Miller Park Zoo breaks attendance record

Posted on May 4, 2016
Miller Park Zoo
The previous record was set in 2005. (Photo by B Corbin/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The Miller Park Zoo set an attendance record in the past fiscal year.

The zoo saw 114,311 visitors in fiscal year 2016, breaking the previous mark 113,641.

“We’re absolutely thrilled,” said Bloomington Parks and Recreation Director Jay Tetzloff. “The summer was good, not great; fall was good, not great; but the winter and spring were incredible.

“We have free Fridays in February, so we get the word out to those who may not be able to afford the zoo and they all came out on those Fridays.”

Tetzloff noted some nice weather on weekends in late February and March also helped attendance. Also helping push up the numbers were some successful events at the zoo.

“Our Wild Lights event, which is around Christmas time, was huge. (It) shattered records,” said Tetzloff. “Halloween is always a big event for us – Star Wars Day.”

The zoo is looking for another strong year this year as it celebrates its 125th birthday. Tetzloff said a special celebration will be held during the second weekend in June to mark the occasion. Additionally, the zoo has plans to open the new flamingo exhibit this summer.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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