Join in the Toledo Zoo’s 125th Birthday Bash & Summer Season Kickoff celebration on Memorial Day weekend, May 24 and 25. Since its inception in 1900, the Toledo Zoo has grown from a modest collection of animals into a world-renowned zoological institution.
The two-day event will feature a full schedule of activities from 10 am to 4 pm each day. Enjoy live music, strolling performers, and character meet and greets. Make memories with animal feeds, hands-on activities, keeper talks, exciting demonstrations, special giveaways and more! It’s a weekend full of fun, wildlife and wonder—all honoring the Zoo’s incredible legacy.
Not only will this event celebrate the start to summer, it will also commemorate the Zoo’s 125 years of conservation, education and community connection. The anniversary will be honored with an immersive tribute show in the historic Amphitheatre during the weekend event.
Entertainment will be spread across the Zoo and will include live steel drum music, acoustic performances and other whimsical acts. Children and families can meet and take photos with their favorite characters in the Main Plaza on Saturday and Sunday.

Adventurous wildlife experiences include sea lion demonstrations, hippo and gorilla enrichment activities and educational talks on Komodo dragons and tamarins. Guests can also see the art of origami come to life and bubble demonstrations. Young visitors will be able to enjoy a bounce house.
As part of the Conda Family Zoo For All program, a sensory area will be available in the ProMedica Museum of Natural History’s Mazza Room. This area is designed as a quiet zone, offering sensory-friendly activities with dedicated staff and volunteers ready to support any sensory needs.

Throughout the remainder of 2025, the Toledo Zoo will continue to host a series of special events, exhibits and programs to honor this remarkable milestone. These celebrations will highlight the Zoo’s historic achievements, ongoing conservation efforts and ambitious plans for the future. Visitors can look forward to engaging experiences that connect them to the Zoo’s mission of inspiring people to care about wildlife and natural environments.
To learn more about the 125th Birthday Bash & Summer Season Kickoff, visit the Zoo’s website.