About Us

our mission:

Our mission is to inspire our community to respect and value the natural world
through education, conservation and rehabilitation.

about us:

Beginning its journey in the late 1800s, The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center continues to be an integral part of our region's diverse cultural and educational environment. Today, The Zoo is a private, non-profit organization governed by the Forest Park Zoological Society. Situated in Forest Park, a 735-acre woodland park in Springfield, The Zoo is home to over 225 native and exotic animal residents representing a large variety of species. 

We are proud to work with wildlife rehabilitators across the United States to provide care to animals that have been deemed non-releasable to the wild due to injury, illness, permanent disability, habituation to humans or other factors. While it is our wish that all animals can be successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild, we know that is not a realistic expectation. By providing a happy, healthy, permanent home for these animals, we aim to educate our guests on the species that surround them and hope that they will become wildlife advocates.

The Zoo offers a variety of educational programming for children and adults of all age groups and interests, including our award-winning Kids Go Wild, Wildlife on Wheels, Zoo Camp, Guided Tours and Discovery Programs. Through these programs and our static exhibits, The Zoo allows guests to explore multiple aspects of science while having fun.