Mesker Park Zoo Sets All Time Attendance Record in 2025

A Record-Breaking Year For Zoo Attendance

To say that 2025 was a “good” year for Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is a bit of an understatement - it was, in fact, a record-breaking year. It was just announced that 229,278 guests visited the zoo last year – that’s the highest annual attendance in its history.

Wild Summer Lights Was a Game Changer

One of the biggest highlights of the year was the debut of Wild Summer Lights, a dazzling evening lantern festival that lit up the Zoo from mid-August through early October. That event sold 50,000 tickets, which is especially important, considering that is typically a slower time of the year for zoo visitors. And all of those Wild Summer Lights ticket sales led to $230,000 in net proceeds for the Evansville Zoological Society through a revenue-sharing partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.

Here’s what Mesker Park Zoo Executive Director Erik Beck had to say about that incredible number…

Fan-favorite events also continued to shine in 2025. Orchid Escape, Bloomin’ Zoo Plant Sale, Party for the Planet, Zoo Brew, Boo at the Zoo, and Breakfast with Santa once again drew strong crowds – proving there’s truly something for every age and interest. Educational programs like Camp Zoofari Summer Camp and Spring and Fall Break Camps also remained popular, offering hands-on learning experiences families can feel great about.

Get our free mobile app

Other big wins from 2025 include growing Zoo memberships, expanded partnerships with schools and nonprofits, strong support from corporate sponsors, and continued progress on the Zoo’s long-term Master Plan.