inside the wolf habitat. One has been treated and released. The other sustained more significant injuries and remains in medical care. Both are members of our zoo family, and our full support is with them and their loved ones during this difficult time.

Echo was found deceased in the wolf enclosure during zoo staffers’ routine morning rounds on June 3. A necropsy conducted by Michigan City Animal Hospital confirmed she died of natural causes, specifically a ruptured splenic mass. Her death was not caused by any external event and posed no risk to the other animals in her habitat.

When staff entered the enclosure to assess the situation, the two surviving wolves – Koda and Nikos – instinctively became protective and agitated, as wolves are deeply social animals with strong bonds to their pack.

Michigan City Police and Fire and La Porte County EMS responded swiftly. Officers provided immediate first aid on scene before medical teams arrived. Both employees were transported to the local hospital.

“Our zookeepers are dedicated professionals with deep expertise who compassionately care for these animals 365 days a year,” Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said. “They arrived yesterday morning to do their jobs, and they encountered something no one should have to face. We will not be sharing their names, and we ask that the public and media honor their privacy and their dignity as they heal. This was a traumatic experience for everyone involved.”

Koda and Nikos have been examined by a licensed veterinarian and are healthy. Their exhibit remains open to zoo guests. Washington Park Zoo is conducting a comprehensive review of the incident and habitat entry procedures as part of its standard commitment to employee safety and animal care. We have notified all appropriate regulatory agencies and are cooperating fully with their reviews.

Thank you to our first responders for acting with professionalism and speed. And thank you to the public for your patience and understanding throughout this unfortunate situation. We appreciate you keeping Echo, Koda, Nikos and our zoo staff in your thoughts.

06/04/2026

Almost time to pig out at Brew at the Zoo. 🐷

Unlimited samples, cold pours, and a full night of beer fest energy all while supporting the animals, veterinary care, and education programs that help make Washington Park Zoo possible.

Sip your way through the zoo, discover new favorites, and enjoy one of the most anticipated events of the season.

This is your sign…grab your tickets now and we’ll see you this weekend!

🎟️ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-brew-at-the-zoo-tickets-1986991665560

06/04/2026

☔️ Rain? We’ve got that covered. Fun? We’ve got plenty of that too. 🍻

2026 Brew At The Zoo is happening 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝑺𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆!

A couple years ago we had a little wet weather, and guess what? People still had an absolute blast sampling great beer, wine, cider, mead, spirits, and enjoying one of the most unique events in the region.

Yes, the forecast is showing some rain right now… but if you’re from Northwest Indiana, you know our weather forecast is more of a suggestion than a guarantee. 😂 At this point, it could be sunshine, rain, or somehow snow. ☃️

Either way, don’t let a little water keep you from a great time for an even greater cause.

Every ticket helps the Michigan City Zoological Society support the Washington Park Zoo with animal care initiatives, veterinary support, educational opportunities, exhibit enhancements, conservation and projects that help improve the lives of the animals that call the zoo home.

Grab your tickets, gather your friends, and come raise a glass with us this Saturday. The animals are counting on it. 🐻🍻

🎟️ Get your tickets before we sell out!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-brew-at-the-zoo-tickets-1986991665560