DSNH

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They are adorable, furry, feathered, and sometimes even scaly, but most visitors agree – the residents of the Discovery Zoo are a must-see on every trip to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. Managed by the Live Animals Department, the Discovery Zoo consists of over one hundred animals and insects, ranging from entertaining river otters to Patience, our resident sloth.

See our Otters Play

Though the Discovery Zoo houses myriad Animal Ambassadors, some of the wet and wild animals can also be found in the Discovery Zoo Vet Hospital. 

Be sure to catch our daily Keeper Talk program on the Discovery Stage, located in the Vet Hospital outside the main zoo entrance. This area, sponsored by Midmark, is home to live animal interactions hosted each afternoon at with a zookeeper who will introduce guests to a member of our zoo crew and answer questions. VIEW the daily Museum program schedule on our Home Page.

Bat-Eared Fox
Patience the Sloth

Support the Discovery Zoo!

Want to support our wild Discovery Zoo crew? Make a donation in their honor, send them an item from our Live Animal Amazon Wish List, or even adopt one for the coming year!

Did you know… that in addition to visiting the animals here at the Museum, there are other ways you can enjoy, interact with, and support the residents of the Discovery Zoo?

  • You can support the Discovery Zoo by adopting one of your favorite zoo residents for the coming year! Show your love for the animals, knowing that your support will provide the care and enrichment needed to keep them safe, happy, and healthy. 

  • We can also bring our Education animals to you, so students can get up close and personal at your school or community gathering. Learn about the behaviors and habitats of some of our adorable, cuddly, creepy, and crawly animals. Programs are conservation-based, and explain how important each of these creatures is to the environment. Learn more about this program and book your visit today!

Adopt an Animal!

THANK YOU to our Animal Adopters!

Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife is not a service we are able to provide. We do not have the necessary staff, resources or space needed to provide rehabilitation. Feel free to call us though and we can direct you to the nearest wildlife rehabilitator

We receive many calls throughout the year from folks who are looking for a new home for a pet that they can no longer care for. Unfortunately we usually cannot accept these animals for a variety of reasons. We may be able to help you find an agency that can help with unwanted pets though.

Teens over 14 years of age and adults who are willing to make a minimum commitment of six months after completing our specialized training program are welcome to apply for volunteer positions. In addition, an animal Wish List can be found below. Donations are always welcome.

School is where it all starts. Almost all zoos require college degrees for entry level animal care positions and we are no exception. Our advice is to volunteer as a teenager at a zoo or museum and to pursue a college degree in biology, zoology or a similar degree.

It varies year to year, but we generally have just over one hundred animals. This includes not only the mammals, birds and reptiles, but also all the fish and invertebrates.

AZA stands for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The AZA strives to promote the highest possible standards in all areas of the zoological profession. To become an accredited member of AZA requires a very detailed application and inspection process that looks at all aspects of your institution including animal care, education, staff professionalism, veterinary care and much more. There are currently about 200 AZA accredited institutions.