LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Lincoln Children’s Zoo reached a major milestone in 2025, welcoming more than 400,000 visitors in a single year for the first time in its history.
In 2025, the zoo welcomed 411,496 guests through the gates, more than 28,000 more guests than the previous year.
“This milestone is more than just a number,” said Evan Killeen, Lincoln Children’s Zoo CEO. “This record-breaking attendance represents the support we receive from our community, the lifelong memories created here every day and the animals we strive to protect locally and globally. It speaks to the incredible work of the staff, volunteers, partners and supporters who make this zoo thrive.”
From daily zoo visits, education programs and signature events like Zoo Lights Powered by LES, guests showed up in record numbers to support the zoo and its mission in 2025. Revenue and attendance directly support animal care, vital conservation efforts and accessible educational opportunities for the community.
2025 by the numbers:
Welcomed 411,496 visitors, up from 383,169 in 2024.Cared for over 400 animals, including 33 species currently threatened with endangerment.Record-breaking Zoo Lights Powered by LES attendance with 77,252 guests.Educated 55,309 people through animal programs (Wild Safari Theater Stage Programs, Cheetah Run, Eat That Fish)Participated in 37 AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Species Survival Plan programs.Participated in eight AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) programs.
For more information about upcoming events, memberships, and visiting the zoo, visit lincolnzoo.org.
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