*Submissions for the 2026 calendar are now closed*
Calling all photography enthusiasts! We’re excited to announce our photo contest is returning for our 2026 calendar and we want YOU to be a part of it! Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a passionate hobbyist, this is your chance to showcase your skills and have your work featured in our 2026 Potter Park Zoo calendar.
Contest Details:
- Submission Period: Now through Sept. 21, 2025
- Winner Announcement: Oct. 1, 2025
How to Enter:
To participate, simply submit your photos to Krystle Holleman at kholleman@ingham.org. Make sure to include “Photo Contest” in the subject line. Along with your submission, please provide:
- The category you’re entering
- Your contact information
- A signed release form, which can be downloaded here.
Rules:
- Eligibility: Open to everyone! Participants under 18 will need to have a parent or guardian sign the photo release.
- Photo Requirements: Photos must be taken in 2024-2025 at Potter Park Zoo, in landscape orientation, and submitted as high-resolution JPG files.
- Winning Limit: Each photographer can win in up to two categories.
- Judging: Photos will be evaluated and voted on by the Potter Park Zoo team.
Categories:
Below are a few category ideas to get you started, but feel free to submit photos for other categories as well:
- Birds
- Cats
- Red Panda
- Otters
- Rhino
- Okapi
- Reptiles
- Mammals
- Farmyard
- Guests
- Black and White
- Seasonal: Winter, Summer, Fall, Spring
Prizes:
Winners will enjoy:
- Recognition: Your winning photos will be showcased on our social media channels.
- Featured Spot: Your photo(s) will be included in the 2026 Potter Park Zoo calendar.
- Special Bonus: The photographer of the cover photo will receive a complimentary zoo membership!
Ready to Capture the Magic?
Grab your cameras and visit Potter Park Zoo to snap some stunning shots. Whether it’s the majestic lion, the playful otters, or the stoic snow leopard, we can’t wait to see the zoo through your lens.
Submit your entries by Sept. 21, and stay tuned for the announcement of our winners in October. Happy shooting, and good luck to all our participants!
Pazi the Pallas’s Cat graces the cover of the 2025 Potter Park Zoo calendar.
