The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is pulling out all the stops this weekend to salute America’s heroes.
On Saturday, June 14, the zoo will celebrate Military Appreciation Day with a special ceremony and deeply discounted entry for military families. It’s not just about the animals—it’s about gratitude, respect, and giving back to those who’ve given so much.
A Morning to Remember
Doors will open a bit earlier than usual—8:45 a.m., to be exact. But the real moment comes just ten minutes later.
At 8:55 a.m., just outside the main entrance, the air will grow still for a solemn tribute: a flag presentation by the Fort Wayne Police Department followed by a live rendition of the National Anthem. The ceremony is expected to draw a sizable crowd.
It’s a short but meaningful kickoff that sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Zoo Director Rick Schuiteman summed it up simply: “This day is our opportunity to recognize and show deep appreciation for the dedication and bravery of our military service members.”
Free Entry for Those Who Serve
It’s more than symbolic.
Every active duty and retired member of the U.S. military will be granted free admission to the zoo on Saturday. And they won’t have to go alone—family and friends accompanying them can enjoy the day for just $10 a ticket.
For families juggling the financial demands of military life, even a modest break like this can mean a lot.
One veteran who plans to attend posted on Facebook, “It’s not about the money, it’s about feeling seen. These events remind us that people still care.”
A Living Field of Honor
One of the most moving parts of the day will take shape slowly.
Every visitor—military or civilian—will be invited to plant a small American flag in the zoo’s “Field of Honor.” The sight of hundreds of flags waving side by side, each one a silent thank-you, promises to be powerful.
There are no speeches planned here. Just a simple act of remembrance, done in silence, one flag at a time.
It’s little things like this that make the event more than just a day out. They make it personal.
Families, Camaraderie, and Animal Encounters
The zoo staff says the event is about “connection, celebration, and fun”—and that includes plenty of up-close animal experiences.
While the schedule won’t differ drastically from a normal Saturday at the zoo, the vibe will. It’s not just another weekend. It’s their weekend.
Expect to see:
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Military families gathering for group photos near the giraffes and river otters
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Zoo docents handing out small tokens of appreciation at animal exhibits
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Kids squealing with delight as goats nibble from their palms in the petting area
“We want service members to feel like this is their zoo too,” said one staff member. “Like they belong here—because they do.”
A Place of Healing for Many
For some veterans, the zoo isn’t just entertainment. It’s therapy.
Studies show that nature-based experiences—like zoos, aquariums, and parks—can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans. Interacting with animals, being outside, moving at a relaxed pace—all of it helps.
A 2019 Department of Veterans Affairs study noted that even short visits to family-friendly nature spaces led to improved mood and reduced stress indicators among combat veterans.
One retired Army sergeant who visits the Fort Wayne Zoo regularly shared, “There’s something about hearing a lion roar or watching monkeys play that just brings you back to the moment. No triggers. Just peace.”
By the Numbers
Here’s a quick breakdown of what Military Appreciation Day at the zoo means in real terms:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, June 14, 2025 |
| Opening Time | 8:45 a.m. |
| Ceremony | 8:55 a.m., includes flag presentation & anthem |
| Military Admission | Free for all active duty and retired members |
| Guest Admission | $10 per guest (with military ID holder) |
| Location of Field of Honor | Inside the zoo grounds, exact spot TBD |
More Than Just a Nice Gesture
This isn’t the first time the Fort Wayne Zoo has honored the military. But each year, staff say the event takes on new meaning.
“We get letters afterward. Emails. Veterans stop us and say thank you,” said Schuiteman. “It sticks with us. That’s why we keep doing it.”
The emotional weight of the day isn’t lost on visitors either. Especially the children of military families, who get to see their parents recognized, celebrated—not just as service members, but as people.
And for some of the younger attendees, it’ll be their first time seeing a tiger, a kangaroo, or a red panda. That’s a memory they’ll carry for a long time.
