January-April 2025 Wild Things by Zoological Society of Milwaukee

GALA AND GLOVES

Puttin’ on the Ritz

At Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Presented by Bridgewood Advisors

From opening cocktails to the final bell, Puttin’ on the Ritz is sure to be a knockout! This formal fundraising event to support the Zoological Society of Milwaukee combines exquisite dining with elite athletes from the Wisconsin Local Boxing Committee for a night you won’t forget. Held at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, the event will open with social cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as guests browse through a silent auction. Then, the main event will feature a gourmet, five-course dinner and local amateur boxers competing in three-round bouts. Don’t throw in the towel too early though — make sure to stay for the after-party in the casino!

Special thanks to … Boxing ring sponsors, SU Group and Carnevor Beverage sponsor, Molson Coors

MEMBERANDA

We value your relationship with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM). ZSM does not sell member/donor information to third parties but may share limited information with the Milwaukee County Zoo to confirm membership status.

Zoological Society office hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Zoo hours: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Beginning March 1, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.

Note: The Zoo’s admission gates close 45 minutes prior to the posted Zoo closing time. The animal buildings close 15 minutes before posted Zoo closing hours. The Zoo’s walk-in gate closes one hour prior to the posted Zoo closing time.

2024 Tax-deductible portions for the Zoo Pass categories are:

Individual (Basic: $95, Plus: $111)

Individual +1 or Couple (Basic: $110, Plus: $125)

Individual +2, Family and Single Adult Family (Basic: $120, Plus: $140)

Family +1 (Basic: $135, Plus: $149)

Family +2 (Basic: $146, Plus: $158)

Family +3 (Basic: $162, Plus: $176)

Affiliate (Basic: $194, Plus: $197)

Benefactor (Basic: $258, Plus: $260)

A gift Zoo Pass is fully tax deductible for the donor.

Problems renewing or transacting online: If you experience any difficulties transacting a Zoo Pass renewal or animal sponsorship online, please contact us at 414-258-2333 so we can assist with your transaction. Our staff is available seven days a week.

Reciprocal zoos and aquariums: We update our list of zoos and aquariums that offer reduced or free admission to our members with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums in spring each year. We only reciprocate with AZA-accredited facilities and reserve the right to not reciprocate with zoos and aquariums located within close proximity of the Milwaukee County Zoo. Please be sure to contact the zoo you will be visiting before your travels to ensure you have what you need for the discount.

Moving? Please call us when you change your address or name. The call helps us save money because when the post office returns your mail with a forwarding address, we end up paying twice for mailing – to the old and new addresses. If you’ve changed your address on your identification, replacement cards may be purchased with the new information for $5.

WILD THINGS

Issue No. 171, Jan.-Apr. 2025

COOL RUNNINGS AT THE ZOO

Samson Stomp & Romp

Presented by Prairie Farms Dairy

There’s no better way to warm up from the cold weather than with a run through the Zoo! Runners of all ages are invited to grab their jackets and lace up their best running shoes for the annual Samson Stomp & Romp on Jan. 19. Three distance routes — 5K, 2-mile and 1-mile — are available for runners to choose from as they journey past some of their favorite animals. Registration includes a commemorative T-shirt and a day at the Zoo.

Cost: 5K and 2-mile race - $35 per runner

Teams - $30 per runner

Kids’ 1-mile - $20 per runner

This popular race honors one of the most famous and beloved animals to ever call the Milwaukee County Zoo its home: Samson the silverback gorilla (19501981). Money raised from the event supports all of the animals that reside here at the Zoo.

To register, visit milwaukeezoo.org.

milwaukeezoo.org

Photo by Garrett Hopkins

ANOTHER WAY TO SUPPORT THE SOCIETY’S FUTURE

Family Free Days

9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR OLD CAR

Looking to clear up space in your driveway? Consider donating your old vehicle today to help benefit the Zoological Society of Milwaukee! Whether it’s a car, a truck, a boat, a motorcycle or something else, you can donate your old vehicle — regardless of whether it currently runs or not — and our vehicle donation program provider, Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS), will convert your donated vehicle into a cash donation that will directly benefit the Society. The program is free to participate in, and CARS will arrange to pick up the donated vehicle. Your donation is also tax deductible!

To learn more about donating, call 855-500-7433 or visit online at zoosociety.org/DonateYourCar.

As a nonprofit organization, the Zoological Society of Milwaukee looks for support not just for today, but for tomorrow as well. The most popular ways in which people support the Society are through Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle memberships, Animal Sponsorships and donations to the Annual Appeal. But another option for supporting the Society that you might not know of is the opportunity to name the Zoological Society as a beneficiary in your estate plans.

Dick and Diane Tyk are entering their 26th year as Zoo Pride volunteers, and they are also members of the Simba Circle — the group honored for including the Society in their will or estate plans. The Tyks have loved their time working with Zoo Pride, having joined the Society soon after getting married.

“It was something we were going to do just once in a while,” Diane Tyk said. “But that just lasted our first summer and then we were like, ‘OK, we’re hooked!’”

“Every day is unique. Today we had unique things going on in the aviary,” Dick Tyk said. “But I can’t think of a day where there hasn’t been something interesting or fun, whether it’s through the Zoo or the animals or the visitors.”

It’s these unique memories they have made over the years — like meeting a visitor from Bangladesh who was excited to see the Bactrian camels or witnessing Brittany the elephant handing back a piece of celery to a zookeeper during a training session — that makes it important to the Tyks to be a part of the Simba Circle.

“There are so many ways that we’re giving while we’re still here, and the Zoo and the Society do such a wonderful job on conservation, education, everything that they do,” Diane said. “We feel that this is a great way for us to give our part after we’re gone, for them to be able to continue.”

“The Society and Simba Circle have made us feel like it’s one big family here, and this is our donation to the family,” Dick added.

Visit zoosociety.org/Simba for more information and answers on how to start.

LEARN ABOUT LOVE IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Hearts & Tails

6:00-9:00 p.m. (check-in begins at 5:45 p.m.)

Love is always in the air at the Zoo. There are many pairs of loving partners across the different animal species here, like the Humboldt penguins Houdini and Anke, De Brazza’s monkey parents Holly and Hugo and Bactrian camels Stan and Addi-Jean. With love all around the Zoo, why not show your special someone — or your Gal-entines or Pal-entines — that you care about them with a fun, lovethemed night at the Zoo?

Hearts & Tails, the Society’s new Valentine’s event, is a night you won’t want to miss out on! Enjoy an Italian buffet dinner, and then listen to an entertaining presentation on dating and mating in the animal kingdom from one of the zookeepers. Afterwards, show your devotion to the animals by writing a love note that will be added on to an enrichment box that will be given to the animals. And don’t forget to check out an animal talk in the Stearns Family Apes of Africa & Primates of the World building!

This event is for guests ages 21 and older. Make sure to RSVP online at zoosociety.org/heartsandtails by Jan. 30 to secure your spot at this romantic night at the Zoo!

MAKING HEARTS ROAR

When you come to the Zoo with someone special to you, that’s “Amur-e”. This Valentine’s Day, you can show your love for that special someone with an animal sponsorship of the Zoo’s Amur tiger, Natasha.

Natasha is the most recent addition to the Zoo’s Amur tiger family, joining Tula and Kashtan in November 2023 from the Columbus Zoo. Natasha came to Milwaukee as part of a breeding recommendation with Kashtan from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). Amur tigers are listed as endangered by the IUCN, and it’s estimated there are less than 500 of them living in their natural range.

The $50 package includes:

• An adorable plush-toy tiger

• A chocolate heart

• A colorful fact sheet on Amur tigers

• An invitation to an event for animal sponsors in August

• Sponsor recognition for a year (digital donor kiosk)

• A special Valentine message from Natasha and her animal care team.

• and more!

Upgrade to the $100 package and also receive a photo of Natasha and two Zoo attraction coupons.

Natasha, Tula and Kashtan rotate throughout the day between their habitats. You can tell Natasha apart from the others by the black speckles on her nose and the lack of stripes on her front legs!

LITTLE CAT IN A BIG BUILDING

Based on its name, you would expect to see plenty of big cats in the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country building. From the Amur tigers — weighing from 265 pounds up to almost 400 pounds — to the lions — weighing almost 300 pounds each — to Frankie the jaguar — checking in at 141 pounds — there are definitely some big cats in the building. But not all of the residents of Big Cat Country are that big.

Meet Amos — the Zoo’s 16-year-old serval. Weighing in at just shy of 30 pounds, Amos is easily the smallest cat in the building, but what he lacks in size he makes up for with some very unique characteristics. One of those characteristics is his large, distinctive ears. According to Sheri Robb-Guay, big cats area supervisor, a serval’s ears are so large compared to its body, that if humans had similarly proportioned ears our ears would be the size of dinner plates! Their large ears help them hear high-pitched sounds — like those made by rodents hiding in tall grass — in order to be better hunters.

Their ears are not the only thing that sets them apart from other cats. In proportion to their bodies, servals have the longest legs in the entire cat family. This enables them to look over the tall grass in the savannas of central and southern Africa, while also making them amazing jumpers! Servals can leap forward twice their body length and jump up to 3 feet high, making it easier to pounce on their prey like rodents and small birds. Robb-Guay says that in order to help engage Amos in his natural pouncing abilities, there is a zip line in his habitat from which zookeepers will hang feeder puzzles for him to snatch out of the air.

“With him, we like to make sure that all of his feedings are a little more complicated,” Robb-Guay said. “So usually, we try to put all of his food either into a slow feeder or some kind of enrichment device, or he gets different bags and boxes that he’ll have to rip and tear to get to his food.”

Robb-Guay adds that Amos also enjoys getting whipped cream occasionally as an an enrichment food: “His eyes get really big and he really enjoys it.”

So when you next visit the Zoo, make sure to stop by the big cats building and say, “Hey!” to this small but unique cat.

While they may look similar to cheetahs, servals are very different! Here are some ways to tell them apart:

• Servals are smaller than cheetahs. The Zoo’s two cheetahs, Minnie and Mila, weigh close to 100 pounds each, while Amos weighs close to 30 pounds.

• Cheetahs have only spots on their fur, while servals have both spots and stripes.

• Servals have longer, pointed ears, while cheetahs have smaller, rounded ears.

AN UPGRADED HOME FOR HUMBOLDT PENGUINS

The Humboldt penguins are back! After hanging out behind the scenes last year while construction was being completed, the Humboldt penguins were seen by the public enjoying their renovated home after the habitat was opened to viewing in December.

Much like when you move into a new home, it takes a little time for the penguins to adjust. Caty Coutant, Aviary area supervisor, said that before the habitat’s grand reopening, the penguins spent some time out of public view in the habitat to discover and navigate their new surroundings. During this transition period, Coutant said the animal care team closely monitored the penguins’ food intake, and also kept an eye out for any individual behavioral changes that could indicate stress.

The habitat features some significant upgrades that will benefit not only the Humboldt penguins, but the Zoo’s guests as well! Guests can get a closer and better look at the penguins, as part of the handrail near the front of the habitat has been removed and new, larger viewing windows have been installed in its place. And the penguins are making the most of their expanded pool, which increased

Scan the QR code to see photos of

from 10,000 gallons to 30,000 gallons of water. well. The water filtration system was completely replaced and updated for increased water circulation and purification — referred to as a Life Support System.

“I think we are all excited about the larger and more interesting pool,” Coutant said.

“We are happy that the birds will have a shade structure to help keep them cool on hot, sunny days as well as a water chiller to keep the water nice and cool in the hotter months.”

If you’re looking for another reason to visit the Zoo, make sure to come out and welcome back these beloved birds!

MAR 22

WADDLE ALONG AND LEARN ABOUT PENGUINS

Kids Conservation Club Workshop: Humboldt Penguins

Sessions at 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. When you think of penguins, you might think of them as all living in the cold and snowy land of Antarctica. However, not all penguins live in cold weather climates like that! In this spring’s Kids Conservation Club workshop, members will get the chance to learn more about one of the warmer-weather penguin species — the Humboldt penguins. Take part in some fun penguin-themed crafts and listen to a talk about this “cool” bird before heading over to wave at the Zoo’s Humboldt penguins in their updated habitat!

Kids Conservation Club members must RSVP with Becky Luft for the event by March 12, either by email at beckyl@zoosociety.org, or by phone at 414-479-2941.

the Humboldt penguins enjoying their habitat!

COLDER THE THE BETTER!

The weather might be cold outside, but that doesn’t slow down some of the Zoo’s animals. Many of the species here tend to be found in very cold weather climates in their native ranges and are quite happy out in the cold and snow! So, when you come out to the Zoo this winter, check out some of these animals that think it’s cool when it’s cold.

Japanese Macaques: These primates are unique as they are one of the few species that live away from the tropics! Also sometimes known as snow monkeys, in their natural range of the mountain slopes of Japan on the islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, the temperatures during the winter can get as cold as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. They will stay warm during the winters by basking in the sun and soaking in the natural hot springs in their habitat. Even

after soaking in the springs, they won’t get cold once they get out of the water as their hair is twolayered — meaning that even if the top layer gets wet, the inner layer is protected and stays dry to help them stay warm.

Caribou: There are few animals that make you think of the winter holidays more than the reindeer. Did you know that caribou and reindeer are the same species? The difference is reindeer live in the Arctic Circle, while caribou live in North America. While they don’t live in the Arctic, it still gets very cold during the winters for caribou, as temperatures can drop down well below freezing. They stay warm thanks to their dual-layer coat — featuring a wooly underlayer and stiff guard hairs on the upper layer that are hollow and

toes to help them walk on the snow or rough ice.

Amur Tigers: These big cats are perfectly adapted for the cold, harsh winters of their native range in the forests of eastern Russia and northeastern China. With temperatures only reaching 10 degrees Fahrenheit at its warmest during the winter, these big cats prove that being bigger is better when trying to stay warm. They possess large layers of fat on their sides and belly that helps retain their body heat, along with a dense fur coat that is especially thick around their paws and necks.

Bactrian Camel: When you think of camels in their native range, you probably

You can sponsor the Zoo’s Amur tiger, Natasha, today! Read more about this limitedtime animal sponsorship offer on Page 7.

think of them as roaming the hot, sandy deserts. That is the case for the Bactrian camels, as their native range is in the desert steppes of Central Asia, Mongolia and western China, where temperatures can get as hot as 104 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. However, they also have to deal with cold, harsh winters as well, where the temperatures can drop down to around -20 degrees Fahrenheit! They stay warm during the winter months thanks to their dense coats of hair, and then when the temperatures warm up in the spring and summer, they shed their winter coats in large clumps, which gives them their signature “ragged” look and allows them to stay cool during the hot months!

SEE YA LATER, HIBERNATOR

It’s now well into wintertime, and while there are still plenty of animals that you can see when you visit the Zoo during the cold months, some of the Zoo’s residents are spending the season behind the scenes getting plenty of rest.

The Zoo’s grizzly bears, brown bear, North American badger and prairie dogs are all in the middle of their annual hibernation — a state of minimal activity where the animal’s metabolism slows down so they can survive through the winter months off the food they’ve eaten and gathered in the fall. According to Dawn Fleuchaus, North America area supervisor, the animal care team makes sure to help the animals prepare for hibernation by adjusting their diets during the late fall. The bears start receiving high-calorie herring in their diet for about six weeks starting in early September, while the North American badger also sees his diet slowly increased. While the bears and badger are eating more, the prairie dogs are saving their food in an underground chamber for the cold months ahead!

With their preparations all done, it’s time for the animals to settle in for the winter.

Fleuchaus said that the badger began his hibernation around the end of October, while the bears headed indoors around Thanksgiving. During the winter months, the animal care team will quietly enter the building once a week to look and listen to make sure all the animals are hibernating well, but they take great care to not disturb the animals.

After hibernating through the winter, the animals will begin to move around more and increase their activity during the spring. Fleuchaus says that while it varies from year to year, the animals tend to become more active and start showing more interest in the keepers around late March or early April. So it won’t be too much longer before you’ll be able to see your favorite bears, badger and prairie dogs once again!

We know you’re excited about our classes, and we want to make your child’s educational experience rewarding. Please read and familiarize yourself with important information and policies on the last page.

STROLLER SAFARI

Age infant–2 with one adult

$20 Zoo Pass members

$30 non-members

Stroll through the Zoo on these guided tours tailored for one-on-one learning time with you and your child! Programs feature songs, puppets, stories and more. All classes begin in the atrium of the Conservation Education building. Tours take place outside rain or shine.

NEIGH, OINK, CLUCK, MOO

Explore the sights and sounds of our fantastic Family Farm. Listen to some noisy cows, hear the grunting pigs, cluck along with the chickens and see if Nelson, the horse, will “neigh” for us. Get ready to practice animal sounds with your little one!

8:45 - 9:45 a.m.

June 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18

10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

June 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18

TIME TO PLAY

It’s playtime at the Zoo! Are the monkeys jumping or swinging? Which animal’s wild relatives use a leaf as an umbrella? Let’s go find out as we learn songs about jumping monkeys and rainy days. Stretch and wiggle with us as we move our bodies in the way that animals do!

8:45 - 9:45 a.m.

July 23, 24, 25, 26, 31

August 4, 7, 9, 11, 13

AGE 2

$30 Zoo Pass members

$40 non-members with one adult

COLOR ZOO

Red, yellow, green and blue — see the colors at the Zoo! From pink flamingos to green frogs, explore our vibrant classroom and play an animal color game as you learn about colors. Get your picture taken with your grownup for your very own Color Zoo book and meet a colorful Zoo animal.

8:45 - 9:45 a.m.

June 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 20, 21

10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

June 14, 19, 20, 21

AGE 3

$37 Zoo Pass members

$47 non-members with one adult

PENGUIN POWER

July 25, 26, 31

August 9, 13 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

LITTLE LOVE BUG

Buzz around a beehive and crawl through an anthill in our classroom garden. Learn about beautiful bugs as you make your own bug costume and use your wings to flutter from flower to flower. Then see some friendly bugs up close!

8:45 - 9:45 a.m.

August 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13

10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

August 1, 2, 8, 9

Dive into the world of penguins! Slide on your belly, balance an egg on your feet and “swim” after fish like a penguin. Waddle over to see the Zoo’s penguins and check out some cool penguin eggs and feathers.

8:45 - 10:15 a.m.

June 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18

GENTLE GIANT GIRAFFES

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

June 7, 13, 14, 17, 18

Even grownups feel small next to a giraffe. Uncover fun facts about the world’s tallest animals as you create a giraffe — complete with a long neck, dark tongue and lots of spots! Bend, stretch, reach and then gallop through the Zoo to see these long-legged creatures.

8:45 - 10:15 a.m.

July 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26

BEARS, OH MY!

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

July 18, 19, 20, 24, 26

Catch fish, sniff out a ‘snack’ and crawl into our cozy classroom den as you learn about bears. Touch real bear fur and make your own furry costume. Then visit the Zoo’s bears to round out a “beary” good time.

8:45 - 10:15 a.m.

July 30

August 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

August 2, 7, 8, 9

Photo by Garrett Hopkins

AGES 4 & 5

$45 Zoo Pass members

$55 non-members child only or with one adult

THE DINOS AND ME

Take a trip to the past and explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs! Dig for dino bones, practice your stegosaurus stomp and make your own prehistoric costume. Then, take a trek to visit the Zoo’s special dinosaur exhibit, where you’ll come face to face and see how you size up to some of these mysterious creatures.

Child Only

9:15 - 11:30 a.m.

June 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18

1:00 - 3:15 p.m.

June 12, 13, 16, 17, 18

FLAMINGOS

Did you know that eating shrimp gives these fabulous birds their pink color? Discover more fun flamingo facts like the unique way they use their beaks to eat. Build a nest and put on flamingo feet to stir up mud in search of shrimp. Flaunt your own feathered costume and fly over to the Zoo’s flamingo flock. This class will be a wing-flapping good time!

With an Adult

June 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30

July 1

9:15 - 11:30 a.m. 1:00 - 3:15 p.m.

June 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28

JUNIOR ZOOKEEPER

Do you want to be a zookeeper when you grow up? If so, this class is just for you! We’ll work hard as we practice the three main jobs of a zookeeper: feeding, cleaning and helping. Join us as we learn about these fun (and messy) zookeeper jobs.

Child Only

9:15 - 11:30 a.m.

June 11, 12, 13, 26, 27, 30

July 2

August 11, 12, 13

1:00 - 3:15 p.m.

June 11, 12, 13, 26, 27, 30

July 2

August 11, 12, 13

Child Only

9:15 - 11:30 a.m.

June 25, 30

July 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

1:00 - 3:15 p.m.

June 25, 30

July 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

With an Adult

9:15 - 11:30 a.m.

July 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

1:00 - 3:15 p.m.

July 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

JR. WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST

Create your own binoculars and nature journal to use as you journey around the Zoo like a wildlife biologist “in the field.” Which animals did you see on your adventure and what captured your interest the most? Trek back to the classroom to design a model of your favorite animal in the wild or in their zoo habitat.

With an Adult

July 19, 26

August 2, 9, 12

9:15 - 11:30 a.m. 1:00 - 3:15 p.m.

July 19, 26

August 2, 9, 12

AGE 4 & 5 WEEKLONG CAMP

$300 Zoo Pass members

$345 non-members child only

ZOO TRAVELERS

Let’s explore the natural world and the plants and animals that call it home. With the Zoo as our backyard, let’s follow our curiosities as we explore in a new way. We’ll build a sense of community as we become scientists together!

8:45 - 11:30 a.m.

July 7-11, 14-18, 21-25

July 28-August 1

August 4-8

July 7-11, 14-18, 21-25

July 28-August 1

August 4-8 12:30 - 3:15 p.m.

Photo by Carolyn Lewis

AGES 6 & 7 SINGLE DAY

$90 Zoo Pass members

$100 non-members child only

UNCOVERING DINOS

Travel back in time to when the dinosaurs roamed the Earth! Become a dinosaur expert as you explore the Zoo’s special dinosaur exhibit. We will learn about dinosaur adaptations, how fossils are formed and visit their living relatives. Toss on your paleontologist gear as you practice digging for and identifying fossils!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 13, 19, 20

July 2, 7, 8, 17, 18

August 4, 5, 12, 13

SPY KIDS!

Good evening, Agent “Z” Double “O”. There is a sinister plot afoot to mislead our Zoo visitors with incorrect animal facts. Put an end to the “Trickster’s” plan and learn for yourself how common animal misconceptions get started. This message will self-destruct…if left out in the rain.

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 12, 13, 23, 30

July 1, 2, 24, 25, 28, 30, 31

August 11, 12, 13

ANIMAL ART SAFARI

Get ready for a creative journey! Campers will go on an exciting art scavenger hunt while exploring the Zoo to discover spectacular animals. Along the way, they’ll learn how artists use their work to support conservation efforts. It’s the perfect mix of art, animals and adventure!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 16, 17, 18, 30

July 1, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16

August 6, 7, 8, 11

ZOO OF MAGICAL CREATURES

Come explore the enchanting ecosystems of magical creatures! Learn about fantastic beasts and things they have in common with the Zoo’s animals — but why they would not be good neighbors. You’re in for a spell-binding adventure!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 10, 11, 12, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30

July 1, 2, 21, 22, 23, 29

August 11, 12, 13

AGE 6 & 7 WEEKLONG CAMPS

$350 Zoo Pass members

$400 non-members child only

ZOOKEEPERS IN TRAINING

Get the inside scoop on how zookeepers care for the tiniest, largest, furriest, slimiest, most dangerous and cutest animals at the Zoo! Join us for an exciting weeklong adventure as we explore the world of zookeeping. Practice and develop your own skills by learning the art of animal training, creating animal enrichment and even going behind the scenes!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 16-20, 23-27

July 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-August 1

August 4-8

YOUNG CONSERVATIONISTS

Time for an expedition! We’re on a mission to save the planet! Explore what we can do to save wildlife and habitats around the globe, across the United States and even in our own neighborhoods! So pack your bags – you’re in for a wild ride!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 16-20, 23-27

July 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-August 1

August 4-8

NEW!

SING! WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Birds aren’t the only singers at the Zoo! You will enjoy an upbeat week exploring the Zoo, its sounds and its wildlife. Creatively express how we all can make a difference for wildlife through voice, song and rhythm!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 23-27

July 7-11

Photo by Garrett Hopkins

AGES 8 & 9 SINGLE DAY CAMPS

$100 non-members child only

$90 Zoo Pass members

WHAT’S UP, DOC?

Aspiring animal caretakers, grab your gloves and get ready to learn about one of the most important jobs at the Zoo! As a veterinarian in training, you’ll learn how to keep more than 2,000 animals happy and healthy! Practice conducting health reports and learn about important medical tools. Give this camp a shot and see if being an animal “doc” is in your future!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 12, 17, 23, 24

July 10, 23, 24

August 4, 5

ANIMAL ARCHITECTS

No tools needed here! Beavers saw with their teeth, polar bears dig with their claws and woodpeckers drill with their beaks. Learn about the tools and variety of materials animals use at their “construction sites,” visit the Zoo’s animal architects and test your skills as you build an animal structure of your own.

June 16 July 7, 8, 9, 11 August 1, 7, 8 9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

AGES 8 & 9 3-DAY CAMPS

$210 Zoo Pass members

$240 non-members child only

ANIMALS AFTER DARK

Picture yourself on the night shift in this 3-day camp! Dive into the mysterious world of nocturnal creatures and unlock their secrets. Explore the Zoo to witness exotic night-dwellers and rise to the challenge to create the ultimate nocturnal animal. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the darkness!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 18-20

June 30-July 2

July 28-30

August 11-13

AGES 8 & 9 WEEKLONG CAMPS

$400 non-members child only

$350 Zoo Pass members

STEAM MAYHEM

Explore how math, science and engineering concepts intersect with art and technology to help save the planet. Develop tools for scientific inquiry and challenge yourself through experiments that engage and spark wonder in young minds. Encourage your curiosity and embrace your future scientist!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 16-20

July 14-18

July 28- August 1

MAKERS FOR A MISSION

Grab your pencil, paintbrush and creativity as we go on a mission to save habitats all over the world! Learn about different Zoo animals and their cousins that live in the wild. In this camp you will use your artistic skills to create projects that inspire others to protect these magnificent creatures and their homes!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 23-27

July 21-25

LET’S GET WILD: KOHL’S WILD THEATER CAMP

Love being creative and telling stories? Join us for an exciting week, where you’ll dive into the world of theater! Join an ensemble of your peers and explore your acting potential and take inspiration from the animals and exhibits around you. Unleash your creativity and let your imagination soar!!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 16-20

July 28- August 1

Photo by Garrett Hopkins

AGES 10 - 12 SINGLE DAY CAMPS

$90 Zoo Pass members

$100 non-members child only

VET CAMP

An elephant with an earache? A tiger with tendonitis? A fish that needs a physical? Zoo veterinarians meet challenges like these every day in order to keep animals happy and healthy. Through hands-on activities, learn skills to help prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries and illnesses in animals.

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 13

July 7, 8, 9, 15, 16

August 6

AGES 10 - 12 3-DAY CAMPS

child only

NEW! NEW!

SECRET LANGUAGE OF ANIMALS

From elephants using infrasonic rumbles to contact each other from miles away to bees “dancing” to lead their sisters to food, animals “speak” to each other in secret ways we may not be aware of. Practice your communication skills using some of the stealthy ways animals “talk” to each other.

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 27

July 14, 21, 22, 25

AGES 10 - 12 2-DAY CAMPS

$140 Zoo Pass members

$160 non-members child only VERSUS

Lion vs. tiger; American badger vs. honey badger. If some of the fiercest animals were to challenge each other, who may be victorious? We’ll take a closer look at what adaptations it would take to be the victor in such a match. Be prepared… the answers may surprise you! Then create your “ultimate” animal capable of besting the rest of the animal kingdom.

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 25-26

July 17-18

July 31- August 1

$210 Zoo Pass members

$240 non-members

STRANGER FINS

When some fish go missing, an aquatic ecosystem discovers a mystery involving secret pollution, supernatural forces and one strange salamander. Dive into the world of roleplaying games! Learn about some of the Zoo’s aquatic animals, create a character for your quest and join the campaign to save your home!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 30 – July 2

July 7 - 9

August 11-13

AGES 10 - 12 WEEKLONG CAMPS

child only

$350 Zoo Pass members

$400 non-members

LET’S GET WILD-ER! KOHL’S WILD THEATER CAMP PART II

Level up your performance skills and connect with other young artists! Learn more about how storytelling creates empathy for animals and inspires audiences to take conservation action! By the end of the week, you will be ready to inspire change through theater just like Kohl’s Wild Theater! *no previous experience necessary!

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

July 14-18

August 4-8

AGES 13 - 15 2-DAY CAMP

child only

NEW!

ZOO CAREERS: FROM CARE TO

$150 Zoo Pass members

$170 non-members

CONSERVATION

Embark on a journey that allows you to experience the life of a zookeeper firsthand. Discover the conservation efforts undertaken by the animal care team both locally and globally. This immersive experience will deepen your appreciation for wildlife and highlight the vital role that zookeepers play in protecting the Earth.

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 26-27

July 21-22

AGES 13 - 15 3-DAY CAMP

child only

ZOO CAREERS: IF I RAN THE ZOO

$250 Zoo Pass members

$280 non-members

Conquer the ropes course, feed the Zoo’s gentle giants and be immersed in the world of virtual reality, as we explore the world of Zoo operations. Learn about conservation programs and collaborate to envision a brand-new experience for future Zoo guests. Join us as we explore, create and innovate together!

9:15 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

June 23-25

July 23-25

FAMILY CLASS

$20 Zoo Pass members

$30 non-members all ages

While we welcome family members of all ages, the content of these classes are intended for children ages 3-14. Minimum of two registrants required and must include one adult (18 years or older) and one child. Children under the age of 1 are free to attend and do not need to be registered.

PUMP UP THE JAMINALS!

What do frogs, monkeys and pufferfish have in common? They inflate! Discover why animals blow up like balloons and visit the Zoo to see these shapeshifters in action. Ready to pump up the jam with some wild moves?

9:15 - 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 - 3:15 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT (HSA) AGES 14-18

Unlock an exciting summer adventure! Are you 14-18 years old, passionate about science, animals and community involvement? Join us as a High School Assistant and support our amazing Zoo Camps. Dive into hands-on experiences, work alongside dedicated educators and captivate young minds during our Zoo Camps and classes. It’s a chance to grow, make like-minded friends and contribute to wildlife education.

Visit zoosociety.org/HSA for more details and to embark on this thrilling journey with us! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn, inspire and have a blast volunteering at the Zoo.

A.M. & P.M. Care

Need to drop your child off early or extend the camp day?

We have A.M. & P.M. Care for ages 6-15!

A.M. & P.M. Care participants are supervised in our camp classroom with free-choice activities such as coloring, puzzles, books and board games. Please note: A.M. & P.M. Care are only available for children who attend camps for ages 6-15.

• A.M. Care: 8 a.m. until the start of the camp day ($15 per session).

• P.M. Care: 3 p.m. until 5:15 p.m. ($20 per session). Late fees apply after 5:15 p.m.

• A.M. Care & P.M. Care will NOT be offered on August 13th.

• Space is limited.

Financial Aid

The Conservation Education department is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our guests, ensuring that everyone can access our Zoo education opportunities. Financial Aid is an opportunity for families and individuals to receive funds for Zoo Classes and Camps. Award is based on demonstration of financial need and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis within the application window.

Visit zoosociety.org/education/financial-aid for more information.

Get your Zoo Camp T-shirt for Summer 2025!

Zoo Camp T-shirts aren’t just for campers! It’s more fun when you match with family and friends. This year’s design was inspired by our three species of penguins: Humboldt, Rockhopper and Gentoo.. You can purchase T-shirts via our registration site until April 18, 2025

Youth sizes | $13

Adult sizes | $15

All T-shirt sales are final.

Join us for an optional open house on June 3 (1-5 p.m.) or June 7 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)! Pick up your pre-ordered shirts, explore our education building on a guided tour and conveniently complete any necessary medical paperwork. We hope to see you there!

Photo by Garrett Hopkins

Register Online for Priority at Zoosociety.org/summer

Member online registration begins January 15 at 9 a.m.

Non-member registration begins January 22 at 9 a.m.

PLEASE READ!

GENERAL CLASS POLICIES

• Participants must be the appropriate age for a given class and no unregistered children may attend (including siblings). Exceptions on age are only made for children with special needs (please call Education prior to registration).

• If your child is attending a child-only class, an adult (18 years or older) must check the child in and provide the following information: emergency phone number, allergies/medications and names of adults authorized for pickup.

• Only authorized adults with valid identification may pick up children.

• In addition, please do not meet or follow your child’s group into the Zoo, as this is a distraction to the educational experience.

ANTICIPATE ENTRANCE GATE LINES

The time required to enter the Zoo can vary depending on weather, road construction and events. Please plan to arrive early. You may check your confirmation email or call the Conservation Education Department in advance of your registered education program for the most up-to-date entry information. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

CANCELLATIONS & REIMBURSEMENT

You Cancel – If you’re unable to attend class, call at least 3 days before the class date and we will try to reschedule your child for another available date this season. We do not issue refunds; however, you can offer your child’s class to a friend of the same age.

We Cancel – The Conservation Education Department reserves the right to cancel classes. We will attempt to reschedule, accommodate your child in another class or process a reimbursement. For weather-related cancellations, refer to local news stations or call 414-258-5058.

Egg Day

Sponsored by Racine Danish Kringles Don’t worry, be “hop-py!” Another day of “egg-citement” is in store at the Zoo at this year’s Egg Day. Egg Day is a special event at the Zoo for the entire family, filled with scavenger hunts, candy and, of course, the Egg Day Bunny handing out treats as he travels around the Zoo! You’ll also get into the Egg Day mood with a pair of bunny ears at the entrance.

You won’t be the only ones enjoying the Egg Day festivities, as throughout the day you can watch some of your favorite animals enjoying egg-shaped enrichment treats filled with their favorite foods. Enrichment activities stimulate the animals’ thinking, encourage their natural instincts and showcase their abilities. Special thanks to our Zoo Pride volunteers for making many of those enrichment items!

Egg Day admission is free for Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members.

Not only is the Amur tiger’s fur striped, the skin under its fur is striped as well!

Sponsor Today, Page 7.

HAPPENING WHAT’S

A night of fine dining and exciting bouts from local boxing talent. Details on page 2.

Jan. 4

Family Free Day, sponsored by Tri City National Bank & FOX6*

Jan. 15

Zoo Pass member registration for Summer Zoo Camps and Classes, begins

Jan. 19

Samson Stomp & Romp, presented by Prairie Farms Dairy (pre-register)

Jan. 23

Puttin’ on the Ritz, presented by Bridgewood Advisors (pre-register)

Feb. 1

Family Free Day, sponsored by Tri City National Bank and FOX6*

Feb. 2

Groundhog Day*

Feb. 13

Hearts & Tails (Ages 21+) (pre-register)*

March 1

Family Free Day, sponsored by Tri City National Bank and FOX6*

March 22

Kids Conservation Club Humboldt penguin workshop (pre-register)

April 19

Egg Day, sponsored by Racine Danish Kringles*

*Zoo Pass members get free regular Zoo admission with their Zoo Pass. Those with Zoo Pass Plus also get free parking for one vehicle per membership per day. Platypus Circle members receive free admission and parking with their card.

Photo by Garrett Hopkins