The Binder Park Zoo, located outside the city of Battle Creek, Michigan, is home to 140 species of animals. First opening its doors in 1977, the zoo is situated on 433 acres of natural forest and wetlands and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. A wide variety of exhibits makes the zoo an ideal place to take the family for a learning adventure.
The Wild Africa exhibit features animals that live on African savannas, which are flat grasslands. The realistic 50-acre environment includes zebras, giraffes, impalas, ostriches and many other species native to the country. Visitors can take part in an interactive component of the exhibit by feeding giraffes from a special, tall deck, called a giraffe deck. Positioned near the zoo's entrance, the Smith Snow Leopard exhibit introduces visitors to the unusual cats in a realistic, state-of-the-art setting. Conservation and education are key elements of the exhibit. The best time of year to see the cats is in the fall when they are most active.
The hand-painted, carved wooden Binder Conservation Carousel features two chariots and 36 species of animals. Installed at the zoo in spring 2007, the ride has become a popular attraction for visitors. Zebras, giraffes and snow leopards are among the animals carved into the structure, as well as three horses, as a tribute, painted in the Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Western Michigan University school colors. All profits from the carousel are used for the zoo's conservation programs.
Families can choose from a variety of activities. Education and conservation opportunities include camps, an Overnight Safari and Zoo Snooze programs. The Family Overnight Safari allows guest to camp in the Wild Africa exhibit. Along with a special, after-hours tour of the exhibit, families enjoy dinner and an evening snack, and stay overnight at the zoo in a tent from home, or in one of the structures on site. Breakfast in the morning completes the experience, which is a great bonding opportunity.
Sunrise on Savanna provides visitors the chance to have breakfast on the giraffe deck. The breakfast includes lectures on African wildlife by the informative zoo staff. The Zookeeper for a Day program gives guests a glimpse of what it is like to work with the animals in the zoo. It allows those interested to take a hands-on approach to visiting the zoo. Also available are teacher and home school programs, birthday parties, environmental tours and field trips. The programs are educational and interactive and a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Binder Park Zoo has become one of the top cultural attractions in the Battle Creek, Michigan area. The zoo is informative and interactive, with family friendly programs and state-of-the-art exhibits and attractions. The diversity of opportunities at the zoo makes it appealing to visitors throughout the seasons.
