Zoopolis 500

This unique annual event and race-fan favorite includes a morning of family-friendly festivities leading up to the “Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing.”

As you come in, meet 500 Festival Princesses and snap photos with a 500 Festival pace car and the giant milk jug, then head to the Bicentennial Pavilion for the pre-race festivities. Plus, the American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc. will be handing out free TruMoo chocolate milk (while supplies last). Make sure to arrive early to meet a snake at the Snake Pit.

Race fans can enjoy Zoopolis 500 analysis starting at 11:15am with our race emcee alongside the Zoo’s tortoise experts. At 11:30am, the “racing” radiated tortoises and their animal care team will take center stage for a parade lap, joined by the 500 Festival Princesses and American Dairy Association mascot, Buttercup.

When the green flag drops at 11:30am, cheer on the tortoises as they race up, down and around the straight track! But these natives of Madagascar don’t race for a trophy. Instead, they’re after the delicious fruits, provided by Kroger, waiting at the finish line.

After the race, a “pit crew” member will join American Dairy Association Indiana in the Winner’s Circle to drink a glass of milk on behalf of the winning tortoise. After the race, come up for a closer look at our tortoises and their beautifully marked shells, which have star-patterned stripes radiating from the center (hence their name). Our Deserts team will also be there to answer any tortoise-related questions and tell you all about the Zoo’s efforts to help these endangered animals.

Zoopolis 500 is one of the Zoo’s oldest and most popular events! Come out and see what makes the Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing such a beloved Zoo event.