Fort Wayne Children's Zoo history

In 1972 the Nature Lodge in Franke Park burned.

Opened in 1976, the African Veldt was one of the first Zoo exhibits to include mixed species on an open pasture—a concept now common in zoos.

In 1980 Diehm Museum was lost to a fire and reconstructed.

In 1987, the Australian Adventure premiered, showcasing animals from the Outback.

With its strong emphasis on nature education and basic camping skills, Franke Park Day Camp provides an environment which fosters cooperation, problem solving and socialization as well as the dirty, muddy, outdoor fun kids of all ages enjoy! In 1988 the program was extended to include 4-5 year olds.

In 1992 the last Soap Box Derby was held.

In 1994 the BMX track was moved from Rockhill Park to Franke Park which took place of the Soap Box Derby Track.

The second phase, Orangutan Valley, was opened in 1995, followed by an enclosed tiger forest exhibit in the following year.

Franke Day Camp was presented with a Citation for Excellence from the Alfred Adler Institute of Fort Wayne in 1996 and is the Fort Wayne Park and Recreation Department's longest running children's program.

In 2001, a new tradition was launched: the Zoo to You TV show.

In 2002 after extensive negotiations the Franke Park parking lot expansion was completed, adding approximately 600 new spaces for park and zoo visitors.

On May 18, 2004, 7.5-year-old "Coolah", the last remaining Tasmanian devil to live outside of Australia, died from complications of inoperable cancer.

On November 2, 2007, artificial rocks made of Styrofoam caught fire in the zoo's new African Journey expansion, the largest project in the zoo's 42-year history.

In 2011 the Diehm Museum was officially closed.

On July 1, 2015, the zoo celebrated its 50th anniversary with about 400 guests.

On March 3, 2020, the zoo announced that longtime Executive Director Jim Anderson would retire at the end of the 2020 season.

On February 4, 2021, the zoo announced two of its Sumatran tigers tested positive for COVID-19.