With a dream, prominent Springfield citizen Henson C. Robinson began the Henson Robinson Zoo. When a tract of land was donated to the Springfield Park District by the City of Springfield in 1967, Henson was able to fulfill his dream. Construction of the zoo began in 1968, and the Henson Robinson Zoo opened its doors to the general public on August 29th, 1970. Through the years the zoo has grown and expanded its animal collections, exhibits and facilities.
The zoo is a private non-profit facility that serves the population of Springfield, Illinois and surrounding areas. Henson Robinson Zoo is an accredited member of the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums and is home to more than 300 animals, representing some 90 species and admission is free of charge.
Animal species housed at the zoo represent Australia, Africa, Asia and North and South America. With many native and exotic animals in its collection, the zoo has naturalist exhibits and displays. Henson Robinson Zoo also participates in scientific research and conservation, in addition to providing an interesting and fun educational experience for people of all ages.
The Henson Robinson Zoo Educational Department invites visitors to enjoy the fascinating world of animals as never before experienced. The zoo is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities for people of all ages and learning abilities. The goal is to promote a conservation message about animals at both a local and global level.
The Henson Robinson Zoo takes the opportunity to stretch minds and impart wisdom and understanding to visitors. The traveling "Cheetah Van'' visits education groups with live animals from the zoo. The presentations cover lively lectures, demonstrations and animal biofacts such as feathers, snakes shedding and many others.
Some of the animals featured at the Henson Robinson Zoo include bob cats, lemurs, parrots, camels, bears, wild birds, bison, zebras, giraffes, fish, bison and several others. Guests have the opportunity to view animals from all over the world grazing, playing, sleeping, feeding and tending young in the naturalistic enclosures.
With each exhibit guests can read about what type of animals they are viewing, where the animal comes from, what types of foods are eaten and behaviors exhibited by the animal. On certain days of the week, the zoo keepers host animal feeding and training demonstrations, as well as a chance to see some of the many animals up close.
The Henson Robinson Zoo is opened daily year round from April through October from 10 am until 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am until 6 pm and November through March, daily from 10 am until 4 pm. The facility is closed on Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
