Henson Robinson Zoo

About Henson Robinson Zoo

Henson Robinson Zoo is a zoo in Springfield, Illinois, operated by the Springfield Park District. The zoo's address is listed by the park district as 1100 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, IL 62712, and Wikipedia places it on the eastern shore of Lake Springfield. Wikipedia describes the zoo as a private nonprofit operated by the park district, and a separate nonprofit, the Springfield Zoological Society, supports it.

The park district's zoo page says the zoo is home to animals native to Australia, Africa, Asia, and North and South America, and lists more than 96 species of native and exotic animals in naturalistic exhibits. The same page states that the zoo participates in scientific research studies and conservation efforts alongside its educational role.

The Springfield Park District page names these animals as notable residents: African penguins, Eurasian vulture, African painted dogs, American black bears, cougars, spider monkeys, langurs, boa constrictor, naked mole rats, and lemurs. The page adds that the list is not complete.

History

According to the park district, the zoo began as a dream of a prominent Springfield citizen named Henson C. Robinson. In 1967 the City of Springfield donated a tract of land to the Springfield Park District to fulfill that dream. Construction began in 1968, and the Henson Robinson Zoo officially opened on August 29, 1970. Wikipedia describes Robinson as a contractor and records that the Springfield City Council set aside the land in 1967.

The park district's account says that over the years the zoo has grown and expanded with the addition of new animals and exhibits. Illinois Times coverage of the 2022 season describes a spring opening day featuring keeper chats, bio-fact stations, new African penguins, and wallabies, alongside animals returning from the previous season.

Exhibits and habitats

The park district describes the animals as housed in naturalistic exhibits and lists the regions they come from as Australia, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. Its list of notable residents covers birds (African penguins and Eurasian vulture), carnivores (African painted dogs, American black bears, and cougars), primates (spider monkeys, langurs, and lemurs), a reptile (boa constrictor), and naked mole rats. Illinois Times reported wallabies as a new arrival for the 2022 season.

The zoo also has visitor features beyond animal exhibits. The park district lists a playground, which the zoo's FAQ describes as a popular part of the grounds, along with benches and shaded rest areas and water fountains with bottle fillers. Visitors can buy bags of goat feed and fish feed at the zoo while supplies last, according to the park district. The park district's amenities list also includes a covered picnic pavilion, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, diaper changing stations, concessions, and a gift shop.

Conservation and programs

The Springfield Zoological Society is described by Wikipedia as the zoo's 501(c)(3) arm, concentrating on juvenile outreach with an emphasis on social media and school-group activities. Wikipedia also records frequent consultations with Springfield School District 186 on teaching conservation and biology through hands-on animal experiences.

The park district's page says the zoo offers free admission for Illinois K through 12 students during the regular school year as part of an organized school group, when the group is accompanied by a teacher. Participating schools must be accredited, and teachers and parent chaperones are eligible for a discounted group rate when a visit includes at least 15 students. Group visits must be scheduled in advance, and the zoo's FAQ says group reservations are processed Monday through Friday and require at least 72 hours of notice. Parties of 10 or more count as a group for discounted rates.

According to the park district, the zoo is a certified Sensory Inclusive Venue through KultureCity. Staff receive annual training, and KultureCity sensory bags containing special badges, fidget tools, sunglasses, a communication card, and noise-canceling headphones can be checked out at the Guest Services Desk at the ticket counter by leaving an ID. Weighted lap pads are available on request, quiet areas are marked with signage, and a social story is available through the KultureCity app.

Wikipedia lists three recurring events. Dr. Dolittle Day is a spring event centered on veterinary care, with temporary veterinary clinics and keeper chats. Fur Feather Fin Fall Fling takes place in late September and focuses on how animals prepare for cold weather. Winterland Holiday Zoo Lights runs in the holiday season with lights, food vendors, visits with Santa Claus, and photo booths. Event dates change, so the park district's site is the place to confirm them.

Planning your visit

As listed on the park district's website, the zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 11 through October 31, with last admission sold at 4:30 p.m. From November 1 through November 20 it is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m. Seasonal dates can change from year to year.

Ticket prices, including rates for children, seniors, and groups, are shown on the park district's page rather than repeated here. Children 2 and under are listed as free, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The FAQ states that parking is free but entering the zoo requires a fee, and that advance purchase or reservation is not required.

The FAQ says it typically takes about 1.5 hours to walk the entire zoo. Outside food and drink are not allowed, and concessions are sold at the gift shop. Only qualifying service animals are permitted, and other pets are not. A small selection of strollers is available to rent on a first-come basis, and two wheelchairs are available on loan with identification, but there are no electronic convenience vehicles. The FAQ suggests calling ahead to reserve a wheelchair for a specific time.

The FAQ states that a year-round zoo membership also counts as membership in the nationwide zoo reciprocal benefits program. A reciprocal list flyer is posted on the park district's site.