Vintage Michigan City Zoo, Michigan City, Indiana

Washington Park Zoo began in 1925 when a retired animal trainer moved his brown bear named "Jake" to the Washington Park lake front. Jake did not have much public exposure after his trainer retired, so the man thought interested people might more often visit his pet in the park and provide company for him. The public response was immediate and a few other animals and birds were brought in from the fire department to add to their menagerie. Back then, the fire department often sheltered discarded exotic animals.
New Zoo is evolving in Michigan City that will meet the performance standards of governmental agencies. Maintain the animal collection in modern spacious, glass fronted naturalistic exhibits.