Polly H. Hix Institute for Research and Conservation

The Polly H. Hix Institute for Research and Conservation supports the Zoo's current and future conservation programs.  The institute is funded by an endowment given to the Indianapolis Zoo by Polly H. Hix and is directed by Zoo Vice President of Conservation and Life Sciences, Rob Shumaker.  Hix Institute staff are involved in multiple programs and activities that support the Indianapolis Zoo's conservation mission.  Photo by Kerrie Best

Educational Programming & More

●  The Zoo's educational programming falls under the auspices of the Hix Institute. Programs include field trips, distance learning, Zoo camps, and overnight adventures, among others. Thousands of children each year benefit from the outstanding programs presented by the educators from the Hix Institute.

●  Hix Institute staff also manage the Zoo's participation in multiple global initiatives with the top scientists working in the field to save endangered animal species.

●  The Hix Institute staff also handle mycarbonpledge.com, an internet initiative that promotes individual actions to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.   Photo by Gabi Moore

Conservation Station

2011 was the third successful year for Conservation Station, a hands-on, interactive exhibit that uses fun guided play activities to help kids understand what they can do to help secure a future for animals in the
wild. The latest addition to this experience is Polar Bear Plunge. This larger than life game inspired by “Don’t Break the Ice” offers kids quick and easy tips on what they can do to protect polar bears. In the 2011 season, Hix staff took the exhibit to eight off-site events, including Earth Day Indiana, the Indy 500 Kids Day festival and Jameson Camp, a program for economically disadvantaged children. Conservation Station also appeared at several events on Zoo grounds.  Photo by Gabi Moore

Exhibit Interpretation

Providing first person interpretation at exhibits is a primary focus of the Hix Institute. Enlightening guests through revealing the compelling stories of wildlife and wild places represented by the animals in the collection is directly linked to the Zoo’s mission. During the peak visitation season in 2011, staff from the Hix Institute and Living Collections gave formal and informal presentations several times a day involving elephants, dolphins, tigers, cheetahs, kangal dogs, sea lions, walrus, baboons, and brown bears.  In addition, Hix staff facilitated the dog shark touch experience in the Oceans building throughout the year.  Volunteer Naturalists also help engage guests by utilizing a variety of animal artifacts to raise awareness concerning the natural history and biology of our animals, their conservation needs and the Zoo’s efforts to support those challenges. In 2011, 105 naturalists gave more than 6400 hours.  Hix staff also prepare the extensive interpretative signs for Zoo exhibits that tell our visitors about the animals and plants in our living collection.  Photo by Jason Wright

The Indianapolis Prize

The Hix Institute is a vital part of the Indianapolis Prize, a conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoo.  They are involved in three outreach components of the program:  Dial-a-Hero recorded messages from the six Prize finalists; Meet-a-Hero special event at the Zoo where Zoo visitors can meet and greet the finalists for the Prize in person; and, the Prize Lecture Series, which takes place during the week following the Indianapolis Prize Gala presented by Cummins, Inc.  The prize winner makes appearances at colleges, high schools, clubs, organizations, and online through a special webcast produced by Ball State University.

Special Zoo Experiences

Hix staff also manage the Special Zoo Experiences, which give guests opportunities to discover the Zoo beyond the usual Zoo visit. Each Experience is unique and brings participants closer to the beauty and wonder of the natural world.  Among the exciting opportunities are the very popular Dolphin In-Water Adventure, a variety of behind-the-scenes Adventure Tours, and Art Adventures with sea lions, penguins, and more.