We have visited many Wisconsin Zoos, but this is the biggest and best it has been our pleasure to explore. (It's also the most expensive, but we thought it was worth it.) Our 3 year old and 5 year old were exhausted after 5 hours (they even rode in the stroller most of the time) so we didn't even get to see the entire zoo. We loved the Zoofari Ride and the sky chairs.
If you like Penny Smashers, Mold-a-rama machines, and coin operated binoculars, then you will like the Milwaukee Zoo - there are lots of these devices. The penny smashers and mold-a-rama machines are even shown on the zoo map!
From the Milwaukee County Zoo web site (
visit link) :
"The Milwaukee County Zoo is a serene home to more than 1,800 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles with more than 350 species represented. However, the Zoo has become more than that to visitors. It is a site for workshops, holiday celebrations, summer concerts and food festivals.
Recognized as one of the country’s finest zoological attractions, the Milwaukee County Zoo serves as a resource to educate, entertain and inspire.
The wildness began in 1892 when the Milwaukee County Zoo was a simple miniature mammal and bird display in Milwaukee's downtown Washington Park. By 1902, the Zoo expanded to 23 acres and had acquired a roaring 800 animals. Thirty-two years later, the Zoo became an entity of the Milwaukee County Park Commission. The arrangement gave the Zoo the resources it needed to grow and prosper. The chance to grow surfaced in 1958 when the Zoo moved to its present location on 200 acres of beautiful parkland where currently over 350 species of animals are on exhibit.
The first decade at the Zoo's new location saw several developments: the Primate Building, Monkey Island and Winter Quarters construction. In the early 1960s, Grizzly, Polar and Brown Bear dens were completed, as were the Feline, Pachyderm, Giraffe, Bird, Small Mammals, Aquarium/Reptile, and Australian Buildings. In the 1970s, the Zoo continued to grow: the Children's Zoo, Train Shed, and Zoo Hospital were constructed. The Dall Sheep Exhibit, the Gift Shop and Zoo Pride also were established during this decade of expansion.
Today, the Milwaukee County Zoo is among the top zoos in the nation. It is an accredited institution of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). In recent years, the Zoo has become increasingly involved in the propagation and conservation of endangered species. The Zoo is currently engaged in several significant breeding programs, including Humboldt penguins and Trumpeter swans. Our Zoo also is home to a troop of 21 bonobos, a highly endangered species of great ape. Each new birth of a bonobo marks a definite sign of the Zoo’s commitment to conservational programs such as the Species Survival Plan (SSP) in which the Zoo participates.
The Zoo is under the direction of Charles Wikenhauser. A 125-member staff provides the necessary support to maintain a high quality park, while continually developing innovative ways to help the Zoo reach and maintain its attendance and revenue goals.
HOURS
Please Note: Admission/Entrance Gates Close 45 Minutes Prior to the Official Zoo Closing Time.
* January 1 - April 30, 2008
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
* May 1 - September 30, 2008
Mondays-Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays and holidays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
* October 1, 2008 - April 30, 2009
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Note: Animal buildings close 15 minutes prior to Zoo closing time.
Admission:
* January - March 31, 2008
Adult: $9.75
Junior (3 to 12): $6.75
Child (2 and under): FREE
Senior Citizens (60 and over): $8.25
* April 1 - October 31, 2008
Adult: $11.25
Junior (3 to 12): $8.25
Child (2 and under): FREE
Senior Citizens (60 and over): $10.25
* November 1 - December 31, 2008
Adult: $9.75
Junior (3 to 12): $6.75
Child (2 and under): FREE
Senior Citizens (60 and over): $8.25
Milwaukee County residents with I.D. receive $1.75 off regular Zoo admission everyday. Every Wednesday, Milwaukee County residents with I.D. are admitted at a reduced rate of $6.00 for adults and $3.50 for children. Group rates available.