Indian Creek Zoo

About Indian Creek Zoo

Indian Creek Zoo is at 2744 Consear Rd in Lambertville, Michigan. NBC24 describes it as located just across the Michigan and Ohio border near Toledo, with paved paths winding around 51 acres of wooded land, as of its June 2018 report. The zoo is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The zoo's website says it was established in 2014 and is dedicated to creating an engaging and educational environment where children and families can connect with nature, using hands-on experiences to inspire a love for animals and the environment. Its stated vision is to be a destination where families engage with wildlife in innovative ways. In the NBC24 report, Joe Garverick is identified as the zoo's president, and he describes it as a different zoo by design, up-close and personal. The report says the animals' upbringing gets them accustomed to visitors.

History

The zoo's website gives 2014 as the year it was established. NBC24 reported in June 2018 that the zoo began in 2011 and opened to the public in 2014. According to that report, it drew 10,000 guests in its first year, and it projected 85,000 visitors for 2018. The report also stated that leadership aimed to reach one million guests during open seasons.

At the time of the NBC24 report, the zoo had 78 species and more than 300 animals, and construction was underway on a natural swamp habitat intended as a home for native birds.

Exhibits and habitats

The zoo's animals page lists its 2026 animals on exhibit. Mammals named there include wolves, camels, giraffes, zebras, wallabies, kangaroos, white-tail and fallow deer, capybaras, ring-tailed and red-ruffed lemurs, sloths, spider monkeys, titi, green, macaque and marmoset monkeys, black bears, bobcats, continental giant rabbits, goats, Dexter cows, armadillos, hedgehogs, donkeys and pigs.

Birds named on the page include ostriches, rheas, red-and-green and blue-and-gold macaws, toucans, hornbills, red-tailed hawks, peacocks, a raven, Ayam Cemani chickens and frill-back pigeons. Reptiles and amphibians named include alligators, snakes, axolotls and Aldabra tortoises. The page also lists ducks, geese and an aviary, and notes otters as coming soon.

The animals page also gives a conservation status for each animal. It labels several animals as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable, though it does not describe specific conservation programs.

The things-to-do page lists a Trike Trak open daily, train rides on weekends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting, and bounce pads for ages 3 and up on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the May to September season. A gift shop is listed as open daily during the operating season.

Conservation and programs

The zoo offers animal encounters, which its site says are available for pre-booking only, online or by phone at (734) 224-0390. On the visit page, the zoo says animal encounters are open only to those over 10 years old and require pre-booking.

The field trip page describes educational trips for schools, summer camps, daycares and youth groups, with a minimum group size of 20 students. According to the page, field trips include train rides, weather permitting, and carrots for feeding camels, deer and goats. Teachers and bus drivers receive free admission, and the zoo lists reduced rates for educational groups. Groups book through the zoo's ticketing website or by phone. The things-to-do page also lists summer zoo camps, birthday parties and event center rentals.

Planning your visit

As listed on the zoo's website, the 2026 season runs from May 1 through September 30, with daily hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and last general admission at 4 p.m. The visit page also lists weekends in October, weather permitting. The zoo notes that hours are subject to change and that some animals may remain indoors when temperatures are cooler, listed as 55 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Ticket details are on the zoo's website.

A food truck operates on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer, according to the zoo's things-to-do page. The visit page states that outside food and coolers are not permitted, with exceptions for medically necessary items, dietary restrictions, baby formula and pre-registered school and birthday groups. Pets are not allowed in the zoo or on the property, including service dogs. Listed rules include no smoking, no outside feeding of animals, no firearms, no alcoholic beverages and no climbing fences, and roller skates, skateboards and bikes are prohibited. A shirt and shoes are required. Children under 18 require constant parental supervision. A zoo map is available online.