History of the Potter Park Zoo and Zoo Society
Learn about the History Book Project

Early Years

The history of the Potter Park Zoo begins in 1915, when J. W. and Sarah Potter donated 58 acres of land to Lansing that became Potter Park. Twenty-seven more acres were added in 1917, and in 1920 the first animals, elk from Moore's Park, were transferred to Potter Park. The first building, the Lion House, was built by the Works Progress Administration in 1930, and Monkey Island (now the Bighorn Sheep exhibit) followed in 1936, despite the financially tough years of the Great Depression. The Aviary was completed in 1941, and the barnyard in 1949.

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Revitalizing the Zoo

The 1950s saw growth at the zoo as tigers, otters, kangaroos, and other animals were added to the collection. However, in the 1960s Potter Park began to fall into disrepair, and some people thought it should be closed. Help came in 1969 when Jim Hough, a columnist for the State Journal, brought together local residents to form the Friends of the Zoo Society. The Society helped raise money to purchase Bingo, the zoo's first elephant, in 1972 for $4,453. Tombi the elephant was purchased in 1979 after Bingo passed away.

More construction came in the 1970s and '80s. The zoo railroad that offered rides for 25 cents was added in 1974, and in 1982 the Aviary was refurbished and reopened after six years. Groundbreaking for the Penguin Exhibit began in 1985. In 1987 Spider Monkeys were added to Monkey Island and a $100,000 donation from Harold Gross helped begin renovations of the old Lion House into the Feline/Primate Building. The building opened in 1989 to rave reviews.

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A New Society

In 1986 the Friends of the Zoo became the Potter Park Zoological Society, incorporated to continue the standard of excellence at the zoo. The first Docent class graduated in 1986 with 12 volunteer teachers. The Society now has over 100 volunteers.

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The 1990s and the New Century!

A one mill parks levy was passed in 1990 by residents of the city of Lansing and Ingham and Eaton counties, which helped revitalize the park. Special events such as the A&W Restaurants Cruisin' for the Zoo classic car show, the McDonald's/Toys R Us Kids Olympics, L & L Food Days, the 5K Rhino Walk, and the holiday Wonderland of Lights helped raise additional money while providing extra fun for visitors.

The millage made the renovation of the Farmyard possible in 1992, as well as helping to replace the old pony ring ride with the Potter Park Pony Path. Wolf Woods opened in 1994.

In 2000 the new Education Center opened, along with a new gift shop, concession stand, and administrative offices. The Education Center includes classrooms, the Safari Room (which can be rented for parties and other functions), and offices for Society personnel.

And in 2002 our new Animal Clinic was completed, a place where the zoo's animals can be treated right on our grounds rather than having to take them to MSU's veterinary facilities. The zoo also hired an on-staff veterinarian and animal curator, Dr. Tara Harrison, the first time we've had a full-time vet to serve the zoo's medical needs.

The future for the Potter Park Zoo looks very bright, and more plans for renovations are in the works, including a new Otter Pool Exhibit that will begin construction in 2005!

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The History Book Project

Potter Park Zoo docent Kevin Hile has written a history of the zoo. Titled Little Zoo by the Red Cedar: The Story of Potter Park Zoo, the book has been accepted by MSU Press, which intends to publish it in 2008.

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