Is Potter Park Zoo One of Lansing’s Best Attractions? This Visitor Finds Out

LET'S FIND OUT

Have you read the article “Got Visitors? These are the 19 Best Places to Take Them in Lansing” yet? Are they the best? This visitor to Lansing is going to find out. First up: Potter Park Zoo.

VISITOR STOP #1: POTTER PARK ZOO

From a 58-acre land donation in 1910 to Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation in 1986, the Potter Park Zoo has been entertaining Lansing residents and visitors for over 100 years. The zoo celebrated its centennial in 2020 and has come a long way from its humble beginnings of some deer and raccoons. Over 350 animals are housed within the zoo, and several are part of a Species Survival Plan, including the:

• Black Rhinoceros 
• African Lion 
• Amur Tiger 
• Snow Leopard 
• Red Panda 
• Ring-Tailed Lemur 
• Spider Monkey 
• Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake 

SEE ALSO: Discover Lansing’s Scenic 20-Mile River Trail

Programs like the various Species Survival Plans are just one of the many conservation efforts of the Potter Park Zoo. The Zoo also participates in other conservation programs like breed and release, banding, and field research on native species like the Michigan Least Shrew and Great Lakes Piping Plover.  

BE A ZOO PARTNER

You can make a difference in the conservation efforts in several ways through the Potter Park Zoo. Become a member, adopt an animal, or by attending one of the many special events held throughout the year.   

Is Potter Park Zoo one of the best things for Lansing visitors? I believe it is. It’s also a great organization for Michigan residents to get involved with. If animal conservation is your thing, the Potter Park Zoo helps do just that, in so many ways.

NO BORING PICTURES 

If you are going to visit the zoo, I have just one bit of advice: don’t go during the animal siesta time like I did. It makes for boring pictures.  

That's one off the "19 Best" list--18 to go!