Henson Robinson Zoo

Zoo

Springfield Park District's Henson Robinson Zoo is home to animals native to Australia, Africa, Asia, & North and South America. Take a walk through our naturalistic exhibits that house more than 90 species of native & exotic animals. Each animal has a captivating history and a future that we work to preserve.

Volunteering

Designed to bring a link between humans and the natural world, the zoo facilitates conversation and compassion towards the spectrum of life that surrounds us. Joined by our volunteers of various talents, experience, and ages, we endeavor to create understanding of our animals through personal interactions. With animal ambassadors accompanying us, we allow guests to consider how they have contributed to their life and how our community can contribute to theirs. Every talent is unique and contributes a stronger chance for our animal kingdom.

Teens

Teen volunteers have the unique ability to reach out to children and other youth. As curiosity develops, many teens are left wanting to embrace the natural world and a growing desire for impact in a meaningful way. At this facility, teens can experience hands-on and unforgettable engagement style learning. Alongside zookeepers, some of whom have lived alongside rangers in the front lines of animal conservation, teens can begin to develop significant savvy in career fields such as zoology, zookeeping, conservation, veterinary occupations, public speaking, education, public relations, and more. It is a perfect opportunity for teens to provide for their communities in a fun and safe environment. Additionally, the volunteer program provides opportunities for homeschool teens to learn and engage with the sciences while providing educational engagement.

Adults

Various backgrounds present meaningful value in the protection and appreciation of these animals. Engage with new ideas and concepts, encounter the animal kingdom at your finger tips, follow your curiosity with conversation with field professionals, learn what it takes to preserve, and give a lasting and genuine impact on families. Mentor new youth from your experience. Be the change in conservation.

Conservation.

The role of zoos in the conservation of species cannot be overstated. Many species around the world have been pulled back from the brink of extinction thanks to the efforts of zoos working together. Every year, zoos work diligently to ensure the continuation and safety of species and ecosystems around the globe. It’s not just through breeding animals and educating our guests, together zoos also contribute hundreds of millions of dollars towards conservation programs each year!

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Connections.

Animals, plants, people, we all share this amazing planet and as such, we all have a universal connection. The Henson Robinson Zoo has a mission to remind us all of this connection, and to encourage our visitors to work together to safeguard each and every component of this amazing planet. Yes, a single person can indeed change the world. Imagine what we can do together!

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Community.

The Henson Robinson Zoo’s commitment to global conservation and education begins right here in our own backyard. Many people, young and old, will never have the chance to travel the world and experience animals up close and personal. The Henson Robinson Zoo works to bring that incredible experience to all. By offering the real and potentially life-changing experience of witnessing these animals and looking into their eyes, our visitors see a reflection of themselves and their own importance and responsibility among the inhabitants of this planet. Through our educational programs, the zoo can spread the word on the value and significance of our diverse animal world and encourage others to think, act, and share. The term “knowledge is power” isn’t enough. It is the “application” of that knowledge that drives understanding and change.