A Century of Conservation and Education
Nestled in Evansville’s northwest side, Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden has been a cornerstone of the city for nearly 100 years. Founded in 1928, Mesker Park Zoo holds the distinction of being Indiana's first zoo. That pioneering spirit endures today as the zoo engages in strategic planning for the first time. Its vision is clear: To be the regional leader in conservation and sustainability with a global impact.
The zoo is devoted to preserving Earth's diverse species and ecosystems through proactive education and conservation efforts within regional and professional communities. Spanning 45 scenic acres of rolling hills, the zoo is home to hundreds of animals from around the world. Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden serves as a hub for conservation efforts, offering opportunities not just to observe and learn about animals, but also to engage in meaningful preservation activities. Through its educational programs and partnerships, the zoo actively works towards safeguarding Earth's diverse species and ecosystems.
One of the highlights of visiting Mesker Park Zoo is its natural setting. The 45-acre property, with its rolling hills and scenic views, provides a peaceful, immersive experience for visitors and creates naturalistic habitats for the animals. At Mesker Park Zoo, fostering connections between people and nature is inherently part of its mission. Visitors can encounter hundreds of animals representing species from around the globe.
Metrics
Acres
Open Days Per Year
Years Old
Services
Full-Service Facility Management
Operations
Accounting & Financial Services
Event Booking & Sales
Event Management and Operation
Food & Beverage Operations
Venue Branding & Marketing
Human Resources
Environmental Stewardship
Emergency Planning & Security
Community Engagement
Family Fun & Animal Enrichment Day
Save The Vanishing Species
Conservation Programs
96 Elephants Org
Youth School and Scout Programs
Outreach Community Programs for Festivals and Community Events
Family Programs
Day Camps
Events Hosted
Amazonia
Children’s Enchanted Forest
Lake Victoria
Tram Tours
Keeper Penguin Presentation
Executive Director
Scott Schoenike
Scott Schoenike is a recognized leader in developing strategies to achieve community and business goals in entertainment facilities. He combines executive awareness, team-building, and financial foresight, delivering strong ROI and operational improvements. As Executive Director at the Ford Center, Scott built a team that consistently delivered results. Aligning community expectations with business goals led to the successful and under-budget opening of the Ford Center in 2011. Under his leadership, the Ford Center has won and been nominated for multiple prestigious awards. His newest project involves combining the Ford Center’s professional hockey team with building management. As President of the Evansville Thunderbolts and Executive Director of the Ford Center, he prioritizes objectives and reallocates resources to ensure success for both organizations.
Scott's career spans over 35 years, including key roles with VenuWorks and ARAMARK. He has managed multiple venues, developed in-house revenue streams, and led major recovery and expansion projects in Cedar Rapids. His adaptability and creativity have earned him a reputation for excellence in special events, including three Super Bowls, an NBA All-Star Game, two Air Shows, and seven NBA/NHL arena openings. Outside of work, Scott is dedicated to his family and enjoys playing hockey and mountain climbing.
Contact Scott Schoenike and the Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Gardens Team!
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