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“Went back for a 4th time; I'd gone several times with my kids.” in 2 reviews
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About the Business
The zoo has over 80 species of native and exotic animals that are housed among naturalistic exhibits. The zoo participates in scientific research studies and conservation efforts in addition to providing a fun and educational environment for people of all ages. Some notable residents of Henson Robinson Zoo are African Penguins, Red Wolves, African Painted Dogs, American Black Bears, Cougars, Spider Monkeys, Langurs, Boa Constrictor, Naked Mole Rats, Lemurs, and so much more
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Overall rating
14 reviews
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- Melissa B.Glenarm, IL1231162Jun 21, 2007
My grandparents used to live across the street from this zoo. As you can imagine, I spent many summer afternoons here as a little one. This zoo is pretty nice for a small-ish town. They have penguins-which I love and a great petting zoo. The peacocks used to end up in my grandparents yard all of the time-which I thought was very cool. Worth a trip out to the lake area, which is very pretty.
Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Aug 11, 2022Updated review
Went back for a 4th time; I'd gone several times with my kids. My kids are grown - this time my wife and I went on our own. Spent just over an hour. We got to talk to the zookeepers. We even had the attention of some animals. As before, a wallaby saw us and decided he didn't want anything to do with us and hopped away. One of the birds was talking to us. The goats loved getting fed. Zoo is best for younger kids. This time we went in the summer (last time was in March). Not crowded. Animals are all easy to see. Great playground for kids.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Dec 1, 2013Previous reviewOK... I live in an area where there are big zoos that you see hundreds of species and can spend all day. I went here (3rd time) with my 11 year old and 16 year old - and spent 90 minutes. It cost under $20 for me, my wife, and 2 kids. We had no crowds. We got to talk to the zookeepers. We even had the attention of some animals. A wallaby saw us and decided he didn't want anything to do with us and hopped away. The lemurs followed my son around. The wolverine ensured that we knew he meant business. The barred owl carried on a conversation with my daughter.
I think this zoo is a little better for younger kids - yet the joy of talking to a zookeeper was big for my 16-year old. The ability to feed the goats and have the lemurs almost play with him was great for my 11-year old.
In the summer there are a few more animals; we went in March. Yet... we had no crowds and saw it all. - Oct 26, 2018
I was not expecting much from this zoo as I've been a couple roadside petting zoo's and that's what I thought I was walking into. This is actually such a cute little place. It is quite well maintained and all the animals look healthy and were active the day I was there. I look forward to bringing my kids back to see it too.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Michelle r.Granite City, IL04Jun 16, 2022
Fantastic ! This place has a nice variety of animals and a very friendly staff ! Right across from a lovely park !
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Mike S.Crete, IL6211548Jun 22, 2016
Very nice little zoo just south east of springfield.
While on vacation we needed something to kill a couple of hours, so off to the zoo we went.
Like o said before small but nice zoo with very accommodating staff. Makenzie told us a lot about her little monkey friends and the ladies in the gift shop/concession were very helpful.
I would suggest this place for anyone who likes a zoo. Don't forget to drive Lake Shore drive around the entirety of lake Springfield, it is a very plesant drive.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jun 6, 2014
If not for the small size of this zoo, I'd definitely be a star higher. The animals were all very upfront and close in their exhibits. Only 1 or 2 of them were behind something or otherwise non-visible. They also have a nice assortment of animals with a couple of exotics that are really worth seeing. The entire zoo can be covered in an hour, leaving ample time to do other things in the area. The only drawback is this zoo kinda leaves you asking for more.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Teri B.Chicago, IL077Jul 30, 2016
The staff here is amazing. We were able to watch the Red Wolves get fed, roam their area, & saw the pups that were a month old. Had a 4 yr. old & 11 yr. old that were amazed at everything here. Choo choo ride was great for both of them too.
Will be going back. A little hidden gem.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Tom W.Gulf Shores, AL04Oct 24, 2020
Went last weekend with our grandkids visiting from out of town. Have not been there since my kids were young understand that winter is coming but I was VERY disappointed in what's there at any price. Lots of workers but not as many animals Someone needs to take this on, nice to have but kids would have had as much fun at a park.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Mike P.Lemont, IL04Aug 30, 2019
We really enjoyed this place. Not crowded and inexpensive. The opportunity to get close to some of the animals was fantastic. Really enjoyed the giant turtle and the otters. It only takes about 90 minutes to tour the entire zoo.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Angela R.Pekin, IL10178150Jun 7, 2014
Cute place. We saw what we could while wearing ponchos in the pouring rain...we're adventurous! Seemed well maintained and had really nice staff members. Nice enclosures for the animals. Big park out front. Picnic tables available all around. Would return another day without rain ;)
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