The Potawatomi Zoo hit a major milestone this week, welcoming its 400-thousandth visitor of the 2025 season.

The Kosmenko family was the lucky group, receiving free admission, an attraction pass and a gift card to The Lodge Café.

Zoo leaders say it’s a record-breaking year, surpassing last year’s attendance with weeks still to go, and marking the highest visitor count in the zoo’s history.

Attendance has nearly doubled since 2019, thanks to new habitats like the giraffe savanna and special events such as Zoo Luminate.

Executive Director Josh Sisk credits strong community support for transforming the zoo into a true regional destination.