Whether it’s gearing up for another big run of summer concerts or unveiling a brand new dolphin presentation, there’s lots of excitement happening this summer at the Indianapolis Zoo.
The Zoo’s free dolphin presentations feature power and athleticism of the Zoo’s Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Beginning this summer, the new demonstration will also focus on the ways the Zoo and its guests can help animals and an ecosystem hundreds of miles away. The program is part of a partnership between the Zoo and The Nature Conservancy to increase awareness for conservation efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, which has lost huge portions of its wetlands, sea grass beds and oyster reefs.
Connected to the Gulf via the Wabash River, Hoosiers have a lasting impact on the health of the Gulf and the dolphins that make it their home. To help highlight the connection, the Zoo and TNC have worked together to bring the story back to Indiana with the new 20-minute presentation. With images filmed on location and displayed through an enhanced video-and-sound experience, guests will take a trip through Indiana and down to the Gulf to meet people committed to making a difference for dolphins hundreds of miles away from Midwest.
In addition to the new dolphin presentation, visitors can also enjoy evenings filled with music as the Zoo’s summer concert series returns. Zoolapalooza kicks off June 17 and continues Fridays through July 8 while Animals and All That Jazz opens July 7 and runs Thursdays through August 4. With a diverse lineup of musical acts, guests will hear a mix of popular hits, classic favorites and variety of different jazz stylings.
Both series, which are presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers, will feature live music from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Zoo’s Party Pavilion. Rides and animals will be available until 7 p.m., and with plenty of exhibits nearby, guests can enjoy the full Zoo experience without missing a beat.
The dolphin presentations and summer concerts are free for Zoo members and included with regular Zoo admission. Guests are encouraged to save time and money on their Zoo visit by purchasing advance tickets online at IndianapolisZoo.com.
