New Mountain Lion Exhibit Coming to Scovill Zoo!

On Wednesday, November 15^th, the Decatur Park District Board of Commissioners approved an agreement to construct a new Mountain Lion Exhibit and Camel Holding Building at Scovill Zoo.   This new two-thousand square foot outdoor exhibit will include rock outcroppings, ponds, caves, a glass viewing area for patrons, and an interactive area where zookeepers can feed and train the mountain lions.

“We are excited to continue the growth of Scovill Zoo with the addition of a Mountain Lion Exhibit” stated Scovill Zoo Director, Ken Frye. “Zoo staff are humbled by this gift and look forward to sharing this new exhibit with Decatur and Central Illinois.”

Going by several names such as: puma, cougar, and panther, the mountain lion can grow up to seven feet long and weigh 150 pounds.  These cats can leap 18 feet up into trees and are good sprinters in short distances.

Also included in the project is a new animal holding building that will house the mountain lions when not on exhibit and a new indoor holding space for the existing camels, Jack and Fin, at Scovill Zoo.

Funding for this project came from private donations and construction is expected to be completed by August, 2024.

All Together for the Alligators!

Help Scovill Zoo develop the expansion and improvement of the alligator exhibit and holding building.

All Donations Matter! With the help of a generous donor, each dollar will be matched up to $250,000!

How to Donate

• Donation box at the zoo alligator exhibit
• Online at decatur-parks.org (Click HERE!)
• Purchase a T-shirt (available in November)
• Mailing a check to the Decatur Parks Foundation
• In-person at the Decatur Park District Administration office or Scovill Zoo
• Over the phone by calling 217-422-5911

Click here to view G and Elle’s swim at Splash Cove!

Zoorific Evening Benefiting Scovill Zoo

September 16, 2023 at 5 p.m.

Exclusive Animal Encounters, Food from Bistro Five Thirty Seven, Beer & Wine, Live & Silent Auction with can’t miss items!
Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased HERE! 

For tickets and sponsorship information, call the Decatur Parks Foundation at 217-422-5911.

Click here for sponsorship information!

Scovill Zoo opens for the season on Saturday, April 1. Opening Day hours from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., weather permitting. Admission is $9.25 for adults, $8.25 for seniors, and $7.25 for children aged 2 – 12. Scovill Zoo houses 400 animals spanning six continents, a ZO & O Express Train, Endangered Species Carousel, Project Playground, and Scovill Sculpture Park.

Free admission Mondays throughout April. Free Admission Thursdays begin June 1.

Scovill Zoo Spring Hours

Monday – Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Last admission one hour before closing.

Bowling for Rhinos

Bowling for Rhinos is an annual fundraiser hosted by the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) to raise money for organizations to help protect rhinos and their habitats.

This event will be held at Spare Time Lanes (2870 N Jasper St, Decatur, IL 62526) on June 11, 2022 from 8pm – 11pm. Tickets are $15 per person for pre-order or $20 day of event. All ages welcome. It will be black light and glow in the dark themed! Food, drinks, and t-shirts will be available for purchase during fundraiser.

Click here to register

Click here to view the 2021 Critter Chatter Newsletter!

Critter Egg Hunt

Scovill Zoo Opening Day

Scovill Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo is going to look a little different this year so please read the guidelines below!

• Feeling sick? Please stay home. We will refund or transfer you tickets to another date if space is available.
• Arrive 5 minutes before your departure time slot begins.
• You may enter the zoo anytime during your 30 minute time slot and take as long as you wish to walk the zoo grounds.
• Face masks (not costume masks) are required in the gift shop and while walking the zoo grounds.
• Use marked social distancing while waiting in line.
• Following CDC and IDPH guidelines the train and carousel are not operating at this time.
• Please reserve your tickets online. Walk ups are not guaranteed entry as several of the dates and times are sold out due to CDC recommended capacity.

Thank you for supporting Scovill Zoo with your ticket purchase. Funds raised during Boo at the Zoo are used to provide food and care to our animals throughout the winter.

Donations to the zoo are welcomed.