White River Gardens is part of the Zoo’s new guest entry experience that creates a total immersion into nature from the very first steps inside the Zoo. As visitors first walk through the Indianapolis Colts Welcome Plaza, they will now enter the Zoo through the White River Gardens. This beautiful 3.3-acre landmark attraction includes the Hilbert Conservatory, a 5,000 square-foot tropical oasis inside a glistening glass building, as well as the outdoor DeHaan Tiergarten that combines the best of gardening ideas, plant information and inspirational design that continues its tradition of connecting animals, plants and people.
Amidst the colorful flowers, plants, playful sculptures and fountains, guests will encounter delightful surprises as they have the chance to meet a variety of Wild Encounter animal ambassadors like a chatty parrot, sleepy sloth, slithery snake, adorable aardvark, pouched rat – you never know who you will meet!
Discover stunning views and breathtaking beauty throughout the outdoor gardens, known collectively as the DeHaan Tiergarten.
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The Indianapolis Zoo is also an accredited botanical garden. Come escape to nature!
The Indianapolis Zoo’s new entry is officially here! Officially opened on Memorial Day Weekend, this new guest entry experience that...
Published April 16, 2022 Travel with us to the tropics. Some spectacular orchids are currently blooming inside the Hilbert Conservatory....
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By Greg Holthaus and Nina Evans Horticulturists In the spring of 2016 the Zoo’s Horticulture Department established a honey bee...
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By Nina Evans Horticulturist The White River Gardens is a National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Certified Wildlife Habitat garden. You can...
