The Binder Park Zoo is undoubtedly a complete zoo in itself.
It has earned its reputation as a cultural center for natural history and substantial education, wildlife ethical conservation, and outdoor fun and recreation. Binder Park Zoo boasts of being the ninth largest cultural attraction in the entire state of Michigan.
The Binder Park Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). This zoo gives shelter to endangered species like koalas, polar bear, a tiger, and a bronco, and are home to six hundred animal and approximately one hundred and forty species and the major attraction are animals like prairie dogs, a new snow leopard exhibit, cheetahs, red panda, and red kangaroo..
Getting There
The Binder Park Zoo is situated approximately at a distance of 3 miles south from I-94 exit 100.
Those travelling from Detroit can reach the zoo via I-94 west to exit 100. You will find the zoo situated 3 miles south from there.
From Grand Rapids, you are recommended to take US 131 south to I-94 east and follow the same route mentioned above, henceforth.
For more information and directions from Chicago, Lansing, Ft. Wayne and South Bend, please log onto the official website.
Binder Park Zoo History
It dates back to late 1960s when members of the Battle Creek Jaycees, Jaycees Auxiliary thought of building a children’s zoo in Battle Creek. It was a slow and gradual process and after investing a lot effort time and money which were raised by these organizations and by the newly formed Battle Creek Children’s Zoo Steering Committee. It was the private and non profit undertaking. In its embryonic stage the Zoological Society leased 83 acres of the then 655-acre Charles Binder Park from the City of Battle Creek for $1 per year, and in 1985, the zoo leased an additional 87 acres for a total of 170. In 1991, the acreage was expanded to 405 acres. Finally in 1997 this zoo was inaugurated as one of the largest zoo. It sits on an area of 433 acre, diversified surmounting the major area of Battle Creek Michigan. This zoo abounds with umpteenth variety of flora and fauna making it a major attraction for revellers and nature fanatics. What makes it more interesting is the zoo is coupled with a train, a tram, and a carousel and the Wildlife Discovery Theatre which entices more tourists and makes it more happening.
Binder Park Zoo Exhibits
This zoo opens up into a vast array of animal exhibits like the snow leopards, cheetas, red panda, red kangaroo and the prairie dogs. Other exhibits of the main zoo includes Miller Children’s Zoo, gift shop, Z.O. & O. Railroad station, the Binda Conservation Centre, a restaurant, a 0.8-mile (1.3 km) habitat boardwalk called Swamp Adventure, and the new Conservation Carousel. This zoo has been constructed and designed is such a way as so it does not fail to connect with visitors of all ages, right from children to elders. It includes the children’s zoo where children gets a interactive session and can get up close and personal with animals like goats, Llamas and Guinea pigs and the park is cordoned with exhibits like dinosaur area with a large brachiosaurus sculpture and play areas.
Wild Africa
It is one of the major attractions as it displays animals like giraffes, zebras, ostriches, stork, and antelope. One of the striking and interesting features is that the exhibit allows the animals to roam, cage free which provides enough room in an 18-acre land. Furthermore its environment is set with a Savannas’ theme giving a picturesque feel of natural habitat. IT also includes African themed village, selling souvenirs and food and beverages. The theme is so well managed and planned it gives a exact resemblance of a trail like African National Park complete with a ranger station and fake poachers. Visitors gets the opportunity to feed giraffes at the Twiga Overlook and they can view the giraffes from a raised platform that places them at eye level with the animals.
Binder Park Zoo Events
Reptile Weekend: August 6 & 7, 2011
Binder park and Michigan Society will host Reptile Weekend to be held at Binder Park Zoo!THis event is hosted for both children and adults and the vistors will get a life time oppurtunity to see and touch over 100 different reptiles and amphibians from across the globe !
BC Brigham Audubon Society Speaker: August 10, 2011
This event will mainly focus on educating visitors about types of Michigan owl species..Meeting will start promptly at 7:00 pm at Cross Administration Building (Zoo Office). The event is free to the public.
“Chilling on a Summer Daze”: August 21, 2011
There’s nothing like a cold ice block on a hot summer day!
This event will show how Zookeepers pamper the animals and keep them cool on hot Michigan summer days .
“Boiled Eggstravaganza”: September 5, 2011
This will be a fantastic day for visitors as the tamarins show you just how delectable and fun a boiled egg can be. visitors will witness animals peeling eggs and their extraordinary feats some might need a helping hand to get the fun started.
-Howl-a-palooza!: October 1, 2011
A good time to learn more and to unfold more hidden fact about The stories from Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs.
BontebOktoberFest: October 7, 2011
Golden opportunity for visitors to Join Binder Park Zoo and some of Michigan’s finest microbreweries on Friday, October 7th from 6:00pm to 10:00pm for the second annual BontebOktoberFest followed by a beer tasting event held on Zoo grounds!
Please log on to the official website for more information on the zoo events.
Binder Park Zoo Hours
The zoo hours of operation are as follows
Monday – Friday:
9am to 5pm
Saturday:
9am to 6pm
Sunday:
11am to 6pm
Holidays: Open until 6pm
Binder Park Zoo Admissions
Ticket prices at the zoo are as follows.
Adults: $12.95
Seniors: $11.95
Children (2-10): $10.95
Children (Under 2): Free
Binder Park Zoo Members: Free
Contact Details
Binder Park Zoo
7400 Division Drive
Battle Creek, MI 49014
Telephone: (269) 979-1351
Fax: (269) 979-8834
