Miller Park Zoo reopens Katthoefer Animal Building

Visitors can access the animal building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the zoo is open. (Photo courtesy Miller Park Zoo)

By WMBD-TV

BLOOMINGTON – Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington is reopening one of its historic buildings.

Starting Thursday, the Katthoefer Animal Building will be open to the general public. The building first opened its doors in 1914.

It closed during the onset of the pandemic to protect the animals. With the reopening comes new ventilation, an education center and a transport crate for kids to explore.

Zoo director Jay Pratte says opening the building gives both visitors and the animals more options.

“We are open year round except for, you know, Thanksgiving and Christmas. And so when people come here, if it’s really cold days, we’re limited on those options where someone can go inside. So for me, it was like, great to have another option where people could walk across the zoo, see some of their favorite animals. We can give these animals access both inside and outside. They can choose where they want to be, so that’s good for their well-being,” said Pratte.

Pratte also said the animals have been vaccinated.

Visitors can access the animal building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the zoo is open.

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