The Historic Animal House of Columbian Park Zoo was built in 1928 and has housed a variety of animals from small birds up to an elephant. Today, although the interior is no longer open to the public, it provides important housing for off-exhibit animals and breeding programs, as well as inside living quarters for primates.
Patrons can see several species alongside the exterior Animal House, including spider monkeys, gibbons, and porcupines. Future plans for the Historic Animal House include a renovation into a discovery center and a nocturnal exhibition wing.