Race to the Zoo for Zoopolis 500

Slow and steady will steal the racing spotlight as the Indianapolis Zoo hosts the 37th running of Zoopolis 500 presented by the American Dairy Association Indiana on Wednesday, May 25.

Considered the “Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing,” Zoopolis 500 puts a unique twist on the Indy 500 and is one of the Zoo’s longest-running traditions. This beloved event features the “racing” radiated tortoises as well as past Indianapolis 500 champion Tony Kanaan as the honorary race steward and former Indianapolis Motor Speedway chief announcer Mike King calling all the Zoopolis action.

Race-day activities begin at 9am at the Entry Plaza where guests can meet the 500 Festival Princesses and get pictures with a 500 Festival Pace Car. Guests can also enjoy a free milk chug from DairyPure and TruMoo (while supplies last) and pose for photos with a winner’s wreath. Pre-race analysis starts at 11am at the Arena presented by DairyPure and TruMoo, as King and Kanaan take center stage along with members of the Zoo’s Deserts staff, who will share some expert insights before the main event.

The parade lap around the Arena begins at 11:30am and also includes 500 Festival Princesses, the Dairy Queen, American Dairy Association mascot Buttercup and the racing tortoises. Following the parade, Kanaan will drop the green flag on the feature race and guests can cheer for their favorite tortoise as they “speed” toward the finish line and a tray of delicious fruits waiting in the winner’s circle. At the finish line, the winning pit crew will enjoy icy cold bottles of milk provided by the American Dairy Association Indiana.

Following the race, guests are invited to meet the winning tortoise and his crew — Zookeepers who can answer tortoise-related questions and tell guests all about the Zoo’s efforts to help these critically endangered animals.

Zoopolis 500 activities are free for Zoo members and included with regular admission. This event regularly draws thousands of local fans and national media attention. Guests are encouraged to save time and money by planning their visit in advance at IndianapolisZoo.com.

 


 

About the Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation. Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com

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