Your Visit

Zoo Attractions

Endangered Species Carousel

Take a spin on Scovill Zoo’s beautiful Endangered Species Carousel! Specially designed for Scovill Zoo, the carousel is unique to Central Illinois. It features 30 colorful, hand-carved wooden animals, representing protected and endangered species from across the globe.

The Endangered Species Carousel offers a unique educational opportunity for visitors and provides an innovative way to encourage kids of all ages to learn more about conservation. From the colorful puffin to the exotic Malayan sunbear, from the unusual capybara to the popular zebra, a one-of-a-kind animal experience awaits you. You can contribute to this experience! Adopt an Animal aboard our carousel through our Carousel Gift Opportunities. For more information about adopting a carousel animal, please call Kathy Winter at Scovill Zoo: 421-7436.

The ADA-accessible carousel is located at the entrance of Scovill Zoo. Two chariots on the carousel accommodate wheelchairs. Children under 42 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult.

Admission:
Tokens: $1.00 per ride
Hours: The carousel is open during regular zoo hours and special event times.

Rules:
For your safety, please abide by all spoken directions as well as the following rules:

Use the stirrups for help getting on the animal. Don’t stand or put your feet on any part of the animal.
Hold onto the brass pole. Don’t hold onto or hang your belongings on the animal’s ears, tails, or horns.
Keep your legs and arms inside the carousel. Don’t throw or drop an object from or toward the carousel.
Remain seated (or standing in one place, for accompanying adults) once the carousel is in motion.
Dismount only after the carousel comes to a complete stop and the operator says it is safe to move.

Z.O. & O. Express

Climb aboard! The Z.O. & O. Express Train offers a 1-mile narrated tour tracking through a tunnel and along Lake Decatur to give you a unique, behind-the-scenes view of our animals. Riders will have the opportunity to watch animals from five different continents like our Emu from Australia and Toucans from South American. Keep an eye out for our two South African Cheetahs, Jafari and Runako!

One of Scovill Zoo's most popular attractions, the Z.O. & O. Express has transported tens of thousands of visitors each year. Added to the zoo in 1984, the train is a scaled replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington Steam Train. C.P. Huntington, a California merchant in the 1800s, built and operated the Central Pacific Railroad. The Z.O. & O. Express is ADA accessible. Passengers in wheelchairs can board the train via a ramp and safely ride in a special, secure wheelchair area.

Admission:
All prices reflect a round trip aboard the Z.O. & O. Express. Children under two are free. Visitors may purchase tickets in the Zootique Gift Shop upon entering the zoo or at the train station. The train operates during normal zoo hours.

Adults $2.00
Children (2-12) $1.50
Seniors (65 & better) $1.50
Children under 2 FREE

Groups of 10 or more may purchase discounted train tickets through our group visitor program by calling at least two weeks in advance at 217-421-7436.