Louisville Zoo giraffe calf Silvia

The Louisville Zoo named a Masai giraffe calf born May 3, 2026, after longtime Zookeeper Silvia Zirkelbach. (Photo courtesy of the Louisville Zoo)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Louisville Zoo is celebrating a record year after reporting the highest attendance in its 57-year history.

The zoo welcomed 945,225 guests during the fiscal year, surpassing the previous record set during the opening of Glacier Run in 2012.

The zoo said programs such as the Community Access Pass and the free Morning Walking Club helped more people enjoy the zoo this year.

The zoo is open daily year-round.

"This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication of our staff, volunteers and partners who work every day to create an outstanding experience for our guests," Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney said in a news release. "From unforgettable animal encounters and conservation programs to special events and new attractions, our team is committed to making every visit meaningful. We are deeply grateful to our community for embracing the zoo and helping us reach this historic achievement."

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