Mesker Zoo and Botanic Garden

New Tiger Getting Comfy at Mesker Zoo

John Gibson

Luna is a nearly two-year-old Sumatran tiger that came to Mesker a few weeks ago

Mesker Tiger Headed to Pennsylvania

John Gibson

Nuri will leave to make way for renovation of zoo holding area

Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden Executive Director Erik Beck stands before the currently empty Penguins of Patagonia exhibit Monday, Nov. 7. If a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza is detected within 150 miles, the zoo will follow biosecurity protocols and move not only penguins, but all birds inside. This quarantine was renewed because of another positive case late December.

Deadly Flu Threat Shutters Zoo Bird Exhibits

Tim Jagielo

Mesker Park Zoo closes Penguins of Patagonia, Amazonia exhibits as Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu detected in southern Illinois; prompts biosecurity measures for up to 30 days

Mesker Zoo Mourning Loss of Male Jaguar

John Gibson

Cuxtal was 18, came to Mesker in 2008

Migrating Monarch Butterfly populations have shrunk by 20 to 70 percent in the past 10 years, due to habitat loss in California and Mexico, according to the IUCN.

Migrating Monarch 'Red-Listed' as Endangered by International Organization IUCN

Tim Jagielo

The Migrating Monarch Travels thousands of miles for breeding grounds and due to habitat loss and climate change, are now threatened

Mesker Welcomes Baby Binturong

John Gibson

Native Asian animal is endangered species

Local News

Mesker wins AZA accreditation

Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden has received important recognition. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums announced over the weekend that Mesker was…

The Trend

The Trend-Day Out at the Zoo

Please enjoy this recap of our Day Out at Mesker Zoo and Botanic Garden, as well as a selection from one of our favorite Under the Beams concerts, Pokey…