2024
Every year, the Milwaukee County Zoo and Zoological Society of Milwaukee bring the community together by hosting a wide range of fun events, attractions and educational opportunities for people of all ages.
A YEAR IN REVIEW EVENTS 1
The support of our sponsors makes it all possible. Enjoy this look back on some of the moments that made 2024 such a special year, and the sponsors who made them possible with their support of $2,500 or more. We are grateful for their partnership.
1 Family Free Days
OCT. 2023-MARCH 2024
Sponsored by Tri City National Bank and FOX6
Free admission for all! Family Free Days occurred the first Saturday in the months of October 2023 - March 2024, 48,608 folks enjoyed the Zoo free of admission fees.
2 Samson Stomp & Romp
JAN. 14
Presented by Prairie Farms Dairy
Despite Wisconsin’s frigid temperatures and a snowstorm, 936 determined runners braved the elements to cross the finish line in this year’s Zoo 5K race.
3 Puttin’ on the Ritz
JAN. 25
Presented by SU Group and Carnevor
The 27th annual Puttin’ on the Ritz was a resounding success, raising $175,589 for the Zoological Society. The event treated 312 guests to a night of socializing, delicious food and thrilling entertainment, all set against the glamorous backdrop of the Potawatomi Casino Hotel.
4 5
Egg Day
MARCH 30
Sponsored by Racine Danish Kringles
Much egg-citement was had on Egg Day! From personal bunny ears to scavenger hunts, to the bunny train and bunny parade, 5,755 guests enjoyed this spring-themed event.
Mother’s Day
MAY 12
Sponsored by Peoples State Bank
Moms (and grandmas!) are real-life superheroes, tackling a zillion tasks all at once while keeping us safe and sound. On Mother’s Day, the Zoo gave these amazing ladies free admission and 10,116 moms and guests joined the fun!
6 Celebrate Diversity
3 2 6 7 8 9
MAY 18
Sponsored by Meijer
Nature offers us invaluable lessons, especially when it comes to the importance of diversity. At Celebrate Diversity 7,967 guests had the chance to explore the sustainability market, animal artifacts and even take home their own tree saplings. Photo by Michael Grennell
7 Dinosaur Discovery
MAY 18-OCT. 5
Sponsored by Sendik’s Food Market
Carnivore and conservation went hand in hand at this year’s special exhibit. A total of 154,310 guests got an up-close look and walked around fascinating dinosaurs, appreciating the roles of predators in the ecosystem. Roar & Explore Days were offered on select dates to bring hands-on STEM and sensory activities for guests.
8 Nights in June
JUNE 4-6
Sponsored by Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.®
You know summer has truly started when members take over the Zoo for Nights in June! Over the three nights, 10,421 members enjoyed the summer exhibit free of charge, plus local bites and music, all while supporting our Sponsor an Animal program.
9 Senior Safari
JUNE 11, 18 AND 25
Sponsored by St. Camillus Life Plan Community
Senior Safari offered free admission to the Zoo for 1,277 guests ages 60 and older. Each day of the selected Tuesdays featured activities and experiences for the guests from chair yoga to animal talks.
On the cover: Rhinoceros hornbill, Victor Photo by: Carolyn Lewis
0
Father’s Day
JUNE 16
Presented by Prairie Farms Dairy
Fathers and grandfathers received free admission to honor their love and strength in and out of the animal kingdom! A total of 4,604 guests and dads visited the Zoo on Father’s Day to celebrate fatherhood. Photo by Michael Grennell
- Zoo Ball
JUNE 22
Sponsored by Rockwell Automation and Brewers Community Foundation
Despite stormy summer weather, support for the Zoological Society’s biggest fundraiser of the year was unstoppable. The event broke records, raising over $730,000, while 526 enthusiastic guests danced into the night. This Elegant Expedition was not only memorable but a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the Society’s mission.
= Kids Nights
JULY 9-11
Sponsored by WaterStone Bank
Zoo Pass members really love the Zoo, and we love them back! That’s why they get exclusive, members-only evenings packed with fun. Over three nights, 13,402 members enjoyed food, live music and the magic of the Zoo after hours.
q
Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament
JULY 22
Presented by GRAEF
A full day of long drives and fantastic putting marked the Zoological Society’s 35th annual Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament. This year’s event was truly unforgettable, raising $140,812 and drawing 144 passionate golfers.
w Snooze at the Zoo
AUG. 8-10
Sponsored by Educators Credit Union
Snooze at the Zoo was a great success, offering overnight fun at the Zoo! A total of 1,174 campers enjoyed s’mores, campfires, late-night movies and camping alongside the animals. This three-night event has become a cherished tradition, passed down through generations in many families.
e A La Carte at the Zoo
AUG. 15-18
Presented by Meijer
A La Carte at the Zoo was an absolute blast, with 44,717 guests savoring bites from Milwaukee’s hottest restaurants across the park. This one-of-a-kind summer festival came alive with tunes from live music at multiple stages, and, of course, the animals!
r Ride on the Wild Side
SEPT. 8
Sponsored by Lifeway Foods
It’s the one time a year you can ride your bike at the Zoo, and over 550 bikers geared up for a morning cruise.Ride on the Wild Side raised $31,859 all pedaling on two, three and sometimes four wheels!
t Boo at the Zoo
OCT. 17-20
Presented by Prairie Farms Dairy
Trick-or-treating in your neighborhood is spook-tacular, but trick-ortreating at Boo at the Zoo is a night to remember! This Halloween event at the Zoo features decorations, hand-carved pumpkins and Creatures of the Night talks. Thousands of guests enjoyed these eerie-sistible nights!
y Fantastic Forest
DEC. 1-31
Sponsored by Hawks Landscape
Holiday cheer was brought to the Zoo by local youth groups, who crafted animal-themed ornaments to decorate nearly 70 trees donated by Hawks Landscape. This served as a great starting point for the Zoo’s holiday light display throughout the park.
u Wild Lights
NOV. 30, DEC. 4, 6-7, 11, 13-14, 18-23, 26-31
Presented by We Energies Foundation
Cheers! 21+ event sponsored by North Shore Bank
Every day is a great day to visit the Zoo, but during Frosty Free Week, the Zoo offers free daytime admission. It’s all part of the season of giving and cheer! Photo by Joel Miller 0= w q e r t y u i
The brightest nights of the year! Wild Lights 2023 featured a one-mile walk through themed zones designed to delight visitors of all ages. Over the course of this multi-night, month-long event, the path was illuminated for 42,046 guests. Special nights for adults 21 and over brought in 2,332 guests who enjoyed specialty cocktails and entertainment during Cheers. Wild Lights will shine again in 2024!
i Frosty Free Week
DEC. 26-30
Sponsored by Generac
Photo by Garrett Hopkins
EDUCATION
o Kohl’s Wild Theater
In partnership with Kohl’s Cares
The Zoological Society’s Conservation Theater Program, the biggest of its kind in the nation, was wilder than ever! This summer, it turned up the fun at the Milwaukee County Zoo with vibrant, familyfriendly shows that thrilled more than 32,240 people. Performances opened with a brand-new theme song, written and produced by a talented local Milwaukee artist. Across southeastern Wisconsin, 6,730 people at schools and community centers joined the fun, learning how they can make a real difference in conservation.
p
Zoo Camps and Classes
Sponsored by Penzeys
Summer at the Zoo was unforgettable with our exciting Zoo Camps! Whether a child dreamed of becoming a zookeeper or wanted a behind-thescenes look at zoo operations, we had programs for ages 0-15 and classes for the whole family. Summer Zoo Camps run from May to August – don’t miss our fall and spring classes, all led by passionate educators from the Zoological Society.
ATTRACTIONS/ VISITOR SERVICES
[ Zoo Terrace
Sponsored by Generac
] Carousel
Sponsored by Penzeys
\ Safari Train
Sponsored by North Shore Bank
a Stroller & Wagon Rentals
Sponsored by Wilderness Resort
s Flamingo Patio
Sponsored by Horicon Bank
d Zoo Expeditions
Sponsored by Meijer
p
Photo by Joel Miller
We “heart” ice enrichment, and so do Zoo animals! Holidays like Valentine’s Day give zookeepers the opportunity to get creative with frozen foods.
March 20 2 5 Nelson the Fjord horse arrived in July 2023 and is an iconic addition to the farm area of the Zoo. You might notice a dramatic black stripe running right down the middle of his mane—it’s a signature look that starts at his forelock (top of his head) and goes all the way to his tail. Photo by Garrett Hopkins.
If you don’t spot an animal in its habitat, you might be greeted by a friendly zookeeper instead! Give them a wave and thank them—they work hard every day to care for your favorite animals and educate guests. Photos by Joel Miller
Snow leopards blend perfectly into snowy landscapes with their grey-white fur, dark spots and rosettes. Choto, the Zoo’s male snow leopard, arrived in July 2023. He loves relaxing in his heated box in his outdoor habitat — try to spot him on your next visit!
Tiny wonders await you at the Small Mammals
Building! Enjoy Zoo favorites like sloths and lemurs on the day side and observe nocturnal animals like bushbabies and bats on the night side. Discover how the illegal pet trade affects these small species and what you can do to help.
by Joel Miller.
Photo by Michael Grennell
Photos
Amur tiger
Photo by Carolyn Lewis