Potawatomi Zoo

08/29/2026

We need your help to name our red panda cub!

This little guy still doesn't have a real name, but we have some options, picked by our staff: Clifford (after the big red dog); Pabu (a Tibetan word that means “son” and, colloquially, “puffball”); and Russet (like the potato).

You can help us choose his name AND support red panda conservation. Visit our website, donate at least $5, and pick your favorite name. The name that raises the most money will win! All online donors will also be entered into a drawing to win a red panda plush and two passes to the Potawatomi Zoo, chosen at random.

You can vote through September 17, and we'll announce the name on September 19, which is International Red Panda Day. All proceeds will go to the Red Panda SAFE, a program by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums that supports conservation of wild animals and spaces.

Vote (and learn more) here! potawatomizoo.org/animal/red-panda

08/28/2026

Just a few days left before summer hours at the Zoo end! We're open from 10 am to 7 pm through August 31. Starting September 1, we'll be open from 10 am to 5 pm through November 29 (closed Thanksgiving Day).

Keep an eye on our website, potawatomizoo.org, for any hours updates!

08/27/2026

Today’s Calendar Photo Contest category is small mammals, which includes our primates, red pandas, and other visitor favorites!

Like 👍 or love ❤️ your favorite picture or pictures to vote through September 11. Don’t forget to vote on Instagram too!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=PotawatomiZoo&set=a.1465313428965080

08/27/2026

08/26/2026

Happy African Painted Dog Day!

Despite their name, these spotty canids aren't really dogs. They're not really wolves either. They're actually a unique species that's endangered in the wild. Here at the Zoo, we support the amazing work wildlife conservation organizations do to protect wild painted dogs like radio tracking, snare removal, public education, anti-poaching patrols, and research. One of the easiest things anyone can do to help African painted dogs it to learn more about them and share what you know! A great resource is the AZA SAFE program: www.aza.org/safe-species .

08/25/2026

Don’t forget, it’s Painted Dog Day at the Zoo tomorrow! Not only can you learn about painted dogs, make this fun craft, and watch enrichment at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm, you can help painted dogs with your lunch or dinner!

Order online with Panda Express on August 26 with code 9016350, and they will donate 28% of proceeds to painted dog conservation!

08/25/2026

Let’s look at some more large mammals in today’s Calendar Photo Contest category. Large mammals range in size from the red river hogs to the southern white rhino.

To vote, like 👍 or love ❤️ your favorite picture or pictures through September 11. Don’t forget to vote on Instagram too!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=PotawatomiZoo&set=a.1463605475802542

08/24/2026

The giraffes get their own Calendar Photo Contest category because people love taking pictures of them! Whether it’s our tallest boy, Kellan, or our shortest girl, Hadassah, the giraffes are definitely fan favorites.

Like 👍 or love ❤️ your favorite picture or pictures to vote through September 11. Don’t forget to vote on Instagram too!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=PotawatomiZoo&set=a.1462773059219117

Like 👍 or love ❤️ your favorite picture or pictures to vote through September 11.