Fort Wayne Zoo

08/28/2026

Nature really said: "Give pythons a mustache that helps them detect heat." 🐍🤌

The tiny pits on a python's upper lip, otherwise known as pit organs, are highly specialized to sense heat! Giving them the ability to detect infrared radiation from warm-bodied animals, pit organs allow these reptilians to "see" heat even in the dark. Next time you visit Miki the reticulated python, be sure to compliment him on his heat-sensing mustache!
📸 Interpreter David

08/27/2026

These feet may not have been made for high-fives, but they are perfectly adapted to catch and hold onto prey! 🦅 Sharp and curved like a grappling hook, a red-tailed hawk's talons give them incredible strength and aid in precision hunting. Combined with their strong leg muscles, this bird of prey is a real powerhouse! 💪

08/26/2026

Two weeks of baby giraffe 🦒 At two weeks old, baby boy...

🦷 Has (maybe) six teeth
✨ Is very brave and has started exploring more spaces
💕 Loves his mama
🥬 Never misses breakfast, lunch, or dinner
💤 Is very passionate about naps

You can visit the newest arrival behind-the-scenes by registering for a Giraffe Wild Encounter! Stand toe-to-toe with these gentle giants and learn about reticulated giraffes.
https://kidszoo.ticketapp.org/portal/product/248

Send a message to learn more

08/25/2026

Penny, the Queen of the African Veldt, returned to her domain one week ago and continues to thrive during her post-surgery recovery process on-habitat! One less wing has not stopped Penny from shaking her wings as she dances or from trotting around on the Veldt testing the boundaries of her new balancing abilities.

Her Animal Care and Animal Health Teams continue to monitor her healing but can confirm it is safe to say she is already back to her Penny self. Be sure to say hello to Penny on your next visit to the Fort Wayne Zoo!

08/21/2026

Each year, the Fort Wayne Zoo is lucky enough to host volunteers for United Way Day of Caring! Today bio-med students from Leo High School Leo High School joined our Animal Health Team to help clean Aquatic Quarantine and the vehicles our Vet Team utilizes every day. We are so grateful to this group of young students who offered their time and talents in a way that allows our team to continue to provide exceptional animal healthcare!

Thank you to the volunteers from AID of Indiana and Regal Rexnord as well for their efforts today, which help us in fulfilling our mission of connecting kids and animals, strengthening families, and inspiring people to care.

08/20/2026

As a critically endangered species, it’s important that we raise awareness about the dangers orangutans face and inspire people to care about their conservation story. 🦧 These red-haired apes are only found in the southeast Asian countries of Borneo and Sumatra and are currently facing great habitat loss!

Palm oil plantations are the largest threat to orangutans and supporting brands that are committed to using only sustainable palm oil is just one way that you can have a positive impact. Downloading the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's PalmOil Scan Mobile app, found in your phone's app store, allows you to see if your product purchases are made with sustainably sourced palm oil and are "orangutan friendly."

08/19/2026

In case you haven't heard...we want you to join our team at the Fort Wayne Zoo! 🦓🐆🦎

Visit FWZoo.com to apply for any of the following positions:
- Animal Care Specialist
- Education Interpreter
- Wild Lights Associate
- Guest Services Associate
- Operations Shift Lead
- AND MORE!

Want to join our holiday performance team? We are also looking for dynamic people with a flair for dramatics to perform in our holiday shows for our Halloween and Christmas events! Register for auditions at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9KvNJeRkj0kvMRPwoxYRsiImii6Qo3YUYgAK9DF6qJ5kJ3Q/viewform .

08/18/2026

The Fort Wayne Zoo is cheering on Penny the ostrich as she recovers very well from a successful partial wing amputation surgery.

"On July 23, a plastic cup blew into her African Veldt habitat. Ostriches are naturally curious and opportunistic eaters and Penny attempted to swallow the cup. Penny’s Animal Care & Health Teams immediately intervened to remove the item from her esophagus to prevent her from completely swallowing the item.” States Dr. Caitlin Hemby, Fort Wayne Zoo Associate Veterinarian. "Had she fully swallowed the item, it could have been a life-threatening situation. During the initial intervention, she injured her right wing. As she recovered, and upon further monitoring via medical exams and X-rays, it was determined that Penny irreparably fractured her wing, and an amputation became necessary. That surgery was successfully performed on July 30."

In the weeks following Penny's surgery, she has been spending time behind-the-scenes acclimating to life with one less wing. Her Animal Care Team was routinely monitoring her balance and watching her wound heal. We are thrilled to see her recovering so well, and she has already returned to her regular Penny self.

We understand how loved Penny is by so many members of our community, and we appreciate your patience as she recovers off habitat. You will see her back on the Veldt soon! Visit FWZoo.com for more insight to the specialized care Penny received.

08/14/2026

Keep calm and bask on 🦎
 
Photo 1: Blue-tongued Skink
Photo 2: Red-eyed Crocodile Skink
Photo 3: Knob-tailed Gecko
Photo 4: Leopard Gecko