Evansville Singles Can Try Speed Dating at Mesker Park Zoo Event

If your dating apps are feeling a little…extinct, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden has a wildly fun new way to meet someone special. The zoo just announced its first-ever speed dating event, and it’s designed for singles who are ready to get out of the house and into something more memorable than another awkward swipe.

Social Safari: The Birds, Bees, & SSPs is happening on Friday, February 6th from 6–8 PM. This after-hours event invites singles ages 21-35 to Mesker Park Zoo for a night that blends learning, laughing, and a little romantic chemistry - zoo-style.

How The Zoo Speed Dating Experience Works

The evening kicks off with a short, engaging talk about how love works in the animal and plant kingdoms (spoiler alert: it’s fascinating) and how zoos help plan for the survival of species through programs like SSPs, or Species Survival Plans. Think of it as a fun icebreaker that gives everyone something interesting to talk about before the mingling begins.

After that, it’s time to fla-mingle. Guests will rotate through a mix of one-on-one chats, group activities, and animal- and plant-themed challenges that encourage teamwork and conversation. It’s speed dating, but with way less pressure - and way more personality - than sitting across a table asking, “So… what do you do?”

Drinks, Snacks, and What Your Ticket Includes

Tickets are $25, space is limited, and a short questionnaire is required when you register to help create the best possible match groups. And yes, snacks and drinks are covered. Your ticket includes two drinks of your choice, courtesy of Leroy’s Tavern and Coca-Cola Consolidated, plus chips and salsa from Hacienda.

Where The Event Takes Place Inside The Zoo

The event takes place in the Koch Carousel Event Lodge, with additional stations in the Kley Building. While the full zoo will be closed and animal visibility will be limited, the atmosphere will be anything but boring.

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Get all the details and snag your ticket at MESKERPARKZOO.COM, and keep an eye on Mesker Park Zoo’s social media for updates. This is one Valentine’s season event that’s definitely worth going bananas for.