Lake Superior Zoo

In 1923, our zoo founder Bert Onsgard envisioned a place where children and families could experience animals and nature. He shared his vision and the zoo soon became a reality in Duluth’s Fairmont Park. Our community donated animals, supplies, labor and funding to turn his vision into reality.  Today, our zoo continues to be a place where children, parents and the young at heart can connect with wildlife from around the world. Education and conservation are central to our mission, as we care for our animal ambassadors. We are passionate about educating others, as wild places are declining by natural causes and human exploitation. For this reason, we continue to pursue our mission: To provide close-up animal experiences which inspire connections to wildlife and action toward conservation in our region and around the world.  Every day there is something new and exciting happening; animal feedings, trainings and enrichment activities are part of our daily schedule. Children love to feed and interact with our barnyard friends, especially the llama, donkey and pigmy goat. Don't miss the Primate Conservation Center, where the Angolan colobus monkeys, cotton-topped tamarins, goeldi's monkeys and other endangered primates make their home. A Nocturnal Wing within the Primate Center houses a variety of bats, two-toed sloths, South American porcupines, pallas cats, kinkajou and more!